On the Road to Saskatoon

Saturday, March 15, 2008 is the day of the McNally Robinson book signing in Saskatoon. A group of friends came along for the fun. And it was a fantastic time. I don't know many women who can kick off a post book signing party in the local dollar store. Yes, it was just that kind of trip.

So five women in a truck for a 2 1/2 hour drive did not even reach the outskirts of Regina before a pit stop had to be called for Egg McMuffins and coffee and then we were off.

With the prairie fields still covered in snow it's still a beautiful day for a road trip. And despite what you may have heard, Saskatchewan is not totally flat. And yes, I know the pictures that follow confirm otherwise - you're just going to have to take my word for it.




With a break to take a look at the local road signs and a few more laughs as we line up for pictures and break through the rotted snow that is so common this time of year which, of course, only causes more laughs - we are back on the road. Still, even getting your socks wet in a rotted snow bank is all part of the fun because spring is just around the corner and Saskatoon is just down the road.

And then it's off to Davidson. Considered the half way point between Saskatoon and Regina, meetings are sometimes scheduled here when the participants come from both cities. And meetings aside it is also the place where people on more lengthy journeys stop to get gas, food or just a chance to stretch their legs. While our trip is much shorter than many travelers on the road, we're not adverse to a stop - after all this is a weekend out with the girls. No marathon driving sessions for us. Not that 2 1/2 hours would ever be called a marathon but...


Further down the road there's a southern Saskatchewan classic, the grain elevator. These used to be a common sight in every bustling farming community but they are slowly disappearing.

So let me present the Bladworth elevator. Bladworth's beauty is as much in the vast prairie landscape that borders it as the peaceful elevator that announces its existence.


So we finally arrive with time to spare and a chance to admire the view. Saskatoon is known as the bridge city. And the view from our hotel leaves no question. This is a pretty little gem of a city in the middle of the Canadian prairie.

McNally Robinson did a fantastic job of promoting the event. And what a great bookstore. I think I'm in love! But it's the people that really make the event and I met so many including my Aunt Pauline and cousins Valerie, Maxine and Dakota. It thrills me every time I meet people who love words like I do because every book is a journey.

After a hard day of authoring - no, let me correct, book signing, and I enjoyed every moment - an author needs her rest. It was a great time ladies.

Cheers to Saskatoon!

Ryshia