Spokane and the Scablands

A September snowstorm that dumped two feet of snow in southern Alberta resulted in avoiding travel through the Crowsnest Pass. Heading south to catch I90, the snow left us, although there was plenty of crisp mountain air. 

Highway 15 driving south of Lethbridge

The snow is left behind in Helena. 

Continuing to I90 and then west to Coure  d’Alene, Idaho took us through some spectacular scenery. This prairie girl however, does not enjoy driving down the mountain (actually riding as ALL the driving is done by Lynn).  I am sure the floor in the truck is getting weaker from my feet pushing against it.  Black Island RV Park was a lovely place to spend the night.  This is a locally owned park with very responsive owners and excellent facilities.  

A first RV repair was handled by our dealer CamAm RV, Winnipeg. CanAm arranged for a new furnace (a major repair) to be installed by Click RV in Spokane. 5 out of 5 stars is awarded to both dealers for competent, efficient and professional service.  What do you do in a US city while your rv is being repaired?  Shop!  Spokane provided a fun filled day of shopping at some of my favourite places. I stepped into Trader Joes to buy some Everything Bagel seasoning. A sprinkle of this dresses up a plain bagel to an everything. Delicious!! And it was a bit longer than a step in. 

Cooler temperatures were left behind in favour of some fall camping at Sun Lakes Dry Falls Campground. Heading west from Spokane the countryside is surprisingly flat like the prairies. 

Dry Falls a Washington Wonder

About two hours west, at Coulee City that all changes into badlands or what geologists refer to as the Scablands. This is a beautiful area of Washington that I am guessing doesn’t get a lot of attention.Sun Lake Dry Falls State Park Interpretive Centre looks out to Dry Falls, a dried up waterfall that was higher than Niagara Falls.  The geological history of this area is fascinating and it is hard to believe it was once covered in raging water.  A favourite memory is the hike to the caves. The caves and the landscape reminded me of the series of books by Jean Auel (Clan of the Cave Bear series).

This park also has bike trails and a lovely little lake for water sports. Don’t pass by this place if ever in the area. 

W

If You’re Not From the Prairie

Driving west on the #1 Highway to Calgary I was reminded of the picture book by David Bouchard.  He talks about knowing the wind, the skies, the storms and the earth and how when you live on the prairie they are part of the heart and soul. 

I am a prairie girl.  I enjoy travelling and learning about other parts of the world, their customs and culture. I have lived along the Alaska Highway, in Manitoba’s north and in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. But as a child and for the past 23 years I have lived on the prairies.

On this trip west I found myself breathing in the beauty of the Saskatchewan and Alberta prairies.  The fields had transformed from green to gold. The sun was pouring down on us under an endless sky.  Miles of fence posts adorned the side of the road as far as the eye can see.  Dust clouds rose in the distance as farmers try to get their crops in before frost. Grazing cows and calves roamed their field. Railway cars that themselves are works of art stood motionless on the tracks. 

These sights bring what I am going to say is peace and tranquility to my soul. I remember feeling this way every time I returned to the prairies from wherever I lived. 

The prairies encounter snowstorms, mostly unwelcome. Even on the prairie, one doesn’t expect a snowstorm that drops 50 cm of snow in September. But on this fall weekend southern Alberta was hit hard. Driving was not recommended and even school was cancelled. Leaves were still in fall mode with their fall colours beautifully displayed. However after the storm they quickly dropped upon the white covered ground. The chill in the air was not one like in mid winter but in 36 hours the land had quickly transformed from fall to winter. 

  

As Bouchard says “on the prairies we know the wind, the sky, the earth, the storms and the snow”.  

Fishing, Fishcakes & G & T’s

We are a retired educator (L) and retired nurse (A) who along with our geologist husbands (L) and (B) will be partaking in travels and adventures. The blog will let us share stories with family and friends and aid in keeping our minds productive through writing.   Sometimes we will blog together and sometimes not.
Our first trip was a short trip to Fishing Lake, Sk. We spent a week fishing, swimming, paddling, cooking healthy delicious meals and enjoying g and t’s. We ate walleye in various forms but one of the yummiest was thanks to (B). He made a Saskatchewan version of Newfoundland fish cakes. The basics of this recipe are left over potatoes and fish. Ours were left over potatoes done on the barbecue with carrots, onion and dill. (The mini masher {5.99 T-Fal Can Tire}is great to have in the camper for this purpose. I made these many times in July and it sure beat mashing with a fork.).

I don’t think mine are as good as (B)’s but I have learned that it is okay to experiment with the ingredients and no matter my ratios, they have been a hit with everyone. Below is the recipe I worked from. I did not add the sour creme and used whatever herbs and spices on hand....... mainly dill, salt and pepper. They are yummy and use any white fish you have on hand and see what happens.

https://www.daringgourmet.com/classic-fish-cakes/

(A) always insists on at least two veggies to accompany the meal...... a bonus of camping with a nurse. Try a black bean and corn salad and a garden salad along with the cakes. Delicious.

The recommended cocktail with these fishcakes is a G & T. Refreshing on a hot summer day.  Truth is I didn’t enjoy this drink until now. Guess we are in retirement mode.

Much of the fun making these is catching the fish. Thanks to husbands (L) and (B) for the cleaning though.