Exploring Texas

Posted on March 30, 2025 by danocan

Political tensions may have made it unpopular for Canadians to travel to the US right now, but we already had this trip on the books for months. And, life is short and you need to make memories when you can. So, with all that aside, we went for a week-long trip to visit the great state of Texas. Between cowboys, oil, and cattle, Texas is probably the most Alberta-like state in the US. Let’s check it out through a series of videos.

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Return to the Jumpingpound Demonstration Forest

Posted on November 10, 2024 by danocan

The Jumpingpound Demonstration Forest along Highway 68 in the Sibbald Flats area of Kananaskis offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. This forest is not just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a living museum showcasing sustainable forestry practices.

As you drive around the loop and explore the multiple trails, you’ll encounter a 1950s-era portable sawmill, serene wetlands, and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re geocaching, traveling with your furry friend, or simply soaking in the tranquility, or — like me — all of the above, the Jumpingpound Demonstration Forest promises a connection with nature and history.

Our most recent trip to this location was in November of 2022. You can read that post here.

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An Old Schoolhouse near Acme, Alberta

Posted on October 26, 2024 by danocan

We were out driving random backroads and as we came up on this church, I said “That looks like an old school!” Slamming on the brakes and turning into the yard for a closer look, we soon noticed there was a plaque next to the door which confirmed my suspicions.

“This building, originally a schoolhouse, was moved to this site in 1918 to serve the families of the Acme Church of God (Seventh Day) who lived and farmed in the vicinity.”

Not sure which school this was, but if it was already being moved and repurposed in 1918, it must be one of the older remaining one-room schoolhouses left on the Alberta prairies.

If you know more, let us know in the comments!

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Cruise to Alaska on Holland America’s Koningsdam

Posted on October 16, 2024 by danocan

We’re off on a Holland America cruise to Alaska aboard the M.S. Koningsdam and you’re invited to come along with us. Stops are planned for Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with a full day of cruising in Glacier Bay.

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Exploring a Section of the Historic Highway 1A: From TransCanada Highway to Scenic Trail

Posted on September 24, 2024 by danocan

In Banff and Yoho National Parks, there is a section of highway with an interesting history. Originally built in the 1920s, it served as the TransCanada Highway up until the highway was realigned in 1962. From that point on it became Highway 1A until it was closed to vehicle traffic 25 years ago.

Today it serves as a hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trail and we set out to explore a section of it.

This section of highway has special meaning to DanOCan as he has a photo taken of him with his car along this stretch of road in the late 1990s. The photo was taken at the Great Divide which forms the border between Alberta and British Columbia in this area.

DanOCan circa 1997 with his 1994 Pontiac Sunbird

Also known as the Continental Divide, this line separates the watershed which drains into the Pacific Ocean from the watershed which drains into the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

While there, we take the opportunity to explore an abandoned picnic area and also get up and close to do some train watching. It’s a great way to spend some time in a couple National Parks of Canada.

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