Backroads to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump - July 31, 2010

Saturday morning started with me looking out the window of our cabin at Stepping Stone and observing that the trees were "sparkling" and that there must have been rain. This observation was immediately followed by a "What's that white stuff?" Apparently there had been a thunderstorm accompanied by pea-sized hail and I slept thought it. Bob described it as "violent" and Jolaine said it sounded "like the end of the world". I am not as light a sleeper as I'd thought. Or ... wine helps.

With one of Kevin's stellar breakfasts under our belts, we headed out on the highway. Our goal was to get to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, but going the back roads as opposed to the straight-on paved road on Highway 785 from Pincher Creek. This route had us veer left at the Oldman Dam and follow a series of rural roads, mostly unpaved, through gently rolling ranch land. The cattle looked like tiny specks on the landscape and the Livingston Range seemed far in the distance.

We drove by fields that were carpeted with deep pink Locoweed, and other fields that were brilliant yellow with Canola.

We saw all sorts of different birds, like oriels, and wildflowers such as the Prairie Coneflower (or Mexican Hat).

We arrived at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Buffalo Jump but because it was a long weekend, we had decided not to visit the Interpretive Centre. We had been there before, and quite honestly, Head-Smashed-In is such a spiritual place, it's best appreciated at quieter times. There's something so special about this place -- a feeling that you get as you stand at the top of the sandstone cliffs on the Eastern Slopes of the Porcupine Hills and look out toward the plains of Southern Alberta and feel the wind on your face. I can't find the right word for it besides "sacred". Besides Frank Slide, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is one of my favourite places in Alberta.

After a brief stop at the Buffalo Jump, we headed back toward the Crowsnest Pass. Along the way we passed a series of old buildings that were probably part old sheep camp (that the Sheep Camp Road is named after), and a vista that went from bright yellow canola to green pasture to vivid pink Locoweed. Notice the sound of the crazy wind that is a permanent part of life in the southwestern corner of Alberta.

Back on the highway ... and off for some pub grub at Pure Country Saloon (great steak sandwich) and a trip to the incredible Frank Slide Liquor Store to find some interesting beer discoveries.