Day Four

We were on the road and out of Regina by 7:00 AM this morning. We have 488 miles on our plate today, final destination, Edmonton, Alberta. This will be another city with surprising size. Over 600,000 people inhabit Edmonton. Too bad neither one of us are into hockey. We might appreciate the incredible sports complexes found in these cities.

Not far out of Regina, we catch Highway 11. This will take us to Saskatoon. It is a gorgeous day, with clear blue skies and perfect temperatures. This is the kind of weather of which Chamber of Commerce folks dream. ,
Around 8:30, we tooled through the “metropolis” of Bethune Saskatchewan, population 400. We had a hankering for a real breakfast and wondered if this unincorporated town might have one. We found one stop sign, two yield signs and yes, a brightly painted blue place called, “Diner”. Catchy name. Entering the place, we were greeted by a local woman who apparently never met a stranger. She quickly struck up a conversation with us, excited to see our motorhome. Do you know how we categorize Canadians and have this crazy idea that if you are from Canada, you know all Canadians and are intimately aware of all things Canadian? Must be the same for Canadians when they meet Americans. Their cousin Lil who lives outside of Indianapolis must know us. Lol

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by the owner, “Don”. He asked us what we wanted to eat, without the benefit of a menu. We quickly asked for coffee, two eggs, “strip” bacon (as opposed to peameal), potatoes and “brown” toast (wheat). Don took our order, served the coffee, made the breakfast, served the breakfast and took our money at the cash register. Efficient operation. Don tells us that his wife has gone to visit family in Victoria, B.C. He is fully in charge of the entire operation.

We sat at an empty table and quickly noticed that there were two local tables: one for the “boys” and one for the “girls”. The “girls” (not one under the age of 50) claimed they knew everything and the “boys” claimed that at least they told the truth at their table. All was told in good humor. They were all a friendly lot, answering questions we had about the town and the surrounding area. Counting heads, we estimated that with 20 patrons, 5% of the town’s population was in the diner. Not bad for business.

The farmers shared information about their crops, cattle and where they spend their winters. Lots of canola, as well as mustard is grown up this way. A thousand acre farm is nothing. Those seeking a warmer climate head to Arizona in the winter months.

Have you ever enjoyed a really fresh egg for breakfast? It looks nothing like the dark yellow yolks we have at home. These eggs have a pale yellow yolk and the taste is incredible. Something to be said for farm living.

We paid our bill, said our goodbyes and expressed appreciation for a great morning meal. Sure beat the corn flakes we would have shared in the motorhome.

Our route to Saskatoon takes us along the Arm River, twisting and turning through moguls and valleys. Reminds me of some of those Scottish golf courses we see on the Golf Channel. Odd to see this type of terrain when most of this country is flatter than a kitchen table.

Next, the terrain changed more dramatically. The powerful Saskatchewan River appeared. It must have abundant wildlife. We even saw airboats, searching the waters for elusive waterlife. According to a posted sign, this is a habitat for the whooping crane.

No wildlife yet today, not even roadside kill. The most we have seen is a buffalo sculpted out of barbed wire. This was on display at a tourist information center in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Funny, we haven’t really seen any police, either. Doesn’t seem to affect the speed at which the drivers travel. Almost all are relatively careful and sensible. I guess they are not in the hurry we tend to be when driving. What’s another kilometer going to get you when you see more farm fields? About the only law enforcement we saw was an enormous statue of a Canadian Mountie.

Speaking of farm fields, we traveled past a number of incredible fields today. A field of canola was just stunning against the blue sky and puffy clouds. The yellow green plants may find their way into the next bottle of canola oil you purchase at your neighborhood grocery store. .

Upon entering Alberta, we stopped at the information center, obtaining information about the Canadian Rockies. We plan to be in Banff tomorrow night, after quick jaunts through Edmonton and Calgary.

At day’s end, we have traveled 2,038 miles in four days. We’ve spent $432 in gas (about twenty one cents per mile). We’ve been through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and now, Alberta.