Followed the path of the twinning of the Trans Mountain Pipeline (thick oil) from Kamloops to Edmonton.  To me it is a monumental undertaking.  Heavy equipment and thousands of workers.   When the original was built in the 50’s  there must have been fewer disruptions as the area is quite built up now but still a major feat.

Our destination was the heart of middle Saskatchewan.  Travelled through the province countless times but always to reach another far off place.  Never stayed more than a motel here and there just to get through the vast distances in as little time as possible.

Encountered beautiful lakes with sandy beaches that rival the best that the Great Lakes have to offer, but without the massive crowds.   Went boating and sailing with neighbours who have a cottage on a very lovely lake.  A three generation vaccine free family. They were all there.  Could not get GMG out of the water.  She’s part dolphin. Hated to leave the area but all good things come to an end. Went farther north to a provincial Park for a few days.  Same experience with the beaches.  A hidden secret.  I never knew.

On the whole trip we only saw one f..king mask.  It was as if Covid never happened in Alberta and Sask.   Had limited cell coverage so we missed out on what was happening in the world.   This was a trip through the productive part of Canada, resource speaking.   The huge fields of wheat, soy and canola.  Likely all GMO but it’s always impressive.  The cattle and other operations interspersed with small settlements that at one time were bustling centres of local commerce.  Now just a few homes, general store, church and a gas station.

This was a vacation and Covid was not discussed.  I did ask a young lady about her family’s  vast farming operation. All GPS  and other modern techniques down to a science.  Multi-generation, technology and machinery intensive.

She unfortunately got three shots to visit her “nan” in an assisted living facility.  She is a Sask Parks interpreter and lead an informative nature walk through the bush.  She had a cough, congestion and sniffles.  Told me its been going around all Summer. Hmmm….  She can’t shake it and didn’t think it was bad enough to take the time off or there would be no one to take her place.  There are lots of help wanted signs.  Shortage of workers everywhere.  These people are tough.  it’s the farming lifestyle.  Just get it done.

The Turd is definitely not popular there.  I didn’t get into a discussion.

I hear mask wearing has become a thing again in Vancouver. It’s going to be culture shock. When will it end for these people.  GMG says death will part them from their masks.  She’s joking, right?  Right?