Kid Dynamite Sweeps Through Saskatchewan

Sunday, October 2  "And on the 13th Tour Day they rested."

Three events in three days--Saskatoon, Estevan & Melville. Thousands of kilometers have passed under the Toyota's snow tires as the mercury in Saskatchewan thermometers holds steady in the mid twenties.

HELPFUL TIP for TRAVELLERS #1:  When selecting your route to Estevan do NOT select Highway 47 south from Highway 1 to Stoughton. The last time The Kid drove the route it might have been newly paved  but today it is primarily thick gravel with deep ruts relieved in sections by broken ashphalt. The sound of the gravel and pavement bits thrown up by our snow tires made continual, disturbing bangs on the undercarriage of the Avalon during the 80 km trek (or there abouts). South of Stoughton the highway is smooth and the landscape becomes increasingly dotted with "grasshoppers" (small oil derricks) pumping industriously. There were few crops planted this year in the area because of the extensive spring flooding. It seems, however, to have been a good year for ducks who happily paddle the abundant sloughs and ponds.

The Tour arrived in Estevan, the Energy City, on time with our exhaust system intact. We were graciously hosted by the Bruins Hockey Club at Days Inn and given a tour of Estevan's impressive new arena, Spectra Place, so-called thanks to the corporate sponsorship of the Spectra Credit Union. (I think perhaps I have coined a contemporary koan. Can one describe a credit union as corporate?) Spectra Place is owned by the City of Estevan whose slogan "Our City, Our Region, Your Legacy" is proudly displayed on the walls of the main foyer leading to the arena which is home to the Bruins whose motto Rich Tradition. Strong Future. seems to sum up the prevalent mood in Estevan. All 24 corporate boxes are fully leased for 10 years and the waiting list for the select boxes keeps growing.

HELPFUL TIP FOR TRAVELLERS #2. If travelling to Estevan be sure to book your accommodation three months in advance, for there is likely to be no room at Days Inn.

Hockey score after 2 periods: Estevan Bruins 7 Notre Dame Hounds 1

The highlight of the night was the visit to the book table by The Ice Team, four sixteen year old beauties, who toss treats etc. to the fans from the ice.

RON:       "I'm the Author."
GERRY:   "I'm the Book."
MEMBER OF THE ICE TEAM:  "I'll bet you two were real lady killers, eh?"