Grimshaw to High Level

We woke up to an overcast morning. We got on the road about 8:30 am and started up to High Level. What amazes us about this Peace River district is the amount of agriculture going on here. Grain fields going over the horizon, cattle herds and lots of horses. This area is the flattest piece of real estate that we have ever seen. It makes the southern prairies seem like hilly country. There were only two downhill and uphill runs, both for rivers that have created their own valleys. As well, the roads go straight on without a curve for kilometers. On one 57 km stretch, we counted three slight bends, not even sharp enough for me to have to move the steering wheel. We just sort of leaned around it.
By mid morning the sun broke through and it turned into a lovely day. Temperature got up to 23C. When we arrived in High Level we went directly to the tourist bureau because they had FREE overnight parking for RVs. However, Friday is time for the local farmers market and they take over the parking lot until 6pm. Since we wanted to unhook and drive to Fort Vermillon, the first settled Hudson Bay community in Alberta, we drove out to a nice little RV park, Aspen Ridge Campground. It claims to be the most northerly full service campground in Alberta. Another piece of useful information is that High Level has the most northerly grain elevators in North America.
We did stop at the farmers market. Most of the producers were Mennonites. There was a great assortment of fresh and preserved products. We bought a bottle of pickled beets from one vendor, and found another vendor who was an organically certified farm operation. Bought some home made 9 grain bread, home ground whole wheat organic flour, and farm fresh organic brown eggs. The eggs were $3/doz and the flour was $5 for five pounds.

We drove the 80km east to Fort Vermillon, only to find that the oldest building in town was built in 1905. It seems that although settled in the late 1700’s, there was nothing left but a National Historic site monument. Very disappointing! Nice drive though. We got some great shots of the Peace River and saw a lot more flat prairie and grain fields.
In High Level, we fueled up at the local Shell (Flying J) for $0.859/L. Five days ago we were paying $1.329/L in northern BC. Also refilled our drinking water supply at Extra Foods owned by Loblaw. Had a quick look around the store and to our amazement find again that food is the same price as Nova Scotia or even cheaper. We pay a lot for our groceries back home compared to the rest of the country.
We got back to our campground around 5:30 pm just in time to have the owner drop by to let us know that there was a black bear in the campground. Don’t think we’ll go for a long walk tonight.
We were cautious today, being Friday the 13 and so far all has gone well. Unfortunately, for a couple from Victoria who were returning from Yellowknife, they managed to hit a black bear between Hay River and high level. After pulling off the broken plastic and prying fenders out they continued on their way only to hit a deer 30 minutes later. They are her in High Level with a totally redesigned front end on their car. The 13th was not a good day for them!
Tomorrow we will be in the NWT, if the bear and deer keep out of the way!

Quote of the day:
Anything too stupid to be said is sung.
  - Voltaire

Cheers

P & N