I lost a long version of this blog entry yesterday so you will get the shorter version tonight...maybe the wifi from the tent was too good to be true!

Steve and I both dislike driving long distances (hence why we are taking so long to get across the country) so opted out of doing a long push from High Level to Drumheller and instead camped in Whitecourt. Despite camping next to a four lane highway we slept well and had a nice bike ride in the morning, spotting deer and fox along the way. We bypassed Edmonton, Calgary and major highways for the rural highways which was very quiet and relaxing. Even got to go into the first grain elevator we came across in Bentley. Considering our car can barely pass 100km per hour secondary highways will be our first choice.

Very nice weather in Drumheller where we camped 2 nights. First stop was the pool (the kids love swimming and Amélie plans on documenting all the pools she swims in). We visited the Royal Tyrell Museum which is fascinating but overwhelming at times. Léa tought us something about two dinausors and when I asked her where she learned that she said from Leo (our 6 year old neighbor!). We biked to and from the museum, a lovely ride along the river and through the badlands. After dinner the kids decided to use their well earned cash to climb up the worlds tallest dinosaur!

We had planned on staying in Drumheller a 3rd night but changed our plans when we found out thousands of people were pouring into town, and into the campgrounds, for the Tough Mudder event. To avoid the tough mudder after parties we saw the sites during the day then drove to Dinosaur Provincial Park Saturday night. Turns out we had our own tough mudder event on the banks of the Red Deer River today when the kids and Steve started throwing mud at each other and covering themselves from head to toe. Luckily it was very hot out and many dips in the river cleaned and cooled us off. Major shift in the weather tonight though from 25 calm and sunny to 10 with very strong northwinds. We moved the tent behind some huge trees and blocked ourselves in with the car and are nicely sheltered for the night. The park is incredible and the landscapes are as stunning as the Grand Canyon. We've seen dear, snakes, cactus...however one critter is not a welcomed sight...mosquitos!!! Tons of little light grey mosquitos that are quiet and stealthy unlike our northern mosquitos. All we brought was some leftover family friendly deet that the mosquitos seem to be immune to so any hike involves full coverage. We got tons of bites but they aren't too itchy...we need to practice not getting bitten before we hit tropical countries.

If you read Amelie and Lea's post you will see that there are mixed feelings about homeschooling so far. We are hoping for Amelie's sake that one of her teachers lightens up and she gets a wee bit more enthusiastic...that would be a perfect combo! Challenging working from a car and tent so if the weather is bad we may hang out in the visitor centre all day or go to the Brooks public library. We shall see tomorrow. Michele
ps. Steve will be uploading better pictures soon!

pss. it is now tomorrow and Yellowknifers we can relate to your weather...6 degrees and raining all day. Brooks swimming pool was awesome and we enjoyed the library all afternoon. Hope our tent isnt sitting in a large puddle when we get back to the park tonight!