Going North to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park

Getting Ready

It was a cold day in January when we went to the RV show in Lethbridge. After looking at a few units we signed the papers for the Apex Nano 185BH, a unit we looked at a few months earlier in August.

After that fateful day in January, I started to look at camp grounds we can visit once summer arrived. Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park near Lac La Biche was the first long trip on the itinerary.

On May 9 we picked up the RV. Our adventures awaited.

Getting There

Planning for a trip took me perhaps a little longer than anticipated. This would be our first 5-day trip (we did a quick trip on the July long ). What mileage would we get with the jeep towing the RV? How often would we need to fill-up? I had a solution—use Google Maps and stop for gas every 100–170 km, just to be on the safe side.

With map uploaded to the iPhone and water bottles full, we started our trip bright and early just after 7:30 am.

Four fill-ups later driving north on highway 36, we arrived around 5 pm.

Getting Settled In

I'll be first to admit: I can't back-up with a trailer!

Well, I am getting better. It did not take as long as I thought it might; I only had to correct myself driving forward 5 times. I know, that's a lot; however, I managed and before it got to tears the RV was on the perfect stop. A few minutes later, the RV was hooked up to power, the mat was on the ground, the fire was burning, and I was getting dinner ready.

What would a first day be without a short walk around the campsite? We did a quick walk down to the camper's beach. Before we knew it, we took our quick RV-showers and were in bed.

A little spider on a flower

Getting Out on the Trails

We decided to go on the trails on Tuesday and Thursday—10.5 km and 8.8 km. We enjoyed the trails; however, at a few spots the trails were impassable.

When you go on the trails be prepared for great views of Lac La Biche. Oh, and there was are mosquitoes aplenty; so, take enough bug spray with you.

A little reminder when you go on the trails, remember to look down at the flowers because you never know what you may find ... A spider on a flower, for example.

Dewey and Zlatica at the Giant Pierogi

Getting around to the Pierogi, Mushrooms, and Mini-Heritage Town

What is the biggest pierogi you have ever seen?

How about a pierogi that is over 24 feet tall—that is the size of one giant pierogi in Glendon.

Now, you may think a town with the largest pierogi would have a few pierogi places where you can eat, right? Unfortunately, the one restaurant across from the giant pierogi closed. However, JJ's Snack Shack came to the rescue. We ordered our pierogis and enjoyed deep fried pierogis with soar cream and green onions as well as deep fried pierogis with curds and gravy.

Our second stop for the day happened to be at Vilma where you'll find mushrooms that stand 20 feet tall.

The stop of the day was the mini heritage park at Plamondon. If you ever have a change to drop-in, I highly recommend it.

Dewey and Zlatica at a replica of the first baptist church in Plamondon.

Getting on the Road Heading Home

Well, after five days we hit the road once more ... this time going home.

So, what did we learn?

• Dutch Oven food is pretty good—even the deserts.
• Gas stations are your best friend—map them out because your gas mileage will be high.
• Birds doesn't know that people sleep at 4:30 am—a wonderful bird woke me up every single day at 4:30 am.
• Treasures are sometimes in the little things—such as a spider on a flower.
• Trails are good for exercise—but be prepared to adjust, just in case the trail is impassable.

And so our first long trip ended. Join us again on our next trip to Grasslands National Park.