Looking back, I am thrilled he joined us. We had not spent that much concentrated time together since he left home for university in the early 1960's. His presence made it a memorable vacation and he enriched it no end. Every time we stopped there were people to meet and stories to hear. Most often the conversations were around the health and vitality of small towns, their problems and economy as seen through the eyes of local towns people (shop-keepers, residents, small business people). We visited a number of Churches, graveyards and buildings, some abandoned and some in use. Crichton brought them "back to life" through stories about structure and religious life/history. We also visited our old friend and some of his family as well as a childhood friend (now a middle aged grandparent) and friends of Bob's and mine from our 4 years in Saskatchewan. And, with Crichton's prodding, we sought out a landscape from our childhood memories of an epic 100 mile plus journey Crichton and I made on horseback so many years ago with 9 horses, a husky, and two of Gramps' young sons. Although we didn't find the landscape intact, we regained our youth together. And there were many new landscapes to see, seeking elusive birds. Although bird watching was not Crichton's passion, he started to appreciate what we loved about it and he acquired a quirky affection for some of the birds we found. I am so grateful for that precious time and it brought us close once more.

- Corinne

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