7/25/2019
After a night of driveway camping at Rhonda and Dan's we took advantage of being in Edmonton to get the tires aired up, wheel lugs torqued, van washed, groceries stocked, and the air pump exchanged (just before the 1 year warranty ran out). The plan is to meet them later in the day at a campground west of here.
After the flourish of shopping we got on the road, but didn't go very far before stopping at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Beth paid the $18 admission, but I elected to walk a trail back towards the River. With 240 acres to explore, I didn't know when I might see her again.
Beth took a few (hundred) photos on her stroll. This one is Punica granatum 'Nana" (Dwarf Pomegranate)
Their indoor tropical garden had exotic butterflies.
The most recent addition to the garden was contributed by His Highness Aga Khan, a business magnate and Imam who received his title from Queen Elizabeth.
Plants that bloom in May at home were blooming here in late July. Beth enjoyed the gardens and I felt better after a little hike.
Two hours down the road we found the campground thanks to good directions from Rhonda and Dan.
The primitive campground is in a pretty setting.
Rhonda and Dan arrived ahead of us and found a neat site on the lake.
We found them, or they found us, as they paddled back to the campsite.
Beth found a new-to-us wildflower.
After dinner we walked down to watch the sunset, but couldn’t stand the bugs once we stood still.
Thankfully Dan had a fire started so we retreated there and enjoyed toasting marshmallows for s’mores.
7/26/2019
Slept in ‘till 0800 after a quiet night by the lake.
Dan and I went for a paddle to see the Osprey and more of the lake. A family of loons paddled by along with some other ducks we couldn’t identify and the ubiquitous Canada Geese. Snacked and chatted through the afternoon while trying to prevent mosquitoes from biting.
'Chef' Dan prepared most of dinner with steak, veggies, and a special treat; fried pirogies on the camp stove.
Evening brought another relaxing conversation around the campfire.
Beth and Dan discussed travel plans on our last morning together. Dan was protected from the cold while Beth was more worried about mosquitoes.
We appreciate Rhonda and Dan sharing their campsite with us! Hopefully, they will come let us show them North Carolina sometime.
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