As disappointed as I was to leave nature behind us and return to the city, I was looking forward to seeing more of Alberta. In fact, I think I was the only one excited about continue our tour of big things. The boys and hubby were more than ready to get home or would have preferred to stay at the lake camping.
I wanted to return to Elk Point to view the Mural Park (5201 50 Ave). I had no idea that it was there my first time through. Basically it is the history of the air depicted on a wall. I believe the images span over 100 years. It is over 100' long and about 8' tall. The boys actually came out of the van to look at them. I'm not sure if it was by choice or because Hubby forced them to, but it was certainly more enjoyable to have some company. I'd like to hope that they weren't just pretending to be interested.
Doodles was of course hungry and wanted to stop somewhere to eat. I thought it would be a good idea to swing through St. Paul on our way to Glendon (main street), but Hubby didn't want to take any type of a detour. I can't recall where or if we stopped to eat. The boys were excited and enjoyed seeing the World's Largest Pyrogy. The pyrogy, complete with fork is 25' tall. Unfortunately, the local restaurant was closed. We really wanted to try some of the local pyrogies. After a number of photos it was off to Saddle Lake.
The shortest way to Saddle Lake was through St. Paul, so Doodles got his wish and we bought something to eat. If I was to harbour a guess, it was likely Tim's. Hubby had no interest in stopping at the spaceship landing pad. Saddle Lake is part of the Cree Nation and supposed to be home to a large Cree Indian Metal Sculpture. According to my notes it rests in front of the Manitoukihew Centre, which given the size of the reserve could be just about anywhere. Hubby was tired of driving on gravel roads and having to stop over and over again for the wild dogs, so I told him to to worry about finding it and to just head back to the main hwy.
Our next stop was Vilna to see the World's Largest Mushrooms (50 Ave & 48/49). Once again, I was disappointed to see how much graffiti was on them. The mushrooms weight over 18,000 lbs and is 20 feet high with a 15-foot diameter. I would have loved to visit their historical main street, which I believe is home to Alberta's oldest pool hall and barbershop. The main street offers an interpretive walking tour, complete with plaques that tell the story of Vilna's rich history and once a key boom town.
Willingdon is home to the World's Largest Lapel Pin (50 Ave/Hwy45), although I have to be honest, I am not sure that it is worth the visit. It almost looks like simply a paining on a rock. Perhaps if I'd had more time I would have found something of greater interest in town.
Andrew is home to the World's Largest Mullard Duck (50 Ave & 50 St) and of course our current premier Ed Stelmach. The duck is about 23' tall and is their to recognize this as a popular breeding ground for the birds and the local wetlands.
We navigation route took us further north to Smoky Lake, which is known for its large pumpkins (Railway Dr & Wheatland Ave). The tourist information booth, railway museum and art gallery are also located in the area of Pumpkin Flag Park. Every October, Smoky Lake has their Annual Pumpkin Fair and Weigh Off.
Just one more stop before reaching the farm to pick up our dog, Waskatenau to see the RCMP Memorial Stone Marker. This is an area that Hubby is all to familiar with, as he spend time at their in his teen years. I would also have liked to see the 1919 Wooden Railway Trestle, but perhaps next time. I did manage to see their small Inukshuk, located in their heritage garden, although my photo didn't turn out very well.
The interesting part about today's drive for me was that we followed so much of Alberta's Iron Horse Trail. It is Alberta's longest and oldest continuous trail. "Mile Zero" at Abilene Junction is the center of the three trail branches extending southwest to Smoky Lake, northeast to Cold Lake and southeast to Heinsburg. The actual trail is not accessible by vehicle, it less it is a quad or some other small off-roader.
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