Stay-Cation Alberta

That;s me in the stroller at Lake Louise, AB 1959

I don't know about you but there is nothing I enjoy more than to explore my own back yard. My sister, brother and I were introduced to road trips at a very early age. In fact, there are many places I have been but have no recollection whatsoever, because I was so young, while others are just a vague snapshot in time. Sometimes there was a bit of planning that went into it but often it was nothing more than Mom and Dad having a discussion late in the evening that the following day would be a good day to go on a drive.  They would both bounce out of bed with a mental list of what needed to be done before they could leave. The cooler, picnic jug and ice packs would come out of the basement before Dad headed out the door to do chores, making sure the pigs were fed and the chickens had enough food and water to last the day.  He would then make his way to the garage to pack the Coleman stove, making sure there was enough fuel, throw in a couple of fishing rods and perhaps dig up a few worms out of the garden. Mom commanded food detail, filling the picnic jug with kool-aid, checking to make sure all the essential dishes, cutlery, pots and pans were ready to go, and preparing sandwiches, getting homemade cookies, or perhaps a couple of cans of beans and a package of weiners.  It was never fancy but, no matter what we were eating, food always tasted better when it was part of an adventure.  On more than a few occasions, with a bit of preplanning, Dad would arrange for one of our neighbours to take care of the livestock and we would head out, perhaps for a couple of nights, but often for an entire week, sometimes even two!

The infamous little church, Drumheller, AB - 1966

Hoodoos, Drumheller, 1970

While the phrase, 'staycation' might be newly coined, trust me, the act of exploring part of your own Province is not.  When I think back, I'm not convinced that all of these trips could have been entirely fun. Three kids and two adults -- sometimes three, depending on whether Gramma came along -- stuffed into a car for several hours might not sound that appealing, keeping in mind there was no air conditioning, no ipods, ipads or anything else to keep the kids occupied.  But each one of us loved it then and love it now. While there had to have been a few rough patches on our journeys all we remember was how much fun we had.  Dad was a master at finding ways to entertain us, all the while educating us.  Which way are we headed?  Which road do we take to get to ____? How do we get back home?  Mom's talent was singing and food, and eat and sing we most certainly did!  Bobby McGee wasn't the only one that could sing every song the driver knew!

Heritage Park, Calgary, AB - 1973

In my mind, one is never to old -- or young for that matter -- for a road trip and Alberta has some pretty spectacular places to visit.  There are a few, like Heritage Park, in Calgary, that I visited many many times, as a kid.  It's time, I think to revisit it as a grown up, just to see if I'm as impressed now as I was then; maybe catch a buggy or a train ride.  I know I loved Fort Edmonton and the Ukrainian Village at Bruderheim.  If you like the Old West theme, you may also want to check out Em-Te-Town, near Alder Flats. Billed as an authentic western town, it also boasts a campground, cabins, motel, saloon, restaurant and banquet facilities. We were fortunate enough to see some sharp shooters as the Canadian Cowboy Mounted Shooters competed. Spend a day or a week, whatever works for you.

Em-Te-Town - 2014

On a hot day, perhaps a day at Wah-Soo-A-Um Park, located on the Red Deer River, just west of Penhold.  Not only is there a well maintained day use area, there's room for the kids to run, a nice little playground, and a picnic shelter.  Access to the river not only makes it an ideal spot to start off on a rafting or canoe trip, but also to skip a few rocks across the water, just to know you still can.

Wah-Soo-A-Um Park, 2014

One of our favourite little spots to visit is the Last Chance Saloon, in Wayne.  I was first introduced to the Last Chance in 1975 while camping along the Red Deer River in the Badlands.  We were told by a colleague that Sunday breakfast was an absolute must and she was right.  If all the food you could eat for about $2.00 wasn't enough to entice us, the fact that there was a pony with an appetite for beer most certainly was.  If you visit, make sure you take a good look around.  You will find some pretty darn interesting stories in that old building, not the least of which is the beer swilling shetland pony.  The pony is long gone but his photo remains. The building is filled to the brim with great local artifacts but the community is filled to the brim with great local talent; if you're lucky, maybe you'll even get to hear some of it.

Last Chance Saloon, Wayne, AB - 2014

If you are looking for an event to attend, may I suggest the Ponoka Stampede.  While many refer to it as the best stampede after the Calgary Stampede, for my money, this is the one I enjoy the most.  Camping and parking is everywhere and anywhere and the best part is, it's FREE!  The midway is small and intimate.  It's a place you can let your kids run without having to worry too much about what kind of trouble they are in.  It happens every year around Canada Day.  If you have never been to a stampede, I can guarantee great entertainment with bull riding, bronc riding, wild pony chases and, if that isn't enough for you, some nail biting chuckwagon races that will have you out of your seat and screaming for your favourite in no time flat.  If a week of the Stampede is too much, Ponoka's central location will afford you access to a number of lakes in the area, including Gull, Sylvan, Pidgeon and Wizard, all within about an hour's drive, each with their own special brand of charm.

Ponoka Stampede, Ponoka, Alberta

If quiet country churches are more your style, don't drive by the Raven Church without stopping, wonder in (pun intended), have a word with your maker, and admire the carpentry skills of days gone by, not to mention the dedication of those that continue to maintain it to this day.  I think, if I were looking for a little rural country church (for marrying or burying), this one fits the bill.

Raven Church

If you're thinking of a staycation or simply a country drive, perhaps some of these places will inspire you to check them out.  

Sources:

http://www.emtetown.com/

http://visitlastchancesaloon.com/

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - A Vacation Destination You Will Not Soon Forget

Over the years, we have visited the Dominican Republic a number of times, first to Puerto Plata, on the north Coast, but also to Punta Cana, on the south east shore.

The Dominican Republic (DR) shares the island of Hispaniola, also known as Santo Domingo, with the country of Haiti. It is the second largest Caribbean nation after Cuba and the most visited of all the Carribean Islands.  Originally inhabited by Taino indiginous peoples, DR was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and was under Spanish rule for about three centuries, with French and Haitian interludes.  DR gained its independence in 1821 though it struggled to maintain it throughout its tumultuous history of government and slave revolts.  Unemployment, government corruption and inconsistent electric services challenges the country even today.  But when all is said and done, DR offers the tourist a first-class affordable experience.  For those living on the east coast of Canada, it's about a 3-hour trip.  For those of us on the Prairies, it's closer to 7 hours.  

DR is geographically diverse, with 4 mountain ranges; rich fertile valleys, hot, desert-like areas and, of course, beautiful coastlines.  January and February are the coldest months of the year, with the wet season, mostly along the northern coast, lasts from  November through January. In January, for example, temperatures will peak around 28C, cooling off to around 20C in the evenings.  Rain will typically fall during the evening and can be intense but short-lived.

The country's economy relies primarily on natural resources and government services.  Due to the growth in tourism, the public service sector has overtaken mining and agriculture as the leading employer.  There remains a noted problem in child labour laws; on our very first visit we were disturbed to be given a tour of a local jewelry store where the owners proudly displayed a group of 12-15 year old boys working at the rear of the shop.  When asked what kind of hours they worked, we were told ' full days, like we do'.  Trust me when I tell you, 'full days' are considerably longer in the DR than in Canada or the USA.

Playa Dorado, Puerto Plata

But don't let this be the deciding factor in visiting the DR.  Not only is there a lot to offer the tourist; perhaps there is something you can offer its citizens by treating those who serve you with dignity and kindness, tipping generously and finding ways to help the poor. We often take balls and school supplies for children, and light clothing for adults.  In particular, you may find numerous Haitians employed in the more menial positions in the tourist industry. These men and women are often lured to the DR, particularly since the 2000 earthquake, in hopes of making a decent livelihood to bring home to their families.  More often than not, they are bound to their new country by poverty, never able to return home to their loved ones.  Current, however, many Haitian migrants face expulsion.  Here's a link where you can read more about their plight:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/22/haitian-migrants-dominican-republic_n_7641030.html

San Felipe Fortress, Puerto Plata

There are basically five tourist areas in the DR, catering primarily to Europeans and Canadians, with only a small smattering of Americans.   Santo Domingo is a large cosmopolitan city but includes the Colonial City, consisiting of 16 short streets of architecture from the 16th to the 20th century. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   La Romana is one of the country's top destinations, defined by its fields of sugar cane, golf courses and beaches. Punta Cana is located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.  If you are looking for rest and relaxation, along with all the comforts a beachfront resort can offer, this is the place for you.  Samana is the place to go if you are seeking nature though there are a fair number of European tourists who decided not to leave, lending  a bit of a cosmopolitan vibe to towns such as Las Galeras and Terrenas. Puerto Plata is a port City with a collection of 19th century victorian style homes located along the coastline.  San Felipe Fort is one of the oldest military installations dating back to 1577.  Nearby beach towns of Sosua and Caberette, wold famous for windsurfing and kiteboarding, are a short drive away.


Punta Cana was our lmost recent destination in the DR.  After visiting some years prior, we decided we weren't quite finished there.  We liked its rural flavour and mix of traditional caribbean villages and agriculture consisting of sugar cane, coffee, cocoa beans, tobacco and bananas.  The area's best asset, however, is its people who are warm, friendly and easygoing.  Upon our arrival, the first thing we noted was the incredible amount of ongoing development. The economy in this area of the country is booming due to the more recent interest from tourists.

Parasailing

                                     

                                                Ziplining

On our first visit to this area, we stayed at the  Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa.  Located directly on a one-kilometre stretch of Bavaro Beach, this resort offers every type of room and service one could possibly think of to accommodate everything from two adults looking for peace and solitude to groups of extended famliies and friends. Many of the large, comfortable rooms offer baths with jacuzzi tubs.  We chose this resort because we were travelling with a group of 6 couples, with varying interests and means. Some of our companions were so impressed they returned for a second time around!

Playa Bavaro, Punta Cana

Our second visit, we chose the Majestic Colonial.  The property is relatively compact but somehow it never felt crowded.  The condition of the private and public spaces, facilities and grounds was great and the resort appeared to cater to a larger variety of age groups than other all-inclusive resorts we have been to.  Young or old, the resort is very 'walkable'.  While the beach may not be quite as nice as we have experienced in other areas of DR, that is not to say they were not very good.  If anything, we have found great consistency in the quality of the beaches throughout DR.  While they may not offer much in the way of snorkeling from the beach (there are tours available), every single time we have found long beaches of golden sand perfect for walking and the waves are just enough to be fun without causing serious injury. Having been tossed, rolled, dunked and stripped of much of my clothing by large waves, this is my kind of beach!

Jr. Suite, Majestic Colonial, Playa Bavaro

The adjacent sister resort, the Majestic Elegance, has a very similar layout but features a more contemporary architectural style and is a few years newer.  The rooms are, without doubt, some of the best we have every had the privilege to stay in!  Our 700 sq.ft. junior suite sported a king bed, open concept bath with double jacuzzi, small sofa, chairs, coffee table, desk and armoire.  And did I mention the 900 sq.ft. deck, sporting a 4-man jacuzzi?  While we have paid considerably more to stay in chic resorts, such as Sandals, Secrets, Dreams, Karisma and Palace lines, the Majestic was BY FAR, the best bang for the buck!   The food was also pretty darn good but be warned, the seafood restaurant offers not a single item on its menu that isn't 'of the sea'. As I'm not an 'of the sea' kind of girl, this forced our small group to break up for a few meals so as not to leave me eating by my lonesome.  

Our Jr. Suite Deck, beacfront

I have recommended the Majestic to a number of friends who have all returned smiling and pleased with what awaited them. If there is a single complaint about DR (and it's a very small complaint), top shelf liquor can be hard to come by and often is not included in the all-inclusive package.  That means you will either have to pay extra for your Bailey's or bring your own.  Either way, it's not a deal breaker.

Or perhaps the all-inclusive resort vacation isn't your bag.  I admit, it is no longer mine either.  Though often the best answer for groups travelling from various parts of the country/world, I have come to enjoy vacation rentals.  Many offer the same perks that an all-inclusive resort and depending on your lifestyle, you may actually find it less expensive.  There are plenty of options available on vacation rental sites.  Do your homework and read the reviews.  Personally, I look for accommodation that is well situated in close proximity to the beach, restaurants, and other amenities because we have no desire to rent a vehicle.  If you haven't been to the DR, you should know that the drivers are c-r-a-z-y!  we have seen busses force mopeds off the road in peak traffic; we have seen a family of 5 being transported on a single moped.  And no, they weren't wearing helmuts.

Have I convinced you yet?  The moral of this story is, if you are looking for a great destination,check into DR.  If you are looking for a cost-effective yet elegant all-inclusive resort, I recommend the Majestic.  The Colonial is, as the name implies, colonial style and a wee bit older than the Elegance, therefore a wee bit cheaper.  If AIs aren't your thing, perhaps a nice vacation rental is.  Your call, either way, I'm pretty darn confident that you will find a little piece of heaven in the Dominican Republic!  Have fun!



Additional Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_Republic
http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/destinations/la-romana/
http://www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com/dominican-weather-january.html
http://www.best-beaches.com/caribbean/dominican-republic/puerto-plata/puerto-plata-beaches

Oh Canada! How Great You Are!

In celebration of Canada's birthday, I thought it might be nice to take you along on a trip down memory lane.  Over the years, I have driven across Canada on three different occasions.  The first time, a girlfriend and I took three glorious weeks to go from Alberta to Nova Scotia.  The second time was a few years later but it was much less leisurely.  We drove from Nova Scotia to Alberta in 6 days, stopped for a couple of weeks in Alberta and then ventured on to Vancouver.  The last time it was a little like reliving the original trip in reverse.  That same original girlfriend and I hopped a plane to Nova Scotia, picked up an SUV and then ambled on back toward Alberta.

On all three occasions, we saw some spectacular country but I think what I found the most interesting is, even though we stopped in many of the same places and even visited the same tourist areas, it was like seeing it all over again with fresh eyes.  There is little more that I can say except that we have one huge, glorious country that I can't imagine ever getting tired of.  Here are some of the highlights.

International Buskers Festival, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Tall Ships Saling Festival, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax  is an awesome City; anyone visiting needs to spend some time here, if only to stroll along the waterfront. In the mid 1970's, the waterfront wasn't very pretty.  A mix of parking lots and derelict homes and warehouses, these were slowly purchased, rehabilitated or removed and the downtown seawall is now a a beautiful historic tourist area.  Let me tell you, it's nothing short of spectacular.    The area bustles with the activity of a vibrant shopping area, artesans markets, restaurants and historic sites year round but it really comes alive during the summer months with its myriad festivals and, if you're really lucky, tall ships.  Halifax and surrounding area can easily provide you with several days of site seeing and entertainment.  Accommodation is as varied as your budget, with everything from the YMCA for the budget minded, to B & Bs and 5-star hotels.  You will also find the cusine as varied as your appetite. Of course, you won't be able to beat the seafood, but you will also find Old English fare, along with some of the best donairs you will find anywhere.  And now on to the 'real' South Shore. 

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Most Canadians are well aware of the world-famous lighthouse at Peggy's Cove.  Fishing and shipbuilding were the backbone of many of the scenic communities along the South Shore.  Mahone Bay is simply one of the most picturesque communities I know.  Lunenburg is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also home to the Bluenose II, the ship found on Canada's dime.  Many communities along the South Shore, including Lunenburg and Shelburne continue the tradition of boat building just as they have since the early 1800s.  

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Lunenburg's famous red waterfront buildings, Nova Scotia

As you make your way north, you will find yourself travelling through New Brunswick.  With the slogan, 'East of Ordinary', New Brunswick is what I would consider a truly bilingual Province, where French and English live together in harmony and nobody dies. . .at least not anymore. 

Though it was a different story about 400 years ago, Acadians not only proudly display their heritage but gladly share it with the rest of the world. Sharing the Bay of Fundy, highest tides in the world, with Nova Scotia, there are opportunities galore to bury your feet in the red clay just to see how long it takes to come off, dig clams or fish for flounder. 

Kings Landing, New Brunswick

Just outside of Fredricton (fondly referred to as Freddy Town) is Kings Landing Historical Settlement.  Created in the 1960s, the buildings were relocated to the current site to make way for a hydro electric dam.  King's Landing is virtually an outdoor living history museum, recreating what life was like in New Brunswick in the 1800s.  Each home is recreated to a specific time period with authentic clothing, tools, and utensils. It's also part of a back breeding program for livestock, vegetables, and fruits for  varieties once common in the 19th century.

Hartland Bridge, New Brunswick

While you on the road, you may as well cross the St. John River by way of the Hartland Bridge. Spanning just less than 400m and joining the communities of Harland and Somerville, the framework is seven small truss bridges joint together along size piers.  And did I mention, it happens to be the longest covered bridge in the entire world?

Old Quebec City, Quebec

I can't imagine why anyone would travel across this great country without stopping to spend a little time in Quebec.  While Montreal is still on the bucket list,  it's easy to spend a day or two wondering around Quebec City.  The history of the old Fort, along the St. Lawrence Seaway, is time well spent and it doesn't take one long before you realize what a cultural mosaic this area is.






As you make your way westward, you may enjoy the outdoor opportunities of County of Renfrew.  A scenic community in the Ottawa Valley, which includes the Towns of Arnprior, Deep River and Brudenell River, the area is permeated with what one might consider the best of both worlds; not far from a major urban centre, but far enough to have maintained it's rural roots and close community feel.

Ottawa River, Arnprior, Ontario

Bruce Mines, Ontario

There is nothing to bring your senses to an awareness of the size of Ontario as driving across it. Whereas most provinces can be crossed in a day or less, not Ontario.  We truly marvelled at the distance between communities, particularly when coming around the east and northern edges of the Great Lakes.  And trust me, they are great!  In one of our travels across the country we had to let one of our passengers out of the car so he could taste the waters of Lake Superior.  By the wave action, he was convinced it was salt water, even though logic told him otherwise (logic was right).  The Tran sCanada Highway hugs the eastern edge of the Great Lakes where you will come through towns such as Bruce Mines and Batchawa.  While these areas struggle economically, they are not only scenic but filled with an entrepreneurial spirit.  

Katherine Cove, Ontario

Thunder Bay, a city of about 110,000 and the most populous region of northwestern Ontario, has been an important transportation hub since the late 17th century.  From fur trading, it is now an important link for shipping grain and other products from western Canada, through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.  Kenora, Ontario has never failed to impress us.  A small city on the Lake of the Woods, close tothe Manitoba border, and with its own colorful history, it's the only city I know where the local grocery store has its own boat dock.  

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Marathon, Ontario

There are a few things one might want to be aware of when travelling in Northern Ontario. First, the wildlife is abundant. The local people constantly warned us about the dangers of driving at night on the narrow, winding roads.  Moose, in particular, are plentiful and large; there has been many an accident.  Second, the wildlife is abundant.  Did I just repeat myself?  It's worth mentioning, t's not just driving that can be hazardous but walking around anywhere after nightfall.  We found this sign on the door existing our motel.

Though not on the Trans Canada Highway, we have an inquisitive nature.  Having only recently discovered there were sacred salt water lakes in the province of Saskatchewan, we decided to check it out.  Sure enough, Little Manitou Lake holds a magic all its own.  Formed by receding glaciers, and fed by underground mineral springs, the salt content of Little Manitou Lake is about half that of the Dead Sea.  Since the 19th century, the local Assiniboine people believed diseases such as smallpox could be cured by drinking and swimming in the water.  Manitou became a tourist destination throughout the Depression and interest was resurrected in the 1980's when a resort spa was constructed, using the mineral waters of the lake.    While the resort has seen better days, the rooms are adequate and clean, the food is good and the pool is quite special.  constructed to provide access for all types of disabilities, there are those that regularly frequent the community in order to take advantage of the healing waters.  

The salt water isn't all the area is famous for, it's also the home of Danceland and its Wold Famous Dance Floor Built on Horsehair.   This unique structure makes one wish they lived in the era that made Danceland famous.

As we slowly wound our way back to Alberta, we paid tribute to the few Prairie Sentinels that continue to disappear from the landscape. 

Stalward Saskatchewan

If you haven't explored this great country, perhaps you should add it to your bucket list of things to do.  You won't regret it.  



Sources:
http://www.novascotiabackyard.com/explore-our-regions/south-shore
http://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/peggys-cove-village-and-lighthouse/1468

New government needs farm connections - The Western Producer

New government needs farm connections - The Western Producer

We know we have a new and inexperienced government here in Alberta.  It is going to need the guidance of our farming community in order to make sound policy decisions.