Stepping Through Alberta: Our Heart and Sole Road Trip
Darcia Pullin | Article and Photos
When the Heart and Sole Wellness Walks announcement appeared in the ARTAfacts newsletter, my husband Ken and I reviewed the participating cities, determined distances, and mapped out a road trip to four of the destinations: Ponoka, Stettler, Calgary, and Red Deer. Little did we know that our travels would lead to a foodie experience, new sights to explore, friendly conversations, and discovering new paths we might not have found on our own.
Ponoka — WCRTA (Wolf Creek Retired Teachers’ Association)
The first walk began at the Ponoka Drop-In Centre, where we were warmly greeted as the only Calgarians joining the walk. We crossed live train tracks leading to a calm wetland on the right and the Battle River to the left. Ken and I followed the left path, which mimicked the river, and we listened to the redwing blackbirds sing — a sound forgotten in the rush of our city.
On returning, we stopped on the bridge to look for fish and admire the lily pads. WCRTA members invited us to stay for a catered lunch, which we gladly accepted. We enjoyed good company and were pleasantly surprised to connect with an old friend from the 1990s.
We set off to explore the town by first visiting the Ponoka Miniature Church, which only holds six people, with standing room for a squished pair. Next, we had to see the World’s Largest Bucking Saddle Bronc and Rider, a thirty-two foot monument in the middle of Lions Centennial Park. The day ended with a visit to the Ponoka Stampede grounds for crafts and gourmet popcorn at the farmers market. The Ponoka Stampeder Inn is the place to stay, with great rooms and an exceptional continental breakfast.
Stettler — SDRTA (Stettler & District Retired Teachers’ Association)
En route to our next walk the following day, we couldn’t resist a stop at Bashaw Meats & Sausage Ltd. for smoked meats and local eggs. (We needed a bigger cooler!) We continued our drive to see the World’s Largest Lamp in Donalda, with the Meeting Creek Coulee and Canadian Badlands as the backdrop. The arch of trees to the north indicated where the abandoned train track once travelled. A return trip to walk the coulee is a must!
We joined SDRTA members at the Stettler Brewing Company, the start and end point of the walk. The group headed out past the fair grounds where the high school rodeo was being held, passing trailers of horses, goats, and competitors. We continued along the paved path and over the tracks where the view opened into a soothing green field.
At the end of our walk, we enjoyed a refreshing craft beer at the brewery along with pizza. One of the fellow retirees indicated that one of his former students started up the brewery — a great asset to the town. Another member was formerly part of the RDC Queens volleyball team, recently inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.
Calgary — CRTA (Calgary Retired Teachers’ Association)
Being Calgarians, we were already familiar with beautiful North Glenmore Park; we walk there often and have celebrated birthdays and family occasions there. We’ve also cycled around the reservoir, and one year I ran a half marathon around it.
Ken took the one-kilometre path along the cliff face on the north side overlooking the reservoir while I joined the others on the five-kilometre path down to the Weaselhead Flats and wetlands. A flock of swallows swarmed around the bridge, as they tend to do — if you haven’t been, it’s worth the visit.
Red Deer — CARTA (Central Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association)
On our fourth and final day, we met CARTA members at the Clearview Meadows Community Hall in Red Deer. We walked the loop around the Michael O’Brien Wetland, which was alive with wildlife. Farther down, the path parallels the Kerry Wood Nature Centre on one side, and a grassy area with large trees encompassed the old Michener Centre site on the other.
After saying our good-byes, Ken and I were off to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame located on the south side of Red Deer by Heritage Ranch. The exhibits showcased various sports, and the Hall of Fame Gallery found us searching for familiar names. We even tried our hand at virtual hockey, curling, and bubble hockey. (We won’t disclose who won which game.)
This unforgettable road trip was an opportunity to connect with Alberta nature, local history, and fellow ARTA members. We're already looking forward to lacing up our shoes and discovering more hidden gems on next year’s Heart and Sole Wellness Walks.
Darcia Pullin
ARTA Member