Soaking up the prairies.

Jean Louis Legare Regional Park, Willow Bunch (2 stars)

We headed out for one of Lee's favourite prairie icons, Castle Butte. This time we would approach it from the west, through what locals call the back door. Well, wasn't that a surprise.

As we drove east, we went through many coulees all fresh and green. They were intermixed with sections of road right on the Big Muddy flats, with geography reminiscent of Drumheller. As we got closer to Castle Butte, Lee spotted some nice colours about 20 meters off the road. Upon closer inspection, they were cactus in full bloom. Beautiful shades of yellow, peach and light red. What a find!

Then we arrived at Castle Butte (to a parking lot with half a dozen vehicles). Lee decided to see how far up he could climb; he had gone right to the top many years ago. About two thirds was enough for the old body, but exhilerating all the same.

We finished the day by passing through Big Beaver (the famous store was closed) and Coronach. Then back to the Schooner.

Lez took over 100 photos: Ok the Prairies are just flat land. Ya right. The coulees, the land dips and rises, the skies - there is a reason Saskatchewan is labeled land of the living skies. Saturday's rains had quite the effect on the land. Those Prickly Pear cacti - words can not share the awe of seeing soooo many cacti in bloom. We have never been witness to such a sight. The very fine sand ground spit forth a carpet. I don't know my wildflower names, but there were spindley yellow daisies, tiny purple ground cover flowers, white little buds of flowers and coral and blue bells All between a harsh and hardy variation of grasses. "Just prairie". The true prairie - never cultivated.

Castle Butte is no longer a secret - but challenging as ever to those who go for the top. I stays below and captured Lee wayyyy up high, and also caught the rough lower levels - that will be different everytime people visit. Rain, wind and man all wear the surface away.

We were sad to see the Aust's in Big Beaver was not open - they are doing some upgrading, no signs even - new siding must have just been put on. It is on the internet - but that's not the same. What a great weather, see forever day. Not too hot. Prairie winds, evening around the firepit at Jean Louis Legare campground. Oh the sound of crickets, sooooo prairie. We do not hear crickets in Edmonton.