This stretch of the Red Deer River is home to family memories for past and future generations
A six-mile drive from our farm along Highway 27 east lies a deep river valley surrounded by hoodoos, sandy soil, cacti and natural grasses. A significant contrast to the rich, fertile soil atop the hill where farms thrive.
The Star land Recreation Area and campground, nestled northwest of Drumheller, is encompassed by jagged badlands with a lazy dirt road winding down to the Red Deer River. Flowing at a snail’s pace, this stretch of the river contributes to generations of our family’s memories.
My maternal grandparents, Emy and Ted Davis, stopped here in the late ’50s to let their children stretch their legs and explore, while embarking on a road trip to Drumheller.
In June 1976, my parents Donna and Bernie spent their honeymoon here, snuggled in a pup tent alongside the river. As they began welcoming children, the rocky riverbed, hoodoos and campground became a place for family day trips.
My older sister Ashley—“Ash” for short—loved climbing the hills, guiding me and our younger siblings Jamie and Matt with expertise, pointing out cacti, animal tracks or dangerous caverns to avoid. Occasionally, we’d bring bikes along, criss-crossing over wooden bridges and leaping over dry spring beds that wound throughout the campground.
Many afternoons were spent puddling along the banks of the river. Ash scavenged for the flattest rocks; shifting her weight, she modelled how to achieve the most skips, then carefully guided our younger sister and brother, Jamie and Matt, to a quiet pool in search of water beetles and clam shells. These treasures were later hauled home with pride.
Denne historien er fra August/September 2018-utgaven av Our Canada.
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Denne historien er fra August/September 2018-utgaven av Our Canada.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Day & Night
Clive Branson of Ottawa explains the fascinating psychological effect of seeing the same scene in daylight and then at night
BACK-ROAD ADVENTURES
Capturing the history and beauty of Quebec’s Eastern Townships in winter
A Very Merry Christmas
Waiting for the turkey to roast has never been so much fun!
BEAUTIFUL BERMUDA
This lovely island nation boasts friendly locals and incredible views
Room with a View
This window on the natural world brings a sense of peace and joy
Sled dog Salvation
Tracing the incredible journey of a musher from Edmonton who fled her abusive spouse with her dog team and made it all the way into Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Christmas on Display!
Unpacking and showcasing the family collection of Santas, snowfolk and village scenes is an annual labour of love
SOLITARY PURSUITS
Enjoying brisk winter days in the great outdoors
WILLIAM POPE: An Artist for the Ages
A tribute to Norfolk County’s Naturalist
The Intrepid OJIBWAY
The story of a man, and a community, who fostered a sense of pride and dignity for those to come