On the road

The trek south of Fort McMurray has become familiar, like an old friend, trusted and safe.  Since the twinning of Highway 63, it is a breeze travelling down this road.  The stretch between Fort McMurray and the turn off to Anzac became the first highway miles travelled with my younger son at the wheel.  Heather has been teaching him over the last couple of weeks in town.  This was my first time riding with him.  I thought I would have been more nervous than I was, if I’m being totally honest.  I ended up being quite relaxed.

Time is marching along.  That was the feeling going through my mind as this young man, who seemed to be a small boy just moments ago, took us down the highway.  Where do the years go and how do they disappear so quickly? 

We made Cold Lake our end point of the first leg of our journey.  We’re staying in a new Holiday Inn Express.  After a little rest, we went for a lovely walk down the boardwalk and marina.  It’s always nice to stretch our legs after a long drive.  After dinner, we sat and watched multiple episodes of Storage Wars.  This has become a little bit of a tradition, as we no longer have cable at home.  Other television staples on the road include Pawn Stars and American Pickers.

I hope to do a little painting on this trip.  I have brought six small commissions with me and one project that will be just for squeaks and giggles.  Painting on travel days doesn’t feel right, so I will probably leave the creative work for the days when we are settled somewhere.  Our first stop is at my brother’s place in Watrous, Saskatchewan.