People who have done this journey smile knowingly to themselves about several aspects guaranteed to be a 'thing'. The primary one, is the 'Prairies'; specifically their seeming neverendingness and hence the effect of utter mindnumingness. Talking stories? Oh, you'll be glad of them when you hit the Praries, etc. etc. But, after 8 hours straight of driving through the expanse of flatness that is Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the stunning array of every kind of sky all at the same time never lost its appeal. It was the most relaxing driving so far, as you have maximum visibility at all times as there are no twists and turns nor surprises. The wide expanse is relaxing and beautiful and sort of mind expanding in a way. Don't get me wrong; Artemis Fowl and Redwall were a key part of the journey, as were being exhausted after our wonderful day in Winnipeg and being full of oatmeal before the journey started and feasting on fresh strawberries and the other pre-prepared food throughout, but it was actually pretty wonderful.
We are now in a tent having had sausages cooked over the fire. The kids are happy and asleep and I have instructions to wake them before 6am so we can go and find the herd of Bison that live in this particular provincial park.