Alberta in Autumn
Kirby and I travelled to Alberta to visit his parents at the end of September. It was a quick trip, only three nights, and we didn’t know what to expect since it was our first time flying since the beginning of the pandemic. We were surprised to see how busy the airport and plane were and aside from the fact that we had to wear a mask the whole time, the experience was all rather predictable.
During our first day in Olds we reacquainted ourselves with our surroundings and went for a drive around Didsbury and Olds.
We ran a few errands and much to my delight, actually came across a farmer’s market.
We had a nice dinner and afterwards Kirby and I went for a beautiful sunset walk. We both really missed the Alberta sky.
That evening we enjoyed a couple hands of euchre.
The next day we went for a drive west of town to Ya Ha Tinda Ranch. It was nice to be close to the mountains again
Ya Ha Tinda means “mountain prairie” in Stoney Nakoda and the ranch is owned and managed by Parks Canada, the only federally operated working horse ranch in Canada. Horses are wintered and trained here to be used as working horses for patrolling and Canada’s Western National Parks. The area is also a popular camping destination for equestrian campers who can bring their horses out and explore the trail system that leads from the Ranch.
Aside from the stunning scenery, we also got to glimpse a big horn sheep from a distance and several herds of wild horses that call the area home.
That evening we enjoyed a nice meal and reflected on how nice it was to be together in person.
We’re already looking forward to our next visit.
gabandkirby 