Crossing British Columbia

With an almost healed arm, I can maneuver Ol' '95 along the Crowsnest Highway over the pass, across the continental divide and into Alberta.
The world changes with each kilometer.

East of the Divide

Out of BC

One of the first scenes that made me turn my car around for a closer look was the site of the Frank Slide.

Frank Slide

In 1905, a 90 million ton cliff of limestone cracked off the side of the mountain and buried the town of Frank. Over 100 years later, the sight is still overwhelming.

Boulders

There's a Town and a Coal Mine Under There

Abruptly, I am in the prairie and the mountains are to my back.

I Can See Clearly Now

My heart and spirit soar at the wide open spaces. The dreary gloom of the towering cedars is gone.

Wind Farm and Hayfield

I did a double-take at this metal art along highway 2 in Pioneer. Some artist has plenty of time in the Alberta winters!

Real or Not Real

Horse Roundup

Cattle Drive

Welcome to Fort Macleod-001

I decide to stop off in Fort Macleod to visit the historic fort.

NWMP First Location

Musical Ride Is NOT a Carousel

Four in a Row

Historic Fort Macleod

Climb to the Lookout

I LOVE This View

I Promise to Behave

I could have spent more time poking in all the nooks and crannies, but I noticed two spots of interest across the street.

$25 Dinner and a $50 Pedicure

Ginger Beef at the Silver Grill in Fort Macleod

I also noticed more gulls in this playground and on the roof of the grocery store than I had on the entire Vancouver Island! Go figure.

More Gulls Than On Vancouver Island

I decided to stay at the Oldman River Recreation Site and do some more visiting on the following day.

Only One in the Campground

Until 150 years ago, this exact spot was a First Nations' camp after a buffalo hunt. They did not have to listen to the constant roar of traffic along Route 2. Perhaps that is why only two more campers joined me that night. Well, perhaps because there is no water source is another reason this beautiful spot doesn't get much business.

Dusk on the Prairie

Sunrise on the Prairie

I was so glad I stayed over to visit the Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO World Heritage Site. (There are 18 Heritage Sites in Canada; 5 of them are in Alberta.)

What a Logo

I had expected a cliff with a placard or two. Fortunately, the guide in the Fort told me there was much more to see.

I Spent 4 Hours Here

Well, I didn't spend 4 hours in this tipi, but all around the site.
The name of the site comes from the story about the young boy in the early 1800s who wanted to watch the jump. He positioned himself beneath an overhanging rock below the cliff. After the jump, they found him buried under dead buffalo,

Bison Stampeded Over This Edge

Although I was quite familiar with the principle and use of buffalo jumps, the presentations on these grounds are so impressive, artistic, factual, and well-presented that everyone will learn something new.
The building is so beautifully designed. The media productions are first class.

Styllized Media Art Production

The grounds and view are superb.

Wildflowers

Where's the Bee

Here's the Beef

In the Grass

The entire staff are Blackfoot. They are proud of their job, this site, and their heritage. Everyone took the time to answer questions, discuss history, and make you feel welcome.
You can also get a fine lunch of bison stew and bannock - which was a new food for me.

Bison Stew and Bannock

Over 30 years ago when I worked for the Lakota College , I said when it was time for my body to give up its spirit I would drive my 68 Ford panel truck to a remote corner of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and let go. I have found another spot where I could drive Ol' '95 and wait out the few remaining hours.

The only bad thing about the prairie: interesting things are so few and far between. I don't know why it gets so tiresome so quickly. The trees might be oppressive, but they don't hypnotize you like the prairie.
I had to stop for coffee and a milkshake when I started to doze. Then I had to wait out a rainstorm - have I mentioned my windshield wipers don't work properly....
I am now in a Hampton Inn near the Calgary airport. I will fly tomorrow for 24 hours in Denver.