It may have been windy the night before but the morning brought about an even greater intensity. As I began to pack my things into the car I looked over to see the wind almost tear my shelter apart. Maybe it wouldn’t have been a bad idea to have just sleep in my vehicle that night, to late now, at least the tent held up.
I began my journey eastward towards the prairies. With the tremendous amount of farmland outstretched in every direction I figured I’d find a spot for Winnie to burn off some energy. I found a nice little grassy clearing a ways off the highway where Winnie went barreling after each ball toss with endless enthusiasm. When we got back in the car her face, covered in grass, was a happy sight.
Venturing toward the prairies I decided to stop in a town called Medicine Hat. While there I made a stop at one of the pet shops to restock Winnies food. The ladies at the checkout showered her in treats, such a spoiled pup. Being in the town I decided I’d explore a bit. One of the destinations had me visiting small river where Winnie enjoyed playing about in the mud, thankfully taking a dip in the water as well before getting back in the car!
The mountains were now but a distant memory as wavy hills took their place, animals grazing about on their abundant pastures. I looked out my window and saw the sign, I had entered Saskatchewan.
I continued pressing deeper into the heart of the province. On the way I noticed a visitor center and proceeded to head in where I was greeted by a friendly lady who eagerly informed me of all the various attractions. It turns out they were having a yearly rodeo event a mere 15 minutes away that was just about to start, talk about lucky timing! Hands full of maps, head full of stories and heels rushing me back to the car I was off to see what this event was all about.
The show was quite the entertaining spectacle! Natives would race horses bareback around a track, often mixing in challenges such as switching a horse every lap. The victors would celebrate in their glory while others in their haste to win found themselves acquainted with the dirt, showing great heart as they got back on their steed for another lap. After the event had ended it was time for the bull riding, an entertaining display of self-punishment. I watched as the cowboys positioned themselves on the agitated bull before the gates would swing open leaving the angry bull to go wild trying to buck them off. Most didn’t last very long but every now and then a cowboy would get his rhythm down and last 10 or so seconds, looking like a total champ while doing it. Not everyone walked away unscathed, I’m pretty sure one of the men broke his leg when he ended up underneath one of the trampling bulls.
The sun had set and the final event of the night began. The music started and I looked up at the stage where a band had perched themselves with their instruments entertaining the crowd. I enjoyed the show for a little while before heading back to the car to find a place to rest up. A short drive took me to a campsite I had passed on the way in where I quickly found a place to set up my tent and call it a day.
