#131 April May 2016 Family, Flowers and Geese

Before we left Vegas we found more new experiences as we watched an aquarium show near Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.  The diver and mermaid were very entertaining.

Notice the perfect air bubble rings above the mermaid.

Finally the day before we left the weather improved enough to have coffee on the patio.

We headed north towards Calgary. In Arizona we saw more dramatic, colourful mountains and rock formations.

In Utah more red rocks, Mormon Temples and snow.

We spent the night in Idaho Falls overlooking the Falls on Snake River.  We learned that the original rapids have been re-directed into falls by the construction of a retaining wall for a hydroelectric power plant.

We crossed the Continental Divide into Montana at 1*C.

Now we were into foothills, snow, antelope and oil wells.

In Calgary we connected with grandchildren.

A few days before we left Las Vegas we had learned that Ralph’s sister-in-law, Margo, was in hospital with cancer. Instead of going home from Calgary we headed to Saskatchewan.

Enroute to North Battleford we encountered icy sloughs and snow geese.

We spent a few precious days with Paul and Margo. Margo was in extreme pain with no diagnosis or treatment determined at that time.

For years Margo supplied Ralph with Saskatchewan Rough Riders merchandise from hot sauce to Tim Horton gift cards to jogging pants. Even at this trying time she was ready for Ralph.

Heading back west we encountered thousands of snow geese foraging in the fields and sloughs.

Returning to Calgary we were thrilled to watch Danica in her school play of Annie.

In central Alberta we saw a unique farmers creation of a steam engine.

Near Golden BC we watched bighorn sheep expressing spring feelings.

As we approached Hope BC we returned to spring.

Our spring continued with the Abbotsford Tulip Festival with Mount Baker in the background.

On Mother’s Day we enjoyed The Glades Rhododendron Garden in South Surrey.

A colourful spring.