A few delays in the packing, including leaving the lights on in my car and needing a boost, but on a blistery hot Saturday afternoon, I packed up the two dogs, left windows open and headed south. I am sure as the rest of Alberta judging from the higher volume of traffic of RVs etc. and others on the road. With gas at $1.23/liter it was $44 to fill my little Honda, where as usually about $30. There was a stop in Camrose to visit my recently widowed aunt  and a lovely walk through a greening river valley, that new light green of the leaves just out on the trees.

It was late when I reached Rocky Mt. House and finally Pioneer Ranch Camp, made my way into cabin 5 where we stayed and Dysis seen here on front porch.The mosquitos hummed, small bugs coated the walls of the nearby wash house and loons called from the lake but amazing how the tension of life in the city just seemed to melt away.
  Sunday morning on Crimson Lake...it had been raining since about 7 AM...amazingly peaceful...our worship service included a study on the parable of the sower and the seeds...the example of those good seeds falling on thorn infested grounds and being choked out by the weeds was personally especially poignant as I reflected on the stresses of recent weeks. Taking time to slow down and " hearing God's word " in the midst of life's clutter was well needed.

What can I say about the dogs well ..they had a great time running about with at least half a dozen others. The local cat very wisely only appeared occasionally and I was assured could care well for herself.

The purpose of the weekend was a volunteer work weekend of painting, cleaning, repairing, renovating etc. to get facilities ready for the hordes of summer campers. Run by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, built originally in the mid-1950s, our family has been involved for many years....first attending during own university days in the 70s to a granddaughter who will come to Senior Girls this July. Many friendships renewed this weekend as others with similar involvements including myself and Dale who was cooking, great cinnamon buns and fresh fruit.

   At waterfront dock with dogs first getting Nanuq's attention ...looking for a treat!

I had planned to do some painting but instead ended up gardening...what else...a bed of irises that needed thinning and a rockery bed in front of dining hall.  In the latter, soil was well compacted...Showing the progress in the beds...Oh the back after digging quack grass and raking...Warm days..lots of digging...finally done!

Nanuq found a football in front of lodge.

Sunset at Crimson Lake