saskatchewan in slippers

Driving through Manitoba and Saskatchewan is like driving to the ends of the earth. The road stretches on ahead of you and on either side, the prairies lay flat and full of life. I don’t feel pulled to this place, but even still, I recognize that there is inspiration hiding everywhere. This drive had a power over me that reminded me of folk music that I love. Songs like Down in the Valley by The Head and the Heart and Chemicals by Gregory Alan Isakov. Music that is seemingly simple, yet full of life.

Northern Ontario is cold this time of year. Something I wasn’t quite expecting even though I had been warned by my dad many times. We drove straight through a winter wonderland around Lake Superior, only to reach Manitoba and Saskatchewan with minimal snow and enough warmth for me to wear my slippers outside of the car. Last night, after a long day of driving, we arrived at our spot for the night next to a river and some typical Saskatchewan farmers fields. It was a warm 2 degrees with a high of -4 overnight. We both slept soundly feeling warmth in our bones for the first time in a couple days.

The best part about Saskatchewan, in my opinion, are the magnificent sunsets. As we made our way to Regina for a quick stop, the sun began to set across the prairies. In that moment, I experienced a different version of Saskatchewan. Even though the land lays flat and the days seem to stretch on here, the sun brings joy, love, and light to the world here every evening. Would it be enough to make me want to stay? No. My heart aches here for the hills, and rocks, and big looming trees of Ontario. Even still, I will never forget the array of colours displayed amidst a fading skyline yesterday evening, as we drove off into the darkness.

Today we enter Alberta and make our way to Calgary, then to Banff. The mountains are close now. I can feel them.

 All for now,

 All my love,

 Onward.

 -m