Blast from Mark's past

Mark was born in Ottawa and left when he was 7 years old. We travelled from London to Ottawa on Wednesday, wondering if anything would stir in his memory. We stopped at an Ikea and had lunch there, and also at Fort Henry on the way. It was pretty interesting, and we were just going to walk slowly around it when the skies opened and we were drenched in very large drops of rain. We ran for the car, regretting our loss of fitness. (It's much harder to keep up a running routine when you are on the road.) We were also intrigued by swarms of little flies or midges. You had to keep your mouth shut while running if you didn't want to either inhale or eat them.

Our motel was near the airport and bigger and brighter than most, but with no microwave, even in the breakfast area. They all have their plusses and minuses. The breakfast was useless.

On Thursday we explored places from Mark's past - Russell, the town he lived in as a child, the chapel he went to, and his father helped to build, "Petty St", named after his father. There were no great revelations or memories swarming back. I think it was good to "demystify" it though - Russell is a nice little town, where life has carried on. Then on Friday we went to Parliament Hill, and Gatineau Park in Quebec. I managed to buy food in French. It was difficult to understand some of the road signs though.

Then came the moment we had not been looking forward to, when we had to fit all our stuff into four suitcases. We made it though, leaving behind food and a discarded suitcase as we had gained one on the way. Our flight to Calgary was pleasantly uneventful - there was a pleasing amount of legroom on the air Canada plane, and I got to watch "27 dresses". When we had settled in we went for a ride on the light rail to the end of the line in both directions and ate at Chinook Mall.

On Sunday we travelled up to Olds for church. They made us feel very welcome, and Mark was able to find out what happened to people he remembered. We had a very enjoyable visit with Richard, whom Mark had spent time with 28 years ago, and (to his relief) he remembered Mark. He had hurt his foot and couldn't make it to church and his wife had invited us over. He had been worried that he wouldn't remember Mark. We also visited other towns on the way back.

Then south on Monday to Stirling, Raymond, Cardston. We were intrigued by the sound of Head-smashed-in Buffalo Jump, but didn't have time for a detour. We both really enjoyed the feeling of space as you drive through Alberta. It isn't quite flat, but flat enough that you can see for miles and miles in all directions, and there are almost no trees. As a girl raised on the plains, it really appealed to me. It was all rather nostalgic for Mark as well.