I’m writing this from a tent behind the museum in McCord SK, listening to the howling of what sounds like a hundred coyotes. They’re making quite a joyous racket to the south and east of town. Our tents are pitched just behind the old railroad station which is the museum….I had a sponge bath in what must once have been the platform for departing passengers, since this is day three with no running water or electricity close for us. Wondered if someone on that platform could travel in time, what they would think of what they saw, and of this town.
McCord may not have a cafe or more than one main street, but it has palpable community spirit. They took us in and gave us a wonderful potluck supper, and then came out in numbers (50 people) for our presentation on the North West Mounted Police Patrol trail walk. Thelma Poirier, a poet from neighboring Glentworth, talked about how lovely it was to think of this as pilgrimage. Many others loved the slides Hugh showed from the 50s and 60s, people from this area, even one sitting in the audience.
After another day of walking (today only having to cross 4 barbed wire fences and not over 20 like yesterday), we actually got here early today. There was much less walking through waist high hay fields or over bog. Today much of our path was on a lovely dirt road and we had lunch in the lee of an old farmyard’s trees, while the grasshoppers blew around in biblical proportions.
People here, when I ask them on camera, are far too polite to say that they think we’re crazy to be walking. They even brought out the best: jellied salads, potato salad, sweet and sour meatballs, and Saskatoon pie for dessert! And sent us home with our lunch for tomorrow….
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6 replies on “Jellied Salads and Howling Coyotes”
Gotta love that prairie hospitality!
Mom was born in Milly (which no longer exists), very near McCord. Camping under the beautiful prairie night sky must be amazing! Have another adventurous day! 😊
Keep posting!
Thanks Alice. Just arrived at our first stop with an actual hotel. Shower!!
We were glad you could come, and no one thinks you are crazy to walk the trail. I’m sure many of us wish we could be along,but due to aging limbs and summer farm tasks we can’t walk with you. People that live here are strong ,independent, innovative and creative. Going on a very long walk seems a normal and creative thing to do. This is a place where a person might live on the prairie in a wagon train for a week in the summer , or camp in a tent in the hills for your 50 th wedding anniversary if you are healthy enough. It is good to enjoy the prairie and the history of this place. To our way of thinking, walking the Trail is good for body , mind , and spirit. You are not crazy. We wish you well on your journey.
thank you Audrey! Now with two-thirds of the walk done, I am remembering the great hospitality with which we were welcomed at our first stop of McCord!