Howdy Chuckwagon Friends
Monday, after Bonnyville, and we were loaded and headed down to the Southern part of Alberta to the town of Strathmore. Our next stop on the tour. We departed around 11 am and drove the country scenic route of Highway 36, 9, and 21. The trip was quite uneventful, and I enjoyed the peace and quite of my truck. The grounds looked quite empty when we arrived as there was only 1 other unit set up. The horses were happy to get unloaded to run and stretch in their large pens. It was an early night as travel days are tiresome. I believe we crawled into bed by 8:30 pm. I Loved It!
Enjoying the Sunshine
Tuesday and Wednesday were my office days in the trailer. No barn chores for me as the bills had to be paid and the quarterly Government GST had to be figured out and reported. It takes some time to do especially when I haven’t looked at it for the past month. Once that got completed, some of the neighboring gals joined me on my back deck for a cocktail in the warm and delightful sunshine.
Early Morning Sunrise
Today, Rick and I were very fortunate to be invited by our friend, retired Colonel, Mr. John Melborurne to go up north to the Air Force Base in Cold Lake, to attend a ceremony of The Change of Command. This is something new to us, as neither of us have any ties to family in the military. We were very honoured guests to partake and witness this important ceremony.
Our trip was rather quick, as we were able to fly up and back for the morning. We couldn’t have asked for any better weather, as it was smooth sailing both ways.
March Past
Before the ceremony, we were able to meet the Colonels and their families that were changing their positions in the military. Although we had very little time to chat, it was an honor to meet and speak with these fine folks who serve our country. I have utmost respect for the wives and children, of the giving of their husband and father to such an important call of duty.
March of the Colours
What intrigued me today, was the discipline these people have and it shone through. They are extremely proud of who they are and the job that they do for all of us Canadians and our Country.
Handshake of the Colonels
As I witnessed this ceremony, my thoughts wandered, thinking how the wives and children cope with being on the move. They often get transferred to different posts and positions with their line of duty. What I witnessed today though, was a sense of family among all that were there. They may not know each other personally , but they are all a unit, working together for what they believe in . I commend them all.
Rick & Sue and Retired Colonel John Melbourne
Before we departed, we were able to get a quick shot of us with our friend John in front of an F18 Fighter Jet. This is the plane that Rick would love to go for a ride in some day. He has put it on his bucket list.
High into the sky, I took in, the beauty of the clouds and the land below. I sat and pondered on our life of freedom and fun we so choose to live. We couldn’t ask for anything better than what we have today.
From the Travelin Trailer
Sue, with Rick and Team 23
P.S. The thing always happens that you really belive in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.
Sue
Just figured out how to leave you a message. I wanted to reply to this one when I read it as your experience in Cold Lake was fabulous. So glad you have friends that take the time to give you a treat during your busy chuckwagon season. I have been to Cold Lake many times as I have family in this area but have not experienced this type of ceremony at the base. Cold Lake is an old haunt with a great uncle having a trap line in this area and joining him and my grandmother in the summer for my holiday. I guess you could say I grew up along with the town. So different from those days. Lou