After packing up our tent and parting ways with our friends, we are heading back up NE to what has been our favourite campground this summer - Ross Lake. Would I go back to Ol' MacDonald Resort? Likely not. I found it to crowded and not worth the money. I think they should have an arm band for resort guests and include the cost of the activities in the registration for the site. However, after having Navi try to lead us out of the area and seeing more of Buffalo Lakes, I would certainly go back and try another campground, maybe the provincial park by Rancho Sands.
Eventually, Hubby decided not to listen to Navi and to go back in the direction we'd just come from and retrace our original steps back to the SecHwy 601. We were back on track to see some of the items from my original Big Things of Alberta or World`s Largest Roadside Attractions.
Donalda is home to the World`s Largest Oil Lamp (main street - S side Hwy 13), which was constructed in 2000 as part of the town`s millennium celebration. At 47`this replica actually works and is lit all 365 days. While we did not enter the base of the lamp, I believe the interior is pained with a mural. Across the road is a very cute oil lamp museum. The town itself is a very typical Alberta small town with lovely old buildings, a welcoming feel and lovely murals and artifacts. Being a Sunday, most things were of course closed, which for me meant no visiting the tea shop.
If you are a baseball fan, you`ll want to stop in Heisler to view the Canada`s Largest Baseball Glove (located adjacent to the ball fields, which also offers a small camping area). The glove is 13.5`tall and 7.5`wide. Doodles wasn`t feeling well, so he stayed in the car with Hubby, who truly hasn`t been that cooperative this trip when it comes to being in photos. The mosquitoes were truly annoying, especially since we were out on wet grass, but Magoo and I survived and shared a few chuckles and we took turns trying to ``sit`` in it for photos.
Heisler to Daysland where I agreed that our first stop could be lunch. As it turns out that was in fact our second stop - the large metal crocuses are just off SecHwy 855 as we entered town. I took my photos quickly and then we went into subway for lunch. Everyone was much happier after a bite to eat.
From crocuses to the past; our next stop was Viking to see, you guessed it, the viking ship. This is another one of those town's were Hubby wouldn't let me get my bearings to figure out the possible location. He simply wanted to drive around getting annoyed. Eventually, I convinced him to pull over at a gas station. I went in and bought some firewood and asked for directions to Troll Park. The women was concerned that I was planning a small fire there and didn't want to sell me the wood if I wouldn't be able to use it, since you wasn't have fires at the park. I assured her that it was for camping. She was pleased; she didn't want me to waste my money.
Troll Park is located beside the old CN Station (51 Ave & 50 St). The tea house was of course closed. For a tea lover I certainly wasn't having much luck. The viking ship outside the park is old and not all the much to look at. I was annoyed with Hubby, when I took the boys, they had to come out and get photos, learn a bit about the area, stretch their legs, but not with Hubby there. He didn't want to get out of the car, so why should the boys have to. Not much of a family vacation if you ask me. I decided to have some me time, and actually walk around the park. I'm glad that I did. On the other side of the arch is a lovely garden with various plants and grasses. there is also another, well-maintained Viking ship and a very cute troll mountain. Crossing the small bridge takes you back to your childhood as you read Three Billy Goats Gruff. I got some great photos and enjoyed the fresh air, despite the millions of mosquitoes.
Viking to Myrnam to see the Peace Dove (site of the old Myrnam Hotel 50 Ave & 49 St). It is a very cute little community. It was great to see some kids outside enjoying the cool summer's day. I also came across a small Church just off Hwy 45.
I think I heard everyone else cheer silently once they learnt we were almost at Whitney Lakes.
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