East from Edmonton to Vermilion - driving Chris's section of the highway

Our final stop in Edmonton is for brunch at Sheila's cousin Rita's house. Rita and her husband Stephen live in a beautiful old historic home not far from the university. Rita is the daughter of Sheila's dad's sister (Aunt Dina) so she has Dutch heritage. We joke a Dutch person lives in this house as we walk up and the flowers are out of this world. We learn Stephen grew up in a house in Montreal that was attached to a greenhouse so they were a match made in heaven :)

Bloom fest just for us

We learn Rita laid this path by hand stone by stone.

We are treated to an amazing brunch of homemade quiche and muffins. Even fresh picked raspberries.  Turns out everything on this table was made by Rita, including the pottery plates and mugs. Very talented lady. 

Sheila, Stephen, Rita and Chris - Thanks for a great visit.

Rita and Stephen - Tot Ziens until next time

We clear Edmonton and get on the highway heading east to Vermilion where we have a reservation at the provincial park tonight. 

Eastward bound

The highway we are driving today has an 18 km section near Manville that Chris built back in his surveying days as a summer student in 1984. This will be the first time driving it since it's completion all those years ago. 

Manville - Chris surveyed this section of highway

Yikes...a funnel cloud...thankfully it dissipated.

We make a quick drive through Manville to see if we can find Chris's old regular coffee shop. It is gone and the town looks like it has seen better days. 

Main street Manville 

Chris's super elevated section of curve :)

Old grain elevator at Vermilion

We get checked into our campsite and head out for a walk. The trail is Saskatoon way. Wonder why..lol

Saskatoon berries are plentiful

Claude Bernnet pond - stocked fishing pond on our route. 

Back at the RV we get ready to make supper and realize it's the first supper we have cooked in 10 days. We have been blessed with such generosity from family and friends. It's been wonderful but we are happy to enjoy a simple BBQ.

Simple dinner

After supper Sheila heads out to pick Saskatoon berries as there are so many. We have a relaxing evening and see the sunshine after an on and off rain day. 

Vermilion Provincial Park.