The sand dunes of Saskatchewan

There are many more tourist attractions in Saskatchewan than most people would be aware. Saskatchewan usually has the reputation as the place of which people say, "oh yeah, Saskatchewan, I think I drove through there once." But there is much more to see than the outsider would know, it's just that Saskatchewan seems to have kept much of this to themselves.

Having lived in Canada in the past there are many things I have seen in Saskatchewan. The last time we visited four years ago we saw a few more with Melody's parents (Fort Carlton, Batoche, Wanuskewin). This time round we managed to tick a few more things off the bucket list. A big one was to visit Cypress Hills in the south of Saskatchewan. On the way there is a geographic anomaly on the prairies- sand dunes.

A crop dusting plane near Leader, Saskatchewan.

Abigail and her Grandma at the sand dunes.

Melody and PJ t the sand dunes.

The region is a provincial park, but cattle are allowed to graze there by quota. One particular cowboy made it his personal mission to preserve the area. He's dead now. All of the boots belonged to this one man.

One hundred and twenty five years ago this was nothing but sand dunes, a desert. Even 15 years ago it was mostly sand dunes. Melody and her mum were surprised to see how much grass has grown there.

The truth is that so much rain has fallen in the last few years that the grasses are taking over. This has to be a good thing ecologically, but it is a shame to lose a tourist attraction. (Even if only Saskatchewan people know about it.)

PJ and Abigail had so much fun playing in the sand. The sand was so soft.

Grandma was also enjoying playing with the kids.

But when Melody discovered cougar tracks, I got a little nervous and wanted to leave. Sorry Mom/ Grandma.