I cannot believe this is my last official post as an Albertan! That year went by SO fast!! On this snowy morning in Cochrane, I am looking back on a short, intense yet wonderful year of work and play in Canada’s Heartland, and I could not think of a better parting image than this one taken just before Christmas along the Cowboy Trail. You are looking at a local icon called The Fence of a Thousand Hats. Just south of Longview, along the stunning Cowboy Trail, you will find local rancher, Lorne Fuller’s ode to…well, leaving your mark. Along the length of his ranch, nailed to each fence post, is a hat donated by passersby, welcoming visitors to some of the most picturesque landscape southern Alberta has to offer. Each time I passed this fence on my travels this year I had to smile, and at last, take a parting photo. The CBC recently came out to Longview to interview Lorne, who is now in his young eighties, and you must listen to his story here! He reminds me of my Dad.

Thanks to all of my cherished followers this year! As I start to pack (again) and shortly head to my new home in Coquitlam, BC, I invite you to follow my BC Adventures each weekend. When you are along for the ride with me, I am never, ever alone. I will start a new “Beautiful BC” gallery next month but until then, you can find my “Awesome Alberta” gallery here.

Now for one last Alberta Adventure. I’m off in Lucy the Jeep to nail my favourite Maple Leafs hat to your fence, Lorne!