My Copilot Is A Troll

**Warning, this post contains references to some not so nice parts of history that some may find unpleasant- I will warn you before we get to it!** Also - this is a long one, so get yourself a cuppa!! Unlike our previous locations, our time in Scotland, six days, was centered completely around one city, Edinburgh. After weeks of moving from city to city every 2-3 days, it was delightful to unpack, settle in and actually get to know a place. It was a very good decision. Edinburgh is especially easy to get around in. You can just tap your card when you get on the bus in the morning and get a day pass for 5 pounds. If you just get single trips, the system will cap it at 5 pounds, so you never pay more than the day rate. Prince's Street We were fortunate that our Inn was on a good bus route. We only ever had to take a single bus, no matter where we were going. I'm sorry, "Good Old #5" from Venice. The "44" might have replaced you in our hearts! If you are a tour...

In addition to 48 National Parks, Canada is home to a few World Heritage Sites. A few are conveniently in Southern Alberta; Dinosaur Provincial Park, Waterton, the Rocky Mountain Parks, Writing on Stone and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. As you may have noticed, many these have been stops on this autumn's journey. Growing up and living my whole life in Alberta, it would be easy to take for granted all these amazing places that we have in our back yard. On a global and political scale Canada is a young country. We lament not having an old architectural history like Europe. We forget how rich our prehistory and natural history is. One of my goals with my travels and this blog is to appreciate what we have close to home. For an armchair archeologist like myself, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a "must see" place. I have been here several times, but I have been discovering that in different stages of life, your experience is unique. Perspective, knowledge and point of view cha...

 September 25, 2022 Crockstock You may or may not know that Medicine Hat is famous, not only for natural gas production, but also pottery and glass blowing. Medalta Pottery and Altaglass are highly prized collectible antiques. I got to see glassblowers on school field trips, while Altaglass was still operational (and we toured the kitchen of Burger King, where we were generously given a single onion ring each!?! You can't make this stuff up!) I told you they take coffee seriously Just in case you couldn't see Leif and Saga A number of years ago, Medalta Potteries was restored and turned into a museum. They still had the original molds and are producing pottery for their gift shop. They also showcase local artists. Fun fact we learned today while going through the display of dinnerware. To get certain shades, like a deep, rich orange, the glaze contained uranium and the dinnerware is radioactive. The curator is hoping to get a Geiger counter someday! In ...

Day One, Part Two Small towns that aren't on the main road are hidden treasures. Today I explored one of these Prairie Gems. I have driven past the sign for the turn off innumerable times. It always caught my eye because there was a sign for a tea room on the highway. So, I turned. And this is was I found! Delia's Main Street. Nothing adds charm like a mural! Delia, Alberta is the most delightful little village. They are obviously very proud of their heritage. There are storyboards all over town with vintage photos and explanations about the history of the homesteaders and original businesses.      Wooden grain elevators are an endangered species. Such an important part of our prairie and homesteader heritage. Delia has much to be proud of. It was the first place in Canada to have a woman as the head of a municipality. Violet Barss was mayor in 1919! Gotta love a General Store with a tractor parked in front. In addition to groceries, they a...