I woke up to a surprisingly nice campground. Having arrived so late the night before I took a morning trip to the office to pay what I owed. Upon arriving I was greeted by well kept gardens amalgamated with tropical displays from palm trees to straw umbrellas, it was quite the tranquil place to sit back and relax.
I decided I’d take advantage of the wifi and head over to the main lounging area where I settled myself beside a nice little fountain, the straw above shading me from the sun as a pleasant warm breeze maxed out the comfort, I was in paradise. I began working away on the blog before a kind old soul named Jo walked in with her kindle and greeted me. We soon struck up a conversation, sharing stories of our travels while Winnie found a new friend in her arms. So often you meet such kind people on the road and goodbyes never get easier.
With a restaurant being right next door I grabbed a bite to eat. Sure enough they had a tropical burger on the menu, I decided to stick with the theme of the place and order one. Finding a comfy window seat overlooking fields in the distance I began my annihilation of the burger that was before me. Having inhaled the deliciousness I was off to the car once more, admiring the last bit of the campground before saying my farewell.
Back on the road I decided to head north up to the town of Leader. On the way I came across an old school that had become a historical site anyone could venture into. Being the curious one I decided I’d walk through the doors to take a peek. Rows of old desks lined themselves up in front of the teachers seat, old books and posters strewn about as a strong wind rattled the windows that looked out over the vast fields. I wondered what it would have been like to learn in such a place so long ago. As I left the school I walked over to a neighboring graveyard where I looked over the stones, reading their names and wondering what their lives were like. It’s something I have often done in the past, wondering if those who are passed on found meaning in their lives, did they live lives with purpose? How did they cope with time as many of them watched the beauty of youth fade away as they grew older, did it make them bitter? Perhaps they had found a deeper purpose that sustained their joy throughout the years before returning to the earth. The biggest question of all, where are they now?
I found myself exploring all about, taking long drives down lengthy dirt roads as I remained lost in my thoughts. I was amazed at all the animals scattered about, cows, deer, owls, prairie dogs, moose, so much wildlife in abundance found their home in the boundless fields.
With the sun going down I decided to head to Moose Jaw, a town a good ways east. I set off on my way. It grew dark quickly and I found myself driving in the night, something I’m not a big fan of around so much wildlife. On the way I nearly smoked an owl that narrowly dodged me as I drove past him. Visibility sucks at night and things creep up on you fast, even with high beams on. I caught a deer out of the side of my eye right beside the road grazing, a reminder as to what’s out there. A good ways from the first deer and I narrowly missed hitting a different one who’s fate had already been sealed as it lay dead across the road.
At last I arrived in Moose Jaw safe and sound, I found a nice little campsite to pitch my tent and settled in for the night.
