We grabbed a quick breakfast in the hotel, sorted out confusion over our bagged lunch, and then went across the road to get photos of the Large, working Sundial (located off of Highway 43, in front of Centre 2000). I have to be honest, I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. It was cool, but for some reason I expected more.The sundial measures 40 feet high and accurately tells time. Time capsules are sealed into the sundial, to celebrate the millennium. Unfortunately the World's Largest Trumpeter Swan is no longer in existence. It had to be taken down due to the high level of vandalism. As for the Massey 21 Combine and the Many Lawn Statues, we didn't take the time to look for those.
A slight detour further west to Beaverlodge to view the World's Largest Beaver (Hwy 43). It is really cool. The detail is amazing. The sculpture is 15' high and 28; long. It weighs 3000 lbs.
Continuing our journey N, we stopped at Rycroft next. The large Tepee is located at the Junction of Hwy 49 and 2 (in a very muddy parking lot). It is not in the best condition. It looks like wind as gotten the better of it. After a quick bathroom break, I asked the cashier where I might find the Wooden Train. She was amazed that it had made a website as a roadside attraction; it turns out that her brother was the one who made it.
Located at the Nardam Camp Site (just N of Rycroft, over a little bridge), the wooden train is beautifully carved. It sits atop a hill in the play area. The kids enjoyed running around and playing at the park, despite the wind. While I wouldn't stay at the camp site, the location was a great place to stop for lunch. Not only did it offer the playground, but also a small lake and a covered eating shelter. Our hotel lunch, which in the end proved to be very expensive, was not actually that enjoyable. Although, i must say I did like the Nanimo Bars.
Further N, is Hines Creek - home of the World's Largest Railway Spike (SecHwy 685W & 10St). It is nestled within a garden patch, and cute wooden train and telegraph line. We then went to tour the Hines Creek End of Steel Museum. It is a really cute collection of historical building and various relics. The museum is a self-guided walking tour. My MIL and I stayed together, while the kids ran around getting rid of their excess energy. When we were ready to go, the kids were no where in sight. My MIL and I decided to be evil and start driving away and parking the car somewhere else, to see if they would notice. They did not. We still needed to get out and find them.
Turning slightly S, the next planned stop was Fairview, to visit the Historical Dunvegan Site (I think). It turns out that it is located about 26Kms outside of Fairview, even further S. We decided to skip this stop and drive towards Brownvale instead to see the bull and rider - another town we decided to drive by. While we didn't take any photos we did see the Mile O Monument in Grimshaw, as we drove through on our way to Peace River. What beautiful territory. Wow!!! We eventually found the 12' Davis at the Crn of 102 Ave & 101 St. We then took a quick driving tour around town and stopped at the museum; although, we didn't go in. Unable to find a Best Western type hotel, we continued our journey. Not to mention, it was still relatively early.
Can you hear the buzzing? If so, it is coming from the World's Largest Bee in Falher, Honey Capital of Canada. It looks like it is made with some type of mesh wire. It is very cool. It is about 22' long and 7' in diameter. We were also fortunate enough to stop in at the visitor information center on its last working day of the season. Falher produces about 40% of Canada's honey.
We were now officially on our way home, as we headed S towards High Prairie. Although, not an originally planned stop, this is where we stayed the night. There was a hotel located along the Hwy and it meant we wouldn't have to keep going towards Slave Lake.
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