East or West?

7/23/2019

So, having traveled 420 miles east from the Rockies, we discussed continuing east or turning around and seeing more of the mountain west. Checking with Canadian friends we were assured that space would be available near iconic Rocky Mountain Canadian Parks. The decision was made to turn around and head west again.

A pretty morning in Saskatoon where we enjoyed showers in the clean, and coin free, facilities.

Gordon Howe Campground was a fine place to stay in Saskatoon. Wide  streets and mature shade trees helped keep sites cool and relatively private.

Packed and ready to roll a little after 0900, we were happy to depart without painter's tape on this picture window.

An hour later we pulled off for a snack at a scenic overlook. The South Saskatchewan river winds through the landscape behind thistle and a railroad line.

Informative signage at the overlook was sadly abused.

Beth picked the Fort Battleford National Historic Site as our lunch time stop. Battleford was once the capitol of the Northwest Territories, therefore this Royal Canadian Mounted Police Fort was built here in 1876.

Looking at a posted map, Fort Whoop-Up is now on our list of places to find.

The main building has been nicely restored. Outside, the two red chairs assured us it was a national site.

Soldiers shared rather rudimentary sleeping arrangements.

This beautiful Happy Thought cooking range was the centerpiece of the kitchen. An entertaining catalog is available to view on the Internet Archive. The company was very proud of their products... "The Heights of Perfection are Obtained by Buck's Happy Thought Range."

We ate lunch in the campground within view of the fort, then moved on as the day was still young.

Passed more yellow canola fields today. Once we entered Alberta oil pumps and tanks started popping up amongst the yellow. Maybe this is where canola oil comes from ;-)

A little after 1700, Elk Point Recreation Park had a shaded spot for only $20.

We settled into our highest latitude site to date. It was 87° Farenheit here in Elk Point, Alberta, hot for this far north. 

53°53′17″ N 110°55′24″ W

Today's northwest track.