The storm in Redcliff mainly bypassed us so a good night was had there. We walked Pete who found something delightful to roll in so his shower count went up by one as well; he was not impressed.
We decided that we would divert south to Grasslands National Park, East Block where we camped out for two nights. We had full power hookup and access to sani-dump and fresh water so we really didn't need to be conservative on power or water use.
We arrived to imposing storm clouds with rolling thunder in the distance. While stormy and windy, the rain stayed away and we had a brilliant evening for sunset and moon watching. We cleaned off our bikes and went for a ride on the Grasslands Parkway where we found the iconic red Parks Canada Adirondack chairs, perfectly situated for the evening sunset.
Pete wasn't left behind, he ran along with us for about 10km. He was intent on staying with us but was absolutely worn out at the end of the evening. When we got back to camp he sacked out for the night. We all slept in the next morning then went on a 12 km hike to the Valley of 1000 Devils. Not sure what the name was getting at, but we had an amazing walk through the grasslands and into some badlands type terrain called coulees (probably that Devil thing). By the time we got back to camp Pete was over heated so he made a bee-line to the creek for a much needed cool down.
Since Pete was so worn out we left him in the van with the air con running and went for a sunset bike ride on the parkway. We found a second set of red chairs, a rainbow, and the sunset. It was a relaxing end to a full and busy day. Somewhere in there we even fit in a nap.
We met a number of photographers who were equipped with long lenses for wildlife and birding. There were burrowing owls in the area but were hiding whenever I tried to find them. Some of the serious photographers were carrying some impressive lenses that gave them the range to pick out a bird from a good distance.
We sacked out on the early side so I could get up for sunrise photos (crazy early on the prairie) but instead woke up early to the sound of pouring rain instead. Rather than look for the sun in heavy clouds and rain I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep. We had a lazy morning, blueberry pancakes and coffee. Afterwards we cleaned up after breakfast, broke camp and packed up the van.
Pete being his helpful self brought mud and dirt into the van, giving everything near him a reddish brown tinge. On the drive out of the park on gravel roads the van took on the same look on the exterior.
We have been meeting some interesting and friendly people most everywhere we stop. We heard about cinnamon buns that we need to be checking out tomorrow. Pete is a great ice-breaker as he is willing to mooch peoples take-out orders or put his nose in places that just naturally start an apologetic conversation!
Thanks for the blog!!
Re: 1000 devils… snakes living in the coulees??
Snakes? Seriously, don’t you know your audience man?!?