14-15 June - Warner, Alberta and Morden, Manitoba

Upon departing Didsbury we decided we needed to take advantage of our being in Alberta to look up Mary Lou's cousin Bert and his partner Carol. We're so happy we did!

Along with their cats, dogs and chickens, Bert and Carol welcomed us warmly. They showed us around their beautiful little acreage, told us the amazing story of how they moved to Alberta (leaving our town of Kitchener) and found this place. It was so beautiful to hear their stories of the way they both felt their mothers' blessing on them and the affirmation they felt in purchasing this property.

Both Bert and Carol told us many stories of how they are involved in the community and have already (after 2.5 years) developed good relationships with people with neighbours stopping by to visit and check on them.

We parked our vehicle in their spacious shop for a peaceful night!

Leave-taking was powerful for Mary Lou. Our shared heritage, not always remembered or thought of, felt acknowledged and important - more than she would have imagined. We felt good about our visit and the space Bert and Carol inhabit. We hope this is not our last visit!

We left Warner and decided to pass through the town of Coaldale because this town is part of my story. My family lived there for 2 years in the early 1960s. I have no memory of this place but after passing through (and taking the requisite photos), I was inspired to touch base with my siblings to find out if they have any memories worth sharing.

Driving through this part of Alberta was different. The "big skies" Alberta is known for were fascinating. Mary Lou commented that for her they would be included in the same category as the Rocky Mountains we passed through earlier on this trip. I think the term she used was "surreal"; very different than the rolling landscape and forests we are used to in Ontario. Saskatchewan was similar to Alberta but more green.

Manitoba was different again. Maybe a combination of Saskatchewan landscapes but with more green areas. About 30 minutes outside Morden, Manitoba we found ourselves surrounded by large, white wind turbines growing out of freshly planted green fields -- beautiful from my perspective! I learned later that this alternative energy initiative is part of the St. Leon Wind Farm made up of 73 turbines generating 120 megawatts of electricity.

Our final destination was Morden where we anticipated a visit with friends from Kitchener. What a delight to visit these friends and hear their stories -- joys and challenges -- of settling into this heavily Mennonite part of the world. Can you imagine being welcomed by a 5-year old with a sign she created and a whole higher level gymnastic performance....as well as articulate conversation and responses to questions. Delightful!

I also have roots in this area as my grandparents used to farm outside Morden before moving to Ontario in 1964. We decided we didn't really need to try and figure out where their farm had been since I didn't really have memories here anyways.

We spent the night at a delightful local campground which was essentially empty and free. Amazing!