Now we reverse directions and head back west again although along a different trail (Trans Canada Hwy #1) from the eastern one.  I see the sky brightening to the west after last night’s storm.  The air is fresh and clean and the breeze feels like the brush of a gal’s silk skirt it’s so gentle and cool after such heat and humidity.

Highly recommended by Bill & Lin is “Bill’s Sticky Fingers” rib eatery in Portage la Prairie just 50 miles out of Wpg.  So as we drive right past it, we stop and place a ‘to go’ order for our campfire grub later in the day. 

Bill's Sticky Fingers

Waitin' to Get Sticky

We continue trotting west for another seven hours of flat, straight highway and arrive in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan by 7:00 PM.  Once again we set up in ‘Wally World’ camping lot. Just what would us trail riders do without these types of water holes along the way?

Within an hour we are reunited with DB’s daughter Sandi and granddaughter Taryn who greatly surprises me by telling me I’m the greatest grandmother in the whole world.  And this from a 14 year old!  Wow, these are the moments in life to be treasured.  I tell her I am flattered and honoured to be held in such high esteem.

Taryn has completely morphed in the past two years since we last saw her.  She is no longer a young ‘un but a young lady.

Instant Pals Taryn & Atma

 August 14, is overcast and cool, but reunions have a way of keeping you warm!  Best pal, Best Man, & Dan’s godfather Wayne (Weiner) is knocking at our door and it is soooo good to see him! 

Another friend from Air Force days looking good and doing much better than two years ago.  We all know how life lasso’s us now and again, but we also know that we can survive and end up with new widsom.

Wayne Relaxes with Atma

Chief Wayne BBQ Cooker

We decide to see if we can find a spot in an RV park and are successful at River Park Campground.  We’re among the trees and it is lovely.  The five of us enjoy a group dinner ‘round a blazin’ campfire. So much laughter, love, hugs, fun and camaraderie.  What a fabulous day!

Chowing Down

Saturday we went to the Willow Tree Collection store where Sandi works .Hitched the 400 horses to the parking meters and I bought out the store!  Fabulous natural, soy candles in 60 scents all made with aromatherapy oils.  Candles, perfume, crystal quartz tea light holder, body lotion and deodorant all rustled up in the store with all natural ingredients were some of my purchases.  

Sandi Loves Her Job

I took the photo opportunity to capture some of the other exquisite items.

The sculptures are all Vitruvian inspired.

Lithsome

Scorpio Fairy

Upon leaving the  shop, for no apparent reason, my lower back suddenly feels like it got pinched in the saloon door! Musta been all them thar long days in the saddle.

 Again, we finished off the day with a picnic table loaded down with salad, buns, blueberry pie and ice cream!  Great coffee awaits at the ‘ol campfire.

 Sunday dawns cool and blustery with more rain.  No cattle trail today, we all spend a quiet day indoors, just as well as my back needs complete rest and lots of meds!

Meds, meds, meds

Cheers!

PS: Your comments are most welcome!

We are on the trail at 7:00 AM after showers, coffee, and an Atma walk to greet the sun in an endless prairie sky.

 The miles roll by and we cross into Manitoba about Noon.  The landscape now begins to have a few rolling sections. The greenery and increase in groves of trees speaks to the more moist climate. (Manitoba has 10,000 lakes!)

We arrive in Portage la Prairie which holds many,many memories as it was our homestead for 12 years when DB was with the Airforce.  We were married here and son Dan was born here in the city’s centennial year, 1970.  As we mosey down the main street I recognize nothing!  Heck, it’s only been 32 years!  Just one of the little irritating reminders of how much time has gone by.

We circle the wagons in an RV park among the peace of trees.  Distanced from traffic, we rest well.

Siiigh.

Cheers!

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