SASKATCHEWAN, "LAND OF THE LIVING SKIES"

BY CLAY LARROY

It doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The origin of the name 'Saskatchewan' is the subject of some debate. Some think it comes from a Cree word for 'swift-flowing river' (Kisisskatchewan). That would be apt, because the province has close to 100,000 lakes and rivers. Although Saskatchewan is commonly thought of as consisting mainly of vast prairies, the landscape is quite varied.

The wide, treeless plains in the south are broken up by river valleys and ranges of low-lying hills. There are large forests in the north of the province, and Saskatchewan's two national parks, Prince Albert National Park in the north and Grasslands National Park in the southwest, cover nearly 5 million acres (2 million hectares) between them.

Indeed, Saskatchewan is not a province to escape to for a slice of urban lifestyle: there are few permanent cities and many northern regions are accessible only by air. This is, instead, a laid-back province with a pleasant remoteness.

Although there is definitely adventure and rodeo for those who seek it, perhaps you are best off savouring Saskatchewan's nature and wildlife: wolves, moose and caribou inhabit the northern forests, while elk and deer can be found farther south.

Food and Drink in Saskatchewan

You can find a good selection of restaurants in all the province's cities and major towns catering to all tastes and budgets. Alcohol is sold only in licensed stores, licensed restaurants, cocktail lounges, and dining and beverage rooms. Retail outlets operate throughout the province.

Regional Specialties

- Whitefish and pickerel are marketed by aboriginal (First Nations) co-operatives.
- Wild rice harvested by First Nations people is an excellent accompaniment to the abundant wild fowl which includes partridge, prairie chicken, wild duck and goose.
- Saskatoon berries, similar to blueberries, are used for jams, jellies and saskatoon berry pie, often eaten with fresh cream. Other wild berries include pinchberries and cranberries, which make a tart and tangy jelly, ideal with wild fowl meals.

Tipping   It is customary to tip 15% in bars and restaurants.

Drinking Age 19.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I'm almost getting choked up thinking about how well this team worked together. We live in rural Saskatchewan and we band together.

Marshall Hamilton

Live Well, Laugh Often and Travel Much!