Canada Day Weekend 2011 and the One Pound Grouch

July 1st in Canada marks the "official" kick off of summer around these parts. Traditionally good weather, long days (there is still light out at 10:30pm at night) and the first really "long" weekend of summer.
This year we started at the Athabasca Classic Cruisers car show. Both the Van and Chopper were entered this year. As usual, the crowds were big and there were plenty of cars, trucks, and one hippie van.

Much to our surprise this year, both Meryl and I took top spots in our categories. We joked that they had to give it to us this year or they were worried we wouldn't come back next year!

With the show over, we headed down to Edmonton. Boasting the second largest fireworks display in the country, Edmonton's show was stellar, lighting up the river valley like the sun.
Katie loved the show, she had even made her own lanterns, out of a peanut butter container and LED lights.

Next day, off to Evansburg and Entwhistle, to enjoy the day along the Pembina River and visit the scenic valley within the Pembina Provincial Park.
Taking highway 16A out of town we came upon the "Little Lot" a consignment lot that has dozens of consignment vintage mobiles for sale. Like going to a miniature car show itself, the little lot had enough variety to keep us walking around for a good half hour.

Katie in the boneyard of the Little lot

Just was we were about to leave, Katie noticed something in the windows of one of the old garages. Lo and behold, was a 23 window VW, my dream bus, sitting there waiting to be restored. It was amazing to see one up here in such good shape, with so much potential. I had to look away.

Continuing on West down highway 16, we doddled along, stopping at random garage sales, and of course the Frontier Thrift shop, a curious collection of old books, clothing, housewares, antiques, tools and furniture. I have yet to understand our attraction to shops such as these. I don't know how I became such a junk hound, but here I am...

Finally, after much delay we made it to Evansburg. This is one cool little town. The Beehive Emporium was a treat, kind of a cross between vintage items, jewelry, handmade items, coffee barista and tattoo parlour, all wrapped up into one sweet confection. Strange to see it in such a small community, but the place was packed, clearly catering to the surrounding lake communities and passers by.

The Pembina River is amazing, the history and the recreation. Pembina Provincial Park was just packed with campers and rafting enthusiasts who would take the shuttle upriver and float down lazily back to the campsite. Putting that on my next "to do list".

After several hours of fun in the sun, it was time to experience the Almighty ONE POUND GROUCH BURGER. The brain child of Auntie B's Diner, this bohemoth of ground beef, stuffed with mushroom and cheese, on a home made bun, served with enough fries to feed a small village was served to us on a 12" pizza pie pan. Gravy ON THE SIDE no exceptions (too messy) Ohhh the humanity. A table of older folks were taking pictures of us like we were side show circus freaks or something as we dug into the burgers. "I want to see that boy's look on his face when he tries that first bite" one of the old guys exclaimed as Meryl got served. HILARIOUS. The home made buns... oh my, you need to try this. There is something about the dough, milk or maybe sour cream, I don't know but it was a throwback to childhood when mom used to bake bread and buns for us. I wished I had made a deal on just the buns to go... Next time.  If you do one thing when you are in this town, eat this burger. Share it if you have to, but at this point in time on our diner tour, this one takes top spot.

Here is a pic with a pop can beside it for reference. In the end, Meryl conquered where I failed. Dude even had room for home made chocolate cake!!!

Stuffed, exhausted and incredibly satisfied, we made our way home. Sun still high in the sky at 7:30 pm, we enjoyed a quiet relaxing drive home, taking the back roads and avoiding the city. As we got closer to home, we realized that the last act of the local music festival was going to take the stage, and if we hurried, we could make it. Re- energized, we dropped the hammer, gaining 5 km per hour and puttering our way to see Trooper, the last act of the Magnificent River Rats Festival in Athabasca. Arriving in record time, we sprayed down in a solid slick of bug spray and headed for the show, Katie in tow..

The expression on her face tells the story. She had a great time, and it was the perfect end to a really great weekend! Happy Canada Day.