Canada 2013: Alberta farm life
Part Three: This leg of our journey started in the wee hours of Sunday morning. We were unable to find accommodation in Banff, and so decided to drive through to Calgary a day early. Cheyenne and Madi picked us up from the airport where we returned our little friend, the Fiat 500. Upon arrival at the Cloete family residence we were welcomed with open arms into a beautiful home – even at that unearthly hour. We felt so relieved and energised.
Being able to share the day-to-day life in Canada with Madi, Franco, Cheyenne, Tammy and Maple the St. Bernard was a great experience. They live on a farm about an hour south of Calgary near the small town of Nanton. We have such fond memories of sitting outside on warm summer evenings watching the sun set over the barley fields, and in true South African style having a couple of delicious braais. Our days were filled with all sorts of unique experiences and exploration of the region; Okotoks, High River (devastated by recent flooding), Claresholm, Calgary, Fort MacLeod, Bar-U Ranch and Nanton to name a few. After the days’ activities, drifting asleep at night to the sound of coyotes calling in the distance was a real treat.
Nanton is a quaint little town where we visited a few antique/thrift stores. I could easily have bought everything I laid my eyes on! One of the town’s claims to fame is a very well stocked candy shop, where Imar developed a Twizzler obsession. Some other adventures in Nanton include coffee at Tumbleweed, seeing Tammy perform in her music camp show, visiting the Museum of Miniatures and attending the Community Rodeo (pictures to follow soon). What a highlight. Thank you to Madi and family for your amazing hospitality and love. Our time in Alberta will always hold a very special place in our heart!
I read your post and browsed your beautiful photo-memories with a big smile on my face. The images are deliciously Albertan-Canadian! It’s a special treat to see our tramping ground through your eyes.
We still laugh at ‘thank you’ spoken in the Imar-tone and keep digging up sweet little nuggets in conversations, from your time with us. Thank you again for coming all the way to Canada to see us and enjoy the beauty of this great land.
We love you.
Love the photos!! Such precious, beautiful memories! thanks for sharing