It was the nicest day so far of spring, and a holiday at that.
The road beckoned my partner/wife and I for a long drive.
Packing some food and water to deal with uncertainties of southern Saskatchewan businesses on a holiday, we headed down Highways 39 and 339 towards Briercrest.
Usually, I commented, a herd of antelope hangs out along 339 but I saw none. Then a buck and his harem of five does appeared, resting by the road side.
We spotted a huge old two-storey farm house in the distance and wondered what the story was, how many kids the family had. Now the old stucco place is vacant and falling down.
My partner started chatting about plans for our 50th wedding anniversary this fall. I’d rather she handle it all but she insists on my input.
The guest list probably will be a lot smaller than our 25th. So many friends and family have gone to the other side with the Grim Reaper.
We head to Weyburn via Avonlea, recalling the terrible heat the day of Avonlea’s Heritage Day last year.
In Weyburn we find lunch at the Main Track and head west on Highway 13 towards Assiniboia. The number of farms along the highway with for sale signs, some side by side, surprises us.
At Ogema my partner photographs the flapping flags.
It’s mid-afternoon. My partner is into her 3 p.m. travelling mood. We head up Highway 38 past the Rose Valley Colony in search of bird photos.
I see a faraway goose or duck in the middle of a water body. We stop. I get out, focus the big lens on the bird, only to find it is a tuft of grass in the water.
My partner laughs and comments on my need for new eye glasses.
Three farmers south of Crane Valley are breaking up large tracts of Prairie sod. We wonder if this is Crown land sold by the government to these farmers.
A cool looking draft horse with paint horse markings is the only thing moving near Crane Valley on this day.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
