Swift Current, Saskatchewan - Husky Truck Stop

Well, it sure is a lot harder to blog when you have to drive than when you're riding on the train! Finally got the photos loaded from the camera, but no web access to post them. Currently using my cell phone to post, and bedding down for the night. Local time 11:05 p.m.

EDIT: The truck stop had a huuuge Canadian flag out front. We parked underneath it to catch some sleep before moving on. After all the trials we'd been through and all we'd had to do for the immigration process, we still couldn't believe that it was all over and we had actually made it to Canada. Even as I tried to get to sleep I kept looking up at that flag to reassure myself it was really true. I think somewhere deep down I secretly feared that I would wake up and it would be gone, and by virtue of it being gone, we would be back in Los Angeles with all the old troubles. So when the wind began kicking up and I could hear it steadily flapping above us, I found this deeply comforting. The rippling above was a constant reminder that it was still there, and I was lulled to sleep by its sound.

Saskatchewan

The name Saskatchewan comes from the Cree, who called the Saskatchewan River "kisiskāciwani-sīpiy," meaning "swiftly flowing river."

Medicine Hat, Alberta - Saamis Tepee

Medicine Hat is my birth city. It was weird passing through here. The last time I was here I was about 1 year old.

The Saamis Tepee is "the world's tallest tepee" with lovely paintings by native artists, along with plaques detailing the meanings of the symbols and objects in the paintings along with the history of several of Canada's First Nations. To get an idea of the size, the little smudge in the middle of the third picture is me.

Eastern Alberta - Wildlife

A mother deer and her baby. A hard picture to take because she quickly moved in front of her baby to protect it. Aren't they beautiful?

Western Alberta - Bow River

Visiting with my aunt and uncle

Western Alberta - Aunt and Uncle's house

There is a whole lot to add here, when I actually have more time to post, but this is just a quick update to let everyone know we're okay and having a lovely time. We are now visiting my aunt and uncle and will probably be on the road again shortly. What a ride!

Western Alberta - Aunt and uncle's house

Banff National Park, Alberta

The scenery around here is stunning. By this time, between eastern British Columbia and western Alberta we've seen lots of wildlife. Twice we saw baby black bears, and we spotted lots of deer including mothers with their babies.

The Canadian Rockies