There are some people who may argue with me but there is more than mountains to Alberta. While our initial plan had been to head to the mountains for some winter fun, we decided that with five or more months of winter ahead of us we weren't quite ready to embrace it. Instead we headed south into the Foothills both Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, the weather wasn't the best but we headed to Millarville Christmas Market any ways. It was a little windy and chilly but we browsed the exhibits, bought a couple of gifts and grabbed some fresh baked goods for the ride home. However, the best part as far as Matt was concerned was the hay ride! Horsies!!! The reindeer were AWOL but we enjoyed our morning out, getting back to the city in time for afternoon nap.
On Sunday, the weather was predicted to be mostly sunny - perfect for exploring! We decided to head down to Pincher Creek as they have an outdoor store we love. We find they have a great selection for the whole family - including what we wanted to complete our little ones winter wardrobe (more on that in a future post). But you don't just go to Pincher Creek to shop at one store. For us it's a day long adventure.
On the way down, we decided to stop at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. If you haven't been - go - it's great even for toddlers. It's open all year round and is a spectacular exhibit highlighting an important part of Alberta's history. And while you're at it, if you don't already have one, get the Experience Alberta's History Annual Pass - it not only allows you to get into Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump but many other of Alberta's historic sites such as the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller (Dinosaurs) and the Reynolds-Alberta Museum (Airplanes). This is where my hubby gets a big huge "Thanks". He wandered around the exhibit with Matt while I spent a good amount of time outside in the wind and cold being a photographer.
From there we meandered down a few back roads to Pincher Creek, my patient husband stopping at the side of the road so that I could jump out and take photographs of the windmills that line the ridges and fields in the area. After our shopping trip in Pincher Creek, we wound through the Foothills on the 22 and some back roads home to Calgary. A few of the stops we had thought to make on the way home were nixed as Matt fell asleep but what was missed can be seen on another trip. It was a great day, everyone was enjoyed themselves. I was able to be photographer, mom and wife all while enjoying a beautiful part of Alberta. That is The Big Picture.
How did you spend your long weekend?
How did you spend your long weekend?
Agree that there is more than mountains to Alberta. Having grown up here however, in Northern Alberta with the prairie all around me, no mountains within a 5+ hour drive, I can safely say I am prairie'd out. The prairies got 18+ years. The mountains get the rest.
ReplyDeleteGood for you though, being from Ontario, for exploring all that Alberta has to offer.
Believe me when I say that the prairies per say won't get all that much attention, the occasional day here or there, but when I can see for miles without end I get bored really quickly. The Foothills on the other hand I love, the Badlands are fascinating (a topic for another post) and needless to say the mountains are the reason we moved to Alberta.
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