Camrose, AB to Grande Prairie, AB

We slept well, waking a few times to hear raindrops on the roof. By morning, the sky had mostly cleared. After a big breakfast and a fuel stop ($1.129/l), we hit the road at 9:30 a.m.

It was a pretty drive from Camrose to Edmonton, with lots of trees, green fields and some really big homes (Edmonton commuter’s maybe?). The #216 bypass was a good choice except that once we got to the west side of town there was lots of construction.

We stopped for a look at the Sundial Elevator at the little town of Sangudo. There was an ‘authentic’ trapper’s log cabin there as well.

Continuing our drive North on #43, we caught a glimpse of the CNR Rochfort Bridge trestle which is the second longest wooden railroad trestle in the world. Lots of wood and creosote went into its construction.

Our next stop was at the “Fallen Four Memorial Park” in Mayerthorpe, AB. This park features four life-size bronze statues of each of the RCMP officers killed on March 3, 2005 during an investigation at a nearby farm. There is also a center obelisk dedicated to all fallen peace officers. This stop was a very worthwhile and moving experience. Such a tragedy.

We continued on up Highway #43 to Grande Prairie where we will spend the night in the Visitor Centre parking lot. It is adjacent to a beautiful park but just as we started off on a walk in the park, it started to rain hard so we hoofed it back to the motorhome.

After a while, the rain stopped so we walked over to the nearby Tony Roma’s restaurant for supper. By the time we got back to the motorhome, it was sunny and warm (15 C) so we went for the walk that had been interrupted earlier. The park is really lovely with a little lake and footbridge. The uniquely designed Regional College buildings were beautifully reflected in Bear Creek.

The days are noticeably longer already. This picture was taken at 8:30 p.m. and it's as sunny as mid-day!