The first part of the trip through the Rockies was absolutely breath-taking. Each mountain seemed to have its own beauty and personality.
The varying characteristics of the mountains were very interesting.
I never tire of looking at mountains. I think that they are in my blood - having grown up in the Bulkley Valley with snow capped mountains all around. I feel a sense of security, strength and comfort in the presence of the mountains.
About 45 km west of Banff are these amazing falls. I have stopped at them once before so I knew of their magnificence - Takkakaw Falls. 
David and I walked up a bit closer to the falls until we could feel the mist on our skins - a oneness with the power of the falling water that permeated the area.
After leaving the Rockies the land became flat quite quickly with rolling hills around Medicine Hat. We stopped there and spent the night with Marjorie's mother, Margaret. We had a lovely visit with her - Thanks Margaret.
And then there was the Prairies. What can I say - It was Flat!!!! Very Flat!!! But still it had its interesting feel to it. Since I had never been there before I appreciated the grasses blowing in the wind, the clouds billowing forever in the sky with no end.
And then there were the roads. I kind of got a kick out of the roads because they are so straight but they do warn you when a corner is coming up. In BC we are so used to seeing corner signs to warn us to slow down but not here. These signs just let you know the road is turning. I laughed when I first saw it and remarked to our hosts in Regina about this. He told me that one is very thankful for those signs during a winter blizzard. You know I didn't think about that. Things aren't always what they seem.
While in Regina we stayed with Mom's cousin. We had a lovely time visiting with them and their family.We went into Regina and spent some time in Wescana Park. There is a very nice man made lake in the middle of the park.
Then we went to the RCMP Museum. This is a brand new facility. I was very impressed with the displays. It was very informative and interactive. Here Mom and I dressed up in the kids' police costumes. I'm just a big kid as it is.
Here I'm arresting a terrible criminal
and then the usual tourist pics...
We were able to go on the training depot and visited the church. It is the oldest standing building in Regina.
I was impressed with the honor and respect that the RCMP give to their members that have fallen during duty. Inside the church there was a book with every members name in it that have died during duty. Each day a new page is turned.
The church was beautiful with its windows...
...and especially this window. There's something about the red serge policeman that stirs something within our Canadian hearts.
Outside the church is a cenataph and while we were there we were able to watch a ceremony that honored the fallen members. 
Each cadet came and laid a carnation down in front of the cenataph and then saluted. This was a very moving ceremony as the silence emphasized the solemnness of the moment.
And then we also were privileged to see a parade where the band led the way before a whole troop....
...entered in their red serge ...
...and the troops were inspected.
This was an awesome trip to Regina. I learned so much from our trip about the history and importance of our RCMP. We appreciate their dedication to maintaining safety for our communities.
