Training away from home: Drumheller, AB

As mentioned in my previous post, my family was recently on holidays in Drumheller, Alberta.   This town, located in an amazingly picturesque valley is famous as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World" as well as for it's rich mining heritage.   The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, the biggest dinosaur in the world and the Atlas Coal Mine museum are just some of the attractions available to visitors,

One of the THREE T-Rex skeletons on display at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology

When I arrived in Drumheller, I was worried that I would not be able to find a suitable place to train.   I am leery about walking on the shoulders of unfamiliar highways, and greatly dislike the stopping and starting required to train on city streets.   Lucky for me (and all other runners/walkers), my fears were unjustified.   Not only does Drumheller have over 18km of walking paths in and around the Red Deer River, these paths are paved and well marked!

Fortunately, this trail passed right by the entrance to the campsite we were staying in.   I had decided the previous evening that I would head west on the trail, away from the center of town.

I knew almost immediately that I had made a good decision.   After crossing a small bridge and walking past a motel, I was surrounded by beautiful scenery.  The sun was rising, bathing the hills across the valley in a luminous pink glow.

What can I say - I was walking fast!

 

After passing the town hospital on my left, I was treated to the yard of the Homestead Antique Museum.   Though I had hit my stride, I was still able to enjoy the antique tractors and farm equipment, as well as the old wooden ferry from the nearby ferry crossing.

The old Bleriot Ferry

Past the museum was Funland Amusement Park (bumper boats and mini golf) and a few houses (the path is shared with a driveway for about 150m at this point).   Once past the houses there was a nice green space where the path came to a T-intersection.   If I had turned, the path would have taken me towards the river, but I continued straight, knowing there was a dead end ahead, but also knowing that I was nearing the half-way of my walk.

Right next to the path, I came across Fossil World - a huge dinosaur discovery center, complete with large and realistic statues outside.

Stanley the Stegosaurus at Fossil World

After Fossil World, the path took me back through a residential neighbourhood, where I found a wonderful representation of Dieno the dinosaur from the Flintstones!   Many neighbourhoods in Drumheller have creatively painted dino statues, but this one was one of my favourites.

Dieno!

It was at this point in my walk that I realised that I had some company!   Four white-tailed deer had decided to go for a morning walk as well.   I managed to follow them for about a quarter of a mile before they ran away - but they were good companions while they lasted.

After about two blocks on residential streets, it was time to turn around and head back.   The scenery was no less novel on the way back, and before I knew it I was back at the trailer.

The beauty and condition of Drumheller's trail system made me wish that we were staying longer, as I wanted to explore the rest of the town's walking paths.    If you ever get a chance to visit Drumheller, know that you will not only be able to train, but will LOVE doing it!

Some links to check out:

Drumheller pedestrian trails
Town of Drumheller
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology
Atlas Coal Mine Museum