Climbing-On-Stone

Back in October, when Canadian Thanksgiving is, we decided to take a little trip to Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park. Kyler and I had been there before, but not since the kiddos were born, and we thought that our fearless climber children would love it. So, I checked the weather before we headed down. It was supposed to be a little bit chilly, but tolerable. Just in came, I packed jackets, hats, and mittens for everyone, and we started to drive.
While we were driving, it started to snow. The temperature on our car read 5 C, then 4, then 3, 2, 1... and Kyler and I started getting cold feet, no pun intended. Did we really want to go, have a picnic lunch, and be outside when it was so close to freezing? So, we came up with a Plan B, which included stopping in Lethbridge and eating our picnic lunch inside at the mall. We decided that if it was under 5 C when we got to the exit for the mall, we'd take it and go to Writing-On-Stone another day. As we approached Lethbridge, the temperature gauge read 3. As we got closer to our exit, it read 4. And then, just before we were to make that decision, it read 5 C! Well, I suppose we're heading to the provincial park! ...and then, just after we didn't take the exit, the temperature reading went back to 4, then 3, then... and we started to get anxious again, thinking this is going to be a short trip.
But we continued. Until Calista said she needed to use the bathroom, still an hour from our destination. I asked her if she wanted to pull to the side of the road; we are in the middle of nowhere farmland, and there are no bathrooms. At first she says no, but then Calista agrees to go on the side of the road. Kyler pulls over and helps her... but she can't go. Back in the car and away we go... for a few minutes until she decides she really can't wait, and we pull over again.

This time, Calista was successful!

Still, the temperature, wind, and rain didn't bode well. Finally, we got to the park (and found a bathroom that wasn't just the side of the road), and found a fantastic fall playground.

Leaves every where, overcast skies, but not a breath of wind.

In fact, when we headed first to the beach and river, Kyler and I were amazed at how calm the water was.

Kiddos were pretty happy to be out of the car. Caleb fussed a bit until we put some mittens on him, and then he was happy to be with Kyler in the carrier.
Craig got tired walking from the beach to the hoodoos. He didn't want to come.

So, I decided to humor the boy and carry him. It was actually kind of fun for a short way.

And it only needed to be a short way, because once we got to the rock formations, he was happy to climb and scramble by himself.

As was Calista. I was impressed with how well they both did, though I probably shouldn't have been. Craig is my little climber, after all, and Calista is determined and capable.

We had so much fun exploring the hoodoos. The kids probably could have stayed here for hours.

In the end, Kyler and I were wrong, I'm happy to say. It was a fantastic trip, and we were so glad we went.

I highly recommend Writing-on-Stone in the fall. It was quiet, not too hot (kind of cool, but nothing we couldn't handle!), and simple gorgeous, seeing the leaves and the rocks.

Though, I'd recommend stopping somewhere for a bathroom break that isn't the side of the road...

They said these hollows were dinosaur nests.

Still, we all had fun, and I can't wait to go back again... once the snow melts, I think.