O Canada! Part I . . . .

Here we are - hanging out in the airport, waiting to fly to the great white north.  That's right - this summer we spent a lovely nine days in the Canadian west - we flew to Spokane, Washington, enjoyed some great time with the matchlessly hospitable Wilson family, rented an RV, and headed into the wilderness that is better known as Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.

While driving, we stopped in Sparwood, BC - a must!! - to see the huge truck.  Notice the signs to stay off the truck . . .

Once in Lethbridge, Alberta, first order of business was to visit all of Daren's boyhood landmarks . . .

 

Galbraith Elementary School

 

 

                                                 117 Rideau Court, an early boyhood home

                                                             Wilson Middle School

                                                       Westminster Elementary School

                                         And LCI, home of the Rams - and 1979 Provincial
                                                     basketball champs!!

Daren and the boys had a great time playing golf with Aunt Robyn - and we were glad for her patience playing with a bunch of rookies!!

 

One evening, we enjoyed a lovely family cookout down at the river bottoms - good food, good visiting, good times.

 

 

Speaking of good food, there's a delightful delicacy up north of the border called poutine.  It's 3 simple ingredients - first french fries, then grated cheese, and then . . . wait for it . . .  hot gravy!!  It is delicious - and probably totally awful for you - but who cares!  When you're in Canada, you must give it a go!!

 

One afternoon was a real highlight.  We went with Grandpa and Grandma to Cardston to go to the temple.  We met Carmen's family there.  Everybody had a lovely time.

 

 

Love those Graysons.

 

While in Cardston, we enjoyed some more of Daren's reminiscing.  We visited his boyhood home there . . . .

 

 

 . . . .as well as the storefront that for many, many years was his grandfather's shoe repair shop.  Grandpa  (Daren's dad) grew up in the apartment above the shoe shop - now an H&R Block.

 

 

 

Phew . . . all that fun was just while we were in Alberta.  It's about time to head to British Columbia.  Stay tuned . . ..