Calgary and Erratic Rocks

8/2/2019

Morning sun warmed us as we walked along the river trail at Bow River campground near Banff. 

Wildflowers brightened the walk where openings in the canopy allowed light to reach the forest floor. 

Showers and a stop to fill our fresh water tank were on the morning agenda. 

Facilities at Bow River Campground were first rate. Five lanes made this one of the largest, and most efficient, dump stations we've ever seen.

From Banff, we headed east to Calgary, which appears to be an active and growing city. It was much hillier than we expected, with a good amount of green space, and some modern light rail. Our destination here was another Alberta Historical Site, The Lougheed House, where we found free onsite parking.

After signing up for a tour, we explored the gallery on the bottom floor. There is also a small restaurant in the building.

Quilts, like this one, were made by Métis artists. For more about the Métis culture, read the story of Isabella Clark Hardisty, who once lived in the house.

Focusing on an individual square, we could see fine bead work.

While Beth enjoyed fabric art, I was taken with stunning owl prints by Edmonton photographers Harry and Sreedevi Colquhoun. Their website, Grey Ghost Nature Photography, is worth checking out for anyone interested in bird photography.

As the clock chimed one, we headed upstairs for a guided tour of the mansion.

Built in 1891, the house is preserved with furnishings representative of the era.

The inset skylight over this table was different from other homes we've toured. I would feel uncomfortable with the moose to my back. Our guide, obviously fond of the history of the house, was a good story teller and answered all the questions presented by our little four person tour group.

We ended our visit here by wandering through the estate gardens.

Another fifty minutes down the road, we detoured to find the Okotoks Erratic. Looking out of place, a huge rock stands above the prairie. The 18,200 ton boulder was deposited between 10,000 and 30,000 years ago by a retreating glacier.

The "Big Rock" has spiritual significance to the indigenous Blackfoot people.

Our day ended at Highwood Golf, a Harvest Host* site. We enjoyed dinner in their air conditioned clubhouse as temperatures reached into the nineties. A spot in the back of their parking lot gave us a quiet place to spend the night. They had plenty of room for any size rig.

* If you are interested in joining Harvest Hosts, please click on this referral link to save 15% on your membership. We receive a small incentive. 

Map of the day: Banff to High River, Alberta