Today we are in no doubt that this is a vast and rather empty country!

We began by driving a short distance east on the Trans-Canada Highway, because there didn’t seem to be a great deal to see between Regina and Saskatoon, our next stop.

We’d read about the Qu’Appelle Valley and thought that a short detour might prove interesting, so spotting the Information office on the outskirts of the town, we made a stop for more details. It’s so much better to have some local advice about what to see. Fortunately, Courtney was on hand with an enthusiastic welcome, a map and a little bit of history too.

She explained that the town of Fort Qu’Appelle had grown from a Hudson’s Bay fur trading post and that it was well worth a drive to Echo Lake. The tourist office, where we were standing, used to be the station and sure enough, a couple of maintenance wagons were working on the rails just outside.

We passed by the old Hudson Bay Company building which Courtney said is now a charity shop.

As the day progressed, we passed through a few different First Nation settlements, the first being the Standing Buffalo Nation

We’d also read about Lebret, renowned for the “fieldstone church”, clearly visible from well beyond the village boundary.

Out onto the highway then, the next ten minutes driving along a long straight empty road with the occasional level crossing which was going to be the story of the day.

I had the map and it didn’t look very far….

but when the main entertainment is the occasional grain elevator, the distance seems so much more!

Mostly, the view looked something like this.

So looking for somewhere for a break around lunchtime, we seized upon the only town for miles, Watrous. As soon as we turned off the highway, the road was pretty dusty though.

The best thing? Watrous had a great bakery and coffee shop!

Not knowing where the next cookie is coming from, I bought some to take away too!

Our next stop was somewhat different and not quite what we had expected to find here in Saskatchewan.

Manitou Beach is a holiday spot on Lake Manitou, which has a rather surprising claim to fame. We still had some way to go though, so better not be tempted by the beach, eh?

Back on the road then, counting down the kilometres now.

Past another grain elevator.

Past an enormous potash mine too.

Then, having realised that adventures like this are not without end, I also realised that this time next week I’ll be back in my swimming routine and that means I need to book my lane slot. So, 3.15pm in Saskatchewan means it’s 10.15pm at home and time to get on my phone app.

Thankfully, by now we were in the suburbs of Saskatoon and we soon found our way to our hotel and enjoyed a little peace and quiet for an hour or so.

Because dinner, whilst delicious, was anything but quiet!!