Wow - ten years old no more...I was suddenly the parent of an 11 year old and 12 year old. My little birthday boy woke up and seemed to be a bit grumpy. I wasn't sure if it was because he didn't want to see anymore big things or if it was simply from so many nights of little sleep. Plus, much like me, he isn't a big fan of mornings. After cleaning up the campsite, we stopped in Whitecourt for some gas before heading on to Blue Ridge.
The drive to Blue Ridge was a lovely one, on a variety of dirt roads, past a lot of original, abandoned homesteads. The town itself was also very cute. I didn't however find anything that looked to me like a roadside attraction. Now, that could in part be due to the fact that I am around farming equipment a lot out at my in-laws farms.
I was excited to leave there to go to Fort Assiniboine; home to the World's Largest Wagon Wheel and Pix Axe. Fort Assiniboine was originally set up by the Hudson Bay Company as a trading post. The town now has a cute historical museum and friendship club drop-in centre. Both are located on main street. I later found out that there is also a statue of a bear somewhere.
We were off to see the World's Largest Blue Heron in Barrhead, which acts as somewhat as a town mascot. The Blue Heron is a common bird in local lakes.. The first stop was a quick stop into the Barrehead Centennial Museum. The of course the boys needed lunch; another stop to KFC. The statue is located off of the main street. It looks like it has seen better days. I found it difficult to take photos of since it is located in a garden, very close to the highway. Also, in the area is the Klondike (Vega) Ferry. It is one of only 7 remaining ferried in Alberta; we did not stop to take a quick look or ride.
Heading towards home, Westlock was our second last stop, where I thought I was looking for the Largest Lapel Pin. You see, I must have gotten a few things mixed up on my various lists. As we drove into Westlock I saw a very cool Weathervane. It was huge with a tractor in the middle. I turned off and took a couple photos. I then drove around trying to find the lapel pin. No one knew what I was talking about at the gas station, or the county building, of of course the city civic building. Everyone I met mentioned the weathervane, but I still hadn't put it together in my mind. My list said lapel pin, so lapel pin I wanted to find.
I had a great visit with the people working in the city civic building. We talked about our road trip to date and the many places I still needed to stop. I was told that Travel Alberta introduced a passport to encourage people to visit the largest roadside attractions - too bad for me it was introduced a little too late. I wouldn't have minded the chance to win some prizes. Each of my boys were given a City of Westlock bag and Frisbee. I was given a mug and pen. Once my list is compiled I will be sure to email them a copy.
Once I got to the van, I told my boys it must be another item that was no longer there. I looked at the list, ready to cross it off, when I noticed that lapel pin appeared in two cities and weathervane in none. This is when I realized the error of my ways. With over 175 items on my list, I am truly amazed there hasn't been a lot more errors.
I really wanted to head up to Ghost Lake Campground, which is a few kms north of Athabasca, to see the large chair, but the boys wanted to go home. How could I argue when it was my little guy's birthday. I promised just one more short stop and then we'd be home. The final stop? Third time a lucky charm - would this hold true when looking for Depression Pete in Legal?
We pulled into Legal and headed down the main street; we drove down almost every road and still had no luck. Eventually the boys complained that they were thirsty. I parked by a local shop and went in to buy them water, resigned to the fact that we'd go home without ever seeing Depression Pete. Why I didn't top it up to him simply being gone like a few other attractions was beyond me. With the boys buckled up and ready to go in the van, I made one last attempt and asked someone where I might find Depression Pete. She looked and me and let out a small chuckle. I said, "You're going to tell me I've passed it many times or that I am right by it aren't you?" She wanted to know why I was looking for him and how it was that I'd even heard of him. Of course I told her of my summer quest, and she was shocked to hear that he'd made it onto any one's list of attractions. I was then given directions. He was right across the road and down at the corner. Right there on main street.
I got the boys out of the van and told them that we'd driven by Depression Pete numerous times, not just this visit, but also the past two visits. After crossing the road to finally stand in front of Depression Pete, all we could do was laugh. We'd come to Legal how many times looking for this local icon, to find a rusted metal man and his pet flamingo. Was he worth all the numerous trips to Legal? No. Thankfully though Legal has some lovely buildings and very interesting murals. Legal is the French Mural Capital of Canada.
No comments:
Post a Comment