I was really looking forward to my stop in Saskatoon because my step-daughter and her partner live there. I had never visited them before. They kindly offered to put me up for the night. It was a long drive from Estevan, made even longer by roadworks and detours that were not of my choosing.
When I approached Weyburn, I saw a strange building on the hill. I was determined to find out what it was. The town is not very big so I followed the roads towards this mysterious tower and eventually found it right next door to the Tommy Douglas Performing Arts Centre. The water tower, built in 1909 and decommissioned in 1977, is now a heritage building. I'd never seen anything like it before. Initially, from a distance, I thought it might be a helter skelter like they had in England when I was growing up. Another new thing I learned on my trip - a Water Tower, not Rapunzel's home or an amusement ride!
After eating some breakfast in Weyburn, I continued on, stopping briefly in Chamberlain. There were miles and miles of construction on the roads so progress was slow. Chamberlain is situated on a beautiful valley and they have statues of a surveyor and Prairie Lilies, the provincial flower.
Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a beautiful city, built on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. I've always thought it would be a pleasant place to live. I found Lenore and Scott's place quite easily. We had supper together and in the evening, Lenore and I took a walk around their neighbourhood. They have a lovely home with a great deck on the back of the house. Scott has also built some awesome raised garden beds (I think we're taking inspiration from him and will do the same thing in our yard). I am grateful for their wonderful hospitality and pleased I've finally seen where they live. I thoroughly enjoyed the all too brief time with them but hopefully I'll make it there again someday.
The next morning, I filled my little car Bruno and headed downtown for a walk along the river. I parked close to the Delta Hotels Bessborough, a gorgeous building constructed in the 30's to resemble a Baverian Castle. Kiwanis Park is lovely. A gentleman I met there, was wondering why the Canada Geese were "chasing" him. I told him, "If you have food, they will follow you." He seemed relieved, as he took a bite from his sandwich, I think he feared they were attacking him. I spent about an hour down there before getting back on the road. I was nearly home - just 537 km to go.
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