Our objective today was to go south and explore along the Red Deer River. Our first stop was Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park. The name is a misnomer because it refers to a plateau in the middle of the valley that is not surrounded by water. The signs claim it is the largest patch of totally unspoiled prairie in Alberta. The scenery in the valley was outstanding.
After that, it was time for lunch, so we decided to go into Trochu for that. Well, there we have the Sweetgrass Grill on Main Street. We were told that there was no inside seating (Covid restrictions), but they had some outside seating in the back alley. OK. We headed around the end of the block and into the alley and sure enough, a neat eclectic little place with old chairs and tables, lots of plants, and most importantly, great food. What a nice surprise. We sat and talked for quite a while and then headed back to Trenville, a little concerned about Hobbes in the Schooner in plus 30 degree weather. The Fantastic Fans worked very well and he was fine (but needed his brushing and scratches and more food).
And finally, we tried out using one of our generators for electricity. That seems to work just fine too.
Lez does a little clarification: Dry Island is an "island that never was". Streams carved gullies in the soft prairie earth as they flowed to the Red Deer River. Over thousands of years the gullies came side to side and that part of the prairie in the middle became an isolated hill or mesa. Hence Dry Island.
We have 86 pictures of the day (edited now, there were more). HOT and dry and stunning in its rawness. Flowers growing where one would never think they could! Very fine dust everywhere.
When we returned to the Schooner, Hobbes was quite fine but anxious to get outside. There is a bunny (or two) and a squirrel (or two) and a chipmunk (or two) around here as well. This is driving Hobbes crazy as he watches from inside the screen door and would dearly love to join the chasing that goes on!
I spent the evening editing photos - renaming and cropping, deleting, and enjoying the review of the day. Cell phone photos will be taken off and added to the "album" tomorrow. It's dark and the firepit will be crackling shortly, with a glass of port to enjoy. Yes, we are camping with no services not even cell! and loving every moment.