Before we get started... as usual the full album for this post can be reached on the link on the left... or... by clicking here.
The truth is, there just isn't enough time. As a child you think that there is more time than you could ever fill, but as you mature into a workaholic adult you realize how wrong you really are. Technically, I am working three jobs. Working at PennWest always has priority and it takes up 9+ hours of every work day (and time on weekends when I can spare it and am somehow caught up on other work). Then I work for myself, and that work takes up my evenings. Finally, I am making martial arts equipment and that is taking... well... I am running out of time to fill up. I am squeezing swimming into mornings, and I have yet to find a time to squeeze in martial arts (but it is coming soon).
The moral of the story is that I am very very busy. I am not the only one who happens to be busy. Becky, a dear friend of mine has a similar schedule, but instead of copious amounts of work, she plays copious amounts of soccer and ultimate frisbee.
It is summer, and the time for going out and doing stuff is upon us. Given the busyness we had to tweak some schedules to make everything work. We were supposed to go to the badlands and the Canadian Passion Play next weekend, but we also wanted to go to the Columbia Icefields. Becky had to be in Hanna for a family reunion last weekend, so with a little switch we were able to hit two events in one weekend, and then save next weekend for the Icefields.
So with a longwinded intro, that brings us to the plot...
This is the tale of Alexander, and Becky, in the badlands.
Like most of these tales this one started with a Friday. Becky lives in Calgary and would drive to Hanna after work. I would leave from Drayton and meet her there. So that is how it went. I looked at google and got some directions. I was told that Highway 9 had some nasty construction so I took an alternate route that would take me through Stettler. I thought it would be fun to see Stettler anyways because my mom grew up there and I have heard many many stories. This was a good plan, but, there was a flaw.
So I write letters to people, for birthday, or Christmas, or whatever. Sometimes I have been told it can be difficult to read my writing... actually... even I find it difficult to read my writing. Maybe I wrote it down wrong, or maybe I just couldn't read it. Long story short, my google directions weren't quite accurate. I was driving east and looking for Highway 865 south. I passed Highway 862, and then some looooong time later I hit the junction for Highway 872. Oops. I was a little lost for a minute and then I remembered my phone has a GPS (I also have a GPS which my Granddad gave me, but when I charged it the night before (and I did) I somehow neglected to plug the charger into the wall... oops again...). Anyways, my GPS eventually found me... sort of... and then with google maps I was able to locate a suitable detour.
Lost in the Prairies
I turned south at Coronation and was Hanna bound once more. Now, some people might find it amusing that I um... lost my way... and I don't blame them, I found it amusing as well, but, as much as people might sneer and laugh we never truly get lost - everything happens for a reason. And so it was that in the middle of no where I found that reason.
Mirage
Breaking the Imagination
Still Lost in the Prairie
This journey truly was eventful. As I drove down random prairie roads I saw some amazing things. I saw cows inside fences... I saw cows outside fences... I even saw a skunk. He was crossing the road and I just missed him. As I looked into the rear view mirror I could see the skunk paused with his tail raised as the stank up the road. I saw beautiful prairies, and beautiful lakes, and I saw one of the most exquisite sunsets I've ever seen. It was a great journey.
I rolled into Hanna while it was still light, and after getting lost again (this time was Becky's fault... she gave me directions to get Grandma's house from the south, when clearly she should have foreseen that I would be coming from the north). I found the house... eventually... and I found Becky. I snatched her away from her family with haste and we booked it to the Fox Lake Campground while there was still light.
Cowgirls and Cameras
Sunset
When you are flexible, and you just let things happen, things tend to fall into place perfectly. The plans you made might not reflect the journey, but the trip will be perfect. This was one of those trips. We rolled into the campground, and found one of the last (if not the last) spots. It was right on the beach and looking over that gorgeous sunset. We went to pay and when we were there we inquired about purchasing some wood. The manager bade us grab as much as we could carry and be on our way without payment. Back at the camp we set up the tent, and then I went about making the fire. We were short on paper but our neighbours graciously offered us some and so again things fell into place.
Campfire
It is hard to explain how perfect it was. The sunset. The fire. The hot dogs. Everything.
We eventually headed to bed and rested as much as possible for the busy weekend.
The Morning View
We woke with the sun, we sat up, and we looked over a beautiful lake and beautiful prairies. It is hard to get better than that. We packed up and were on our merry. Breakfast was at Grandma's so we drove back to Hanna and enjoyed some home made toast and home made cinnamon buns. It was a brief breakfast and then we were on our way again.
Historical Hanna
It reminded me of the trips we used to do when I was young. Nanny and Granddad would take us kids from Calgary to Drumheller to go to the Dinosaur museum. We used to sit in that great big van and eat McDonalds while Granddad did the driving. When we got there we would go through and look at the many wonders before us. I remember those trips well, and I remember looking at my favourite dinosaurs then, and seeing them again now.
I am truly blessed to have memories such as these.
Them are some Bad Lands
The Royal Tyrell Museum
As we went then, Becky and I went now. We drove into the badlands, into Drumheller, and then up to the museum. It is amazing what you remember about such a place. I cannot even think of how long since I have been there, but the memories are clear. We went in, and I swear that I still feel that same awe and wonder when staring at the fossils of these great beasts. It was incredible, and for all of you who went when you were a child, but have not been since... it is time to go again.
Tyrell Museum
A Tiny Dino
Me and Somethingatops
The Death Post
Brothers
Final moments
The King of the Dinosaurs
Staring down a Trike
The Last Night
We needed to go back to Hanna for the family reunion that afternoon but we still had some time to kill. We grabbed a power lunch of McDonalds (just like old times) and headed towards the Hoodoos.
We went to the Hoodoos in part because we wanted to see them, but also because we needed to look for a place to camp. When we got there we saw that on the road, just past the Hoodoos, the road was closed. We happened to notice that the blockade only covered part of the road and the Jeep could easily manoeuver around it. We parked the car, we saw the Hoodoos, and we climbed atop a great hill to see if we could see a spot to camp.
The Closed Road
Desert
Striations
Badlands
We could see the closed road for a ways and it headed into a valley which was dry, desolate, and isolated; the perfect spot for camping. We noted our location and then returned to the car.
Columns of Rock
Hoodoos
Desert Flower
The drive to Hanna went quickly and then we made it to the reunion. I had only met Becky's parents once and never anyone else in her family so I was introduced to the horde. It felt kind of strange crashing someone else's family reunion, but the company was good, and we had a great time. They are a funny bunch of people (like ha ha... not like... odd...) and I had some good laughs. It was a bit hard to try and remember all of the names, but I did what I could.
Inquisitive at the Reunion
When the night drew on and the sun began to sink Becky and I snuck away to try and find a camping spot in the badlands. We took the scenic route to Drumheller again, and instead of driving by, this time we stopped at a picturesque abandoned farm house. The mosquitoes were moderate so we braved that hardship and wandered through the tall grass to the house. It was amazing to think about the people who must have lived there. I mean, it wasn't that old (as nothing in Alberta is) it it was old, and for an old farmhouse it was quite large. We did a lap around, got a heap of photos, and then fled to the Jeep while we still had enough blood left to do so.
Abandoned Farm
The Holey House
Farmhouse
Fields of Gold
It wasn't far from there to the Hoodoos and when we arrived we pulled the Jeep up to the road closed sign. We read the sign carefully: "Road Closed," and then we promptly ignored it. The Jeep has done lots of hauling, but in its long life (13 going on 30) it has not done much off-roading. This wasn't really off-roading, it was a road afterall, but it was in pretty rough shape. We didn't know why the road was closed, and it wasn't too bad. There were plenty of ruts in that first bit, but it was manageable. We continued in for a few minutes and then came across another Jeep. They were on a side path so we ignored them and continued about ten feet. At that point we came across an exposed culvert... even with the Jeeps four wheel drive we would have a tough time getting over. We parked.
Sunset in the Badlands
When the Sky comes Alive
Colour
Our plan was to walk in a bit further to find a good camp spot. If we could get behind one of the hills we would be isolated from the road, and any lights, and well... everything. That was what we wanted. We wandered in on foot for about 20-30 minutes and we found many amazing things. The light was fading fast so the amazing things were sort of... dark... but amidst hoodoos and cacti we found a sandy spot that was up against the valley wall. There were no plants here, so we didn't have to worry about fire. In general... it was perfect.
We walked back to the Jeep. The other Jeep was gone, but we remembered that they were on a side road. We backed up and headed down that path to try and go around the exposed culvert. It was a rough ride (since we had to cross the dry creek bed that ran through the culvert) but the Jeep made it without any hesitation. We continued down the road, which was in rougher and rougher shape, until we made it to where we wanted to camp. There were some pools of water on the road, in tire ruts, (which was amazing given the desertness of the badlands), and I managed to pull a back tire through one. The water mixed with the mud made a great sinkhole, and though only one tire went through the Jeep tilted as it was sucked down. I made a mental note to avoid all water, no matter how shallow it looked.
We parked the Jeep just around the corner from where we wanted to camp (Becky was my cacti watch as I backed up) and then got camp ready. This was nasty. There were so so so many mosquitoes. We could hear a few bats up above but there were not enough to keep us safe. It was killer hot but we both threw on hoodies and pulled up the hoods to keep us safeish. As soon as we got enough equipment to the campsite I went about building the fire. We needed that fire. We would throw some sage on and try and make smoke to get rid of the bugs. If we didn't, it would be a tent night for us.
Camping in the Badlands 1
Campfire
The wood from the night before was bone dry, and we still had paper from our ex-camping-neighbours. It did not take long to get a fire going. As we got the rest of the camp ready I tossed on some sage to make some smoke and to reduce the bugs some. By the time everything had been set up the mosquitoes were held at bay... either that, or they were satiated... ugh.
S'mores
Camping in the Badlands 2
It was Becky's birthday on Monday, and though I had written her a semi-legible letter, I missed the party her friends threw for her. This was a private party. We got the fire roaring and we pulled out the s'mores. We had already eaten at the family reunion, but there is always room for s'mores. We had s'mores with Caramilk and then for my first time we had s'mores with Reese Peanut Butter Cups. It was fantastic.
Camping in the Badlands 3
The bugs had died down, or at least the like one bat out there was doing his job. On that, it was amazing. We could hear the bat screeching to sonar his way around, and then when he dove for a catch it made this crazy sound like a loud buzz. My guess was that the bat just flapped super hard to speed up to catch the bug and that was the sound, but who knows. Other than that the only life we had heard was a pack of coyotes. On a hill far away...
We cracked out some birthday Romeo and Juiliettas No. 1 and enjoyed the night.
There was some lightning in the distance, which gave us some concern as the badlands are apt to flash flooding, but with a perfect night like that it was hard to be worried.
S'mores, cigars, a near full moon, and a perfect night.
Camping in the Badlands 4
Awake in the Badlands
From the Rear
From the Side
It is hard to truly appreciate what it is to wake up and to be surrounded by the badlands. Epic is truly the only way to describe it. We never put the fly on the tent, and the way my tent is built that meant that we could see everything around us. Sometime in the middle of the night the clouds cleared up and we were able to see everything... the moon, the land, the everything.
Epic.
This is the view we woke up to:
Camping in the Badlands 5
We had another fire, a few more hot dogs, and some pop tarts. What a way to start the day. It did not take long for us to pack up the camp and then we were on our way.
A Balanced Meal
Breakfast
My Own Rodeo
Google Maps said that the road we were on dead-ended somewhere in the valley we were in. We were already on the closed road so why not investigate to the end. We took our final photos of the site, including a tree shaped like a bench, and then we were in the Jeep and on our way.
The Perfect Scene
It was really not hard to see why the road was closed now, but at a slow pace we continued. We got to see the badlands as they were, and we got to see traces of the wild west. There were some rusted pipes lying exposed on the ground (looked like they were cast iron), and then we saw a broken down wagon buried in the sand. On the hill behind there were more ruins, but we didn't think we could climb back down if we climbed up to see it. It was something though, to see history like this, lost in the desert, and to imagine what it would have been like. That cart belonged to someone, and once upon a time they rode through the floor of the valley just like we did.
The Glorious Steed
A Long Since Abandoned Wagon
The Wild West
Old and Broken Pipes
We kept going. It was strange, Google Maps said the road ended, but we had gone a long way. No matter, we thought that we would just keep going. The road continued to get worse, but the Jeep was still fine with it. We dodged ruts, and drove through the grass to detour around where the road had been washed into the creek. The road changed from a dry strip the width of a car to just two lines through the rough where tires had burned out the vegetation.
We drove beside the stream and then continued on a narrow path that began to crawl up the valley wall. We thought that we might be able to continue forwards up and out of the badlands. We went for it. It did not take long for us to be in a position where our hearts were in our stomachs. Becky was in the passenger seat and looking down a cliff, and my head was out the window to see where the tires were since we were on such an angle I could not see over the hood. Backing up wasn't really an option at that point so we continued forwards.
Driving Out
Yep, there was a really sick feeling in my stomach at one point, but the adventure made it all worthwhile. I am just glad that the Jeep is a high performance machine and that its skid plates are in good condition...
We crawled up the side of that cliff, and then up and over a final hill. We found ourselves out of the badlands and in the middle of a random field. We were free... assuming that we were not locked in some farmer's field somewhere... and assuming that the farmer wasn't armed...
The Top of the World
Top of the Hill
Walk around the Top
Lease Roads to Freedom
It was fun driving through a random field, though there were a few big rocks hidden in the tall grass (thank goodness for skid plates once more). There was some oilfield equipment around so we knew there had to be lease roads out of the field. We didn't know if they would be locked or not, but we had come so far we couldn't dare go back. We drove through the grass and then in the distance we saw a vehicle trail. We joined onto the trail and then it led to a lease road. We followed the lease road and it led out of the field and onto a township road (no lock... ye haw!)...
We were free.
Home Free
We headed back to Hanna where we had a chance to relax. Becky is a musician of sorts, as anyone who had heard her play piano would know (she is exceptional), and so is her Grandma. Becky's forte is the piano, and she has recently taken up the tenor sax. On this day, Becky's Grandma taught her how to play yet another instrument... the accordian. We rested as Becky tried to make sense of this new instrument.
When the hordes arrived we enjoyed a quick lunch, and then Becky, her Grandma, and I headed back to Drumheller once more. I had never heard of the Canadian Badlands Passion Play before that day so I did not know what I was going to see, but that is where we went.
I forgot to mention this before... when Becky and I got up in the badlands, it was 28 degrees Celsius by 10:00 am. As we drove to Hanna it was 24 once we were out of the badlands, and then 22 in Hanna. When we got back for the Passion Play it was 29 degrees.
Jesus
For those of you who have not heard of the Canadian Badlands Passion Play, it is the story of Jesus. The stage is part of what makes it so amazing. The badlands make the perfect stage and it is three dimensional. There are buildings in front of the crowd, but often the cast is running in from behind and all over the place. The hills make an natural ampitheatre and of all of the shows I have ever seen this might just be the most amazing. Jesus was running from some guards and he literally ran into the distance.
It was a hot day, and people were advised to drink as much as possible. Cold cloths were available for anyone, all they had to do was raise their hand and a volunteer would bring it. During the performance one person was quietly carried away on a stretcher by the volunteers to the medical trailers out front. It was hot.
The Set
The setting was just amazing, and the cast of two hundredish made it incredible. Becky has been to Israel and she said that the badlands look remarkably like it (with the exception of the striations on the hills).
The Crucifixion
To everyone, religious or not, I highly recommend this play. It was amazing.
I just can't get over that Jesus literally ran into the distance... twice! The fact that he didn't pass out from the heat truly was a miracle!
It was an amazing weekend. I said good-bye and then headed back to Drayton. Remarkably, I didn't get lost, and I got home in good time. It was still late, so I unpacked quickly and headed to bed.
A busy weekend. A perfect weekend.
Happy Birthday, may the years only get ever better...
