Sunday, July 2, 2017

Rolling Prairies

Today we enjoyed a beautiful drive in the country. Who doesn't enjoy a peaceful drive on a sunny Sunday. The part of Alberta we are driving through is full of beautiful rolling prairies and farmland. We left Grande Prairie at 7:15 and headed for Red Deer some 360 miles away, a nice 6 hour drive.

Shortly after starting out for the day, we were admiring the miles long view when we noticed something that didn't fit into the beautiful, gentle, green landscape. Gracefully floating low across in the western sky was a hot air balloon. Up, up and away...(Song 1).


The rolling hills made for a very soothing ride which proved to be extremely beneficial given the rough roads. The first 150 miles got me all shook up...(Song 2).


I can see for miles and miles...(Song 3).


This area of Alberta is known for forestry, farming and oil and gas production. We saw countless large farms with most having an oil derrick on the farm and in some cases, multiple derricks. Did you know that derrick is named after Thomas Derrick. Derrick was an executioner in the 1600s. He hanged over 3000 individuals and designed a new, easier to use gallows that used a topping lift and pulleys. His new contraption soon became synonymous with his name derrick.




Did you know that most oil and gas production companies prefer white as the color of their company vehicles? White allows there emblem to stand out in spite of the thick mud that accumulates on them. This is by no means a scientific thesis, but I suggest that there may be more white pick up trucks here per square mile than anywhere in the world. That is strictly based upon that which we saw today.



We also enjoyed seeing these massive farms with miles upon miles of rapeseed growing. I didn't name it, I'm just reporting upon that which we saw. Rapeseed is used in the production of Canola oil.The word Canola is derived from Canada and ola (oil). Canada leads the world in the production of rapeseed and thus is helping the world to live healthier. We cook at home with canola oil due to its health benefits.


I trust you enjoyed your education today. You're welcome.

Till Tomorrow!



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