Ralph grew up on a farm near Birch Hills, 20 miles from Prince Albert. Despite the Saskatchewan reputation of flat prairie, that area has lots of hills and trees – hence the name “birch” “hills”.
My mother grew up south of Regina and Dad grew up east of Swift Current, Sask. I spent many vacations in southern Saskatchewan and yes, much of the countryside is flat but there are a great variety of crops, ranches, hills and river valleys.
June 11th we headed east on the Trans Canada. Right from the beginning this trip brought back the sights and smells of summer in southern Saskatchewan. Maple Creek was our first stop. It is small but centrally located to explore the Cypress Hills and area. Such wide open spaces to enjoy sunsets and moonrises.
At 4,800’ above sea level the Cypress Hills are the highest point between Labrador and the Rockies. Parts of the Hills were not covered by ice during the last Ice Age.
This aggregate rock formation is one of the layers which created the Hills.
This view shows the sand hills 100 km away. They are the “sandy” coloured streaks below the horizon on the right.
There was an Indian Massacre in the Cypress Hills in 1873. This hastened the formation of the North West Mounted Police to enforce Canadian law and order. Fort Walsh was the second fort established by the NWMP. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a sense of the rigours and rewards of the first police force in Canada.
This jail cell was frequently
shared by gunrunners and whisky traders who took advantage of the First Nations people.
This cannon was never fired but certainly created fear in the “bad guys”.
The Hills are a refuge for a great variety of wildlife.
Some less wild than others. Grazing is a managed part of maintaining the balance of the grasslands. Cows are very placid and just watch us with calm brown eyes.
A vineyard and winery in southern Saskatchewan??? They have generous tastings and a lovely patio.
Yes, they even grow their own grapes as well as several types of fruit – rhubarb wine anyone?
A killdeer family has set up a home in the parking lot of the winery. Papa is very protective of his impending family.
Pronghorn antelope are reputed to be spotted along the Trans Canada Highway in southern Sask. We looked and looked - nothing until we headed north towards the Great Sand Hills Ecological Reserve. They are beautiful and move so quickly.
The museum in Septre took us on a tour of the history of the people in the Sandhills. Sometimes we feel very old when we visit museums and see displays we have experienced.
The ladies of the era scheduled their hair appointments with determination. I can’t imagine subjecting myself to this version of a perm! The hair was oiled, rollers applied and the cords were connected to an electric machine which sent currents through the cords to the hair.
Yes, sand dunes in the middle of the prairie.
What a diverse country we live in.
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