Castle Butte

Today I did two things that I have NEVER done before.

First, I have figured out how to use the new format for Blogspot.  Yeah me! Just in the nick of time, as I think the old way is obsolete in a couple days.

Second, I did a day trip with my friend, Elizabeth, to Castle Butte, Big Muddy Valley, southern Saskatchewan.  My friend grew up in Oregon and has lived in Regina for over ten years now.  She has explored many places, loves hiking and camping, and was incredulous that I had never been to this amazing location just two hours from my home!

Our trip began around 11:30 am, with a quick drive-thru for $1 Iced Coffee at McDonald's.  Then we took the new bypass around the east and south of Regina to catch the Number 6 Highway.  Then we drove straight south, making exactly three curves until we reached the "Four Corners".  I reminisced as we past the signs for Corrine, Dummer and Parry, all markers for childhood memories for me.  We turned west on Highway 13, passing Pangman and Ogema. Then we turned south to Bengough.  Any of these towns familiar to you?

Bengough is the last sign of civilization before we hit the Big Muddy Valley.  In other words, last gas station and flush toilet!  We stopped to get fuel and use the facilities before driving another twenty minutes or so to our destination. 

Driving on the flat prairie can seem so boring and most folks find southern Saskatchewan to be uninteresting to them.  But I find such joy in the wide blue sky and fields that stretch as far as the eye can see!  So when you are driving along flat and straight roads, then suddenly you come to a rise, the view of a valley is such a surprise!  God's unexpected blessings for those of us who will truly appreciate it!

I will post more of the adventure later...here are a few pictures to illustrate our journey so far...

                                                           A Doe and Twin Fawns

Officially on holidays!
We will be doing some small projects around our cabin, like redoing the firepit, weed trimming and replacing a door to the lean-to.  I have also found a new crossword puzzle book and Walter, well he has a new hobby so he will be entertained!
Every few days we come back to the city to shower and restock groceries.  Our cabin is pretty rustic: 1970's wall panelling, garage sale furnishings and no running water.  I love the challenge of cooking over the fire, but it isn't necessary for our survival.  We have electricity so run a fridge, stove and microwave.  Life is simple at the cabin and that's what I love about it!
Just a few neighbours have cabins around us, so it's quiet.  If we want to visit, they are friendly, but otherwise, we all leave each other to our own private spaces.  We are only a small walk from a boat launch/dock.  A half hour walk would get us to Katepwa Beach but we usually drive there because a beach usually requires "stuff" like snacks, towels and other paraphernalia. 
Why am I blogging?  Why am I not relaxing and disengaging?  Well, just as Walter's hobbies are his outlet for creativity and thinking time, my hobbies are music and writing.  I actually downloaded some creative writing exercises and will take some time to just write for fun! 
Speaking of hobbies, I alluded to Walter's new hobby:  a VW Beetle!  He advertised and sold his 1928 Dodge Bros. project, which got stalled because he couldn't find parts.  A friend's dad bought it and has the connections to acquire the parts...and it will be nice to see/hear the progress on the old car!  In the meantime, Walter was able to find a 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle and our coworker brought it down from Birch Hills, SK to Regina for the price of a BBQ rib supper!  Now Walter is on YouTube and websites to learn all about his new love.  And he is starting a YouTube channel to document his project and to facilitate his dramatic side!  You can find it under the name "Beetle Build" if you are curious.
So if I'm not writing or experimenting with foil dinners, I will be out in the saskatoon bushes.  The berries are ripe and we have picked a couple gallon pails full already.  A blessing from the Lord is that the mosquitoes are almost non-existent this year.
See ya' later!