Redneck Bar & Grill

Spring in Alberta brings camping, motorhomes and outdoor exploration. We can’t all own a beauty like this motor home pictured, but almost anyone could wrangle up a tent and some hiking gear. One extremely popular destination is the Horseguard valley.  There are two campgrounds and many things to do. In a couple weeks the water levels  will have returned to normal and the campers will start arriving.
Hikers can follow the trails to fabled Porta Potty Point, and look down over the entire valley. You can usually see the wild horses from up there, as they cavort on the valley floor. You can continue on, to Horseguard Falls, where the glacier water runs off of the mountain. This is a spectacular hike, but if you are afraid of heights stay away.
There are trails lower down as well, which lead through the Vanilla pines and end at the pen and ink pots. At one time, these ink pots were plundered for their ink, which was used in ballpoint pens. They are now respected as a natural wonder, but you can still see where the tank trucks backed into position.
The Vanilla Pine is also protected now. Rocky Mountain House used to have  a vanilla extraction plant, but that has been closed for many years. The vanilla ice which forms at the base of the pines was harvested yearly, but damage to the tree roots was killing a lot of the trees, so government stepped in. Now, only artificial vanilla extract is available in stores.
And let us not forget the mighty Blue Beaver, which can also be found in the valley. They are are hard working animal, and are the only creature that still cuts down Vanilla Pine.
Remember, if you go into the valley, pack out any garbage. Don’t leave it lying on the ground. That’s why cans of Blue Beaver Beer are better than bottles, because they are lighter on the return trip!