Day 26 – Tuesday June 13/17

A more relaxed day today as we are staying in Dinosaur Provincial Park for the next two days. We were up at 7:30, breakfasted and showered before our ‘Fossil Hunter Tour’ at 10:30.  

The skies were overcast and a day of rain was predicted but at the scheduled departure time our guide Lois and the rest of our valiant band of tour members decided to head out on the bus with the understanding that if the rain was too bad we would return to the Visitors Centre for an indoor program. We drove through a locked gate and into a protected nature reserve area of the park only accessible to researchers and members of guided groups. Lois took us to a ‘micro fossil’ bed – an area filled with tiny remains of a variety of dinosaurs. She showed us how to identify bone, teeth and shell fragments and skin impressions. Then she turned us loose to explore. The rain had started. But we had come prepared with ponchos! Nothing will deter these intrepid fossil hunters. (photos).  

We spent about an hour crouched down, looking for – and finding - little bits of prehistoric life. Of course we were not allowed to remove any of our finds but Lois confirmed our discoveries - or dashed our hopes by telling us it was just an interesting rock. The hour in the rain at the dinosaur bed sped by. 

We returned to the Visitors Centre a little short of our two hour tour so we were allowed to access the displays (for which there is normally a $5.00 charge for seniors) at no charge.

Exploring the exhibits we were reminded that the Cottonwood forest where we are camped is one of the reasons this park was designated a World Heritage Site. This is the largest intact such riparian forest in Canada and it is home to hundreds of bird species. We enjoyed a display that allowed us to see and hear the song of various birds in the park thus enabling us to identify some of our neighbours. 

We were also impressed by the excellent display by the Royal Tyrrell Museum. The Museum is located in Drumheller AB, but has an operational field station here. There were at least half a dozen skeletons reassembled and explained. A number of key artifacts were also on display. We spent a little over an hour reading and exploring.

It was after 1:30 by the time we returned to the trailer and the rain was pounding on the roof. Our little home felt safe and secure. After a quick lunch of hotdogs we had an extended nap. Supper of barbequed pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob preceded a marathon of dishwashing – 2 days’ worth. Enjoying the coziness of “Rocinante II” (our home on wheels), we watched the first half of Godfather Part 2 before retiring at about 11pm.

A relaxed day of exploring, learning and entertainment. Just what we needed – a slower pace.

Once again, we are writing up this blog and posting it on Wednesday June 14 when we ascend to higher ground to get cell service.