Great Plains – Days 18 – 19

On our last day in Saskatoon we head out to the Wanuskewin Interpretive Centre. It is a Prairie Cree historical winter camp site that is still being excavated. We learn how to raise a teepee and watch a young man do a traditional hoop dance with 24 hoops. Wow, he manipulates the hoops on the fly to become an eagle or. A buffalo shape. Dave helps raise a teepee until some younger more skilled kids takeover.

We head south of town to visit friends John and Anita. They have a lovely country home and 8 acres of property that keeps them busy. We catch up over a wonderful dinner and make plans to meet on Sanibel Island in future. John and Dave met in university and keep in touch.

We checked with Kyle and Ashley and all is calm on the pre-baby front. We decide to book our flight home a few days hence. There are snow flurries here and more in the forecast.‎ We tour the Cathedral of the Holy Family and marvel at it’s moderness and stained glass beauty. We attend Mass there and laugh as the little ones run up to put a coin in the children’s collection basket. This is a truly butteful Church that we hope to visit again.

Then it’s off to Fort Qu’Appelle and the Oblate House of Prayer there for a night. Our hosts‎ are Tim and Cathy, lay volunteers from Winnipeg. Residents Fr. Glenn and Sister Margaret are ‎away on retreat. We hike the coulees (indented hills) followed by a delicious dinner. Our evening ends with a contemplative prayer service.

We are very thankful for the rest and peace and glad to be returning to Winnipeg tomorrow after a great activity packed road trip.

Thanks Rick and Gaylene, John and Anita and Tim and Cathy for your hospitality and warm welcome.

Dave and Marie