One lesson we learned during our trip to Fort McMurray was that seniors, at least in this group, are never late.

So when we were told that departure time was 8:00 am and wake-up calls were arranged for 6:30 am, we pre-emtively set the alarm for 6:10 am to beat the breakfast rush. Good thing, because everyone else was arriving at the dining room too!

The bus pulled out, fully loaded, at 7:50 am and headed south on Hwy 63.

Apart from two deer sightings to the west and a reported bear to the east, the first couple hours were uneventful.

Morning break found us at Wandering River. As we pulled into the parking area, people were commenting on the unique structure before us. I recognized it as a diner built in Burnt Lake Business Park in Red Deer (• see 'Diner hits the road' under Local Business). How interesting to see the diner sitting proudly at its destination. Alas, it didn’t open until noon, so we had our break next door at the confectionery.

I was amused to see our driver and tour guide, John Parsons, head to the pay phone to confirm our lunch arrangements. The “old-fashioned” method still worked! Later, when we arrived at the restaurant in Athabasca, our lunch was hot and ready.

But before that, we pulled off at the closed gate to a peat bog. Here we learned that a bright, sunny day such as the one we were enjoying was the ideal weather for harvesting peat (as in “peat moss” for the garden). It was explained that the area is worked with harrows to break up the peat and allow it to dry. Then the dry peat is vacuumed onto a truck, exposing the next layer. Too bad the gate was closed and we couldn’t have a closer look.

We ventured on to the town of Athabasca. Along the Athabasca River, on the former site of the railway yards, is a beautiful park. We were encouraged to get off the bus and walk the pathway, so as to read the history of the area displayed on the many information signs along the way. It was also an opportunity for some river photography.

After a refreshing lunch and conversation with new friends, we headed south for the “home stretch”.

Afternoon break was back in Fort Saskatchewan, the first time we had been over the same road twice since our departure.

Suddenly, just before the Pigeon Lake overpass, we heard a beeping sound. John pulled the bus over at a rest stop, where we watched liquid pool its way from the engine toward the ditch. That did not look good!

The next hour was spent waiting. Two guys took newspapers and read them in the shade of some trees, one found his suitcase a good perch, most of us stood around and visited. Eventually two smaller replacement buses arrived and the trip was completed.

One traveller used the waiting time to write a song about the trip, which she sang for the group before departure. It sums up our adventure this way (sung to the tune “Camp Granada”):

PARSONS TOURS to FORT MCMURRAY, June 11-13, 2009

by Thelma Snell (used with permission)

sung to the tune "Camp Granada"

Johnny, Johnny, what’s your hurry? It’s not far to Fort McMurray!

We’ve got time for all the side trips.

Johnny, Johnny, there’s no need for you to worry.

All those churches....did we miss one? All that hist’ry...you made us learn some.

But I don’t know ‘bout all those graveyards;

We could need one for ourselves before this trip’s done!

Sweet Lorraine, now, she’s a keeper! In a tight spot she’s a handy back-up beeper.

She won’t let you run those red lights

And she’ll make sure you don’t get in trouble deeper!

But....Take us home, oh, Johnny Parsons

Take us home...we’ve seen the ‘tar sands’

Take us home, we’re ready for a big, long nap.

It was a great trip and we thank you. Hosts like you are far between and oh, so too few.

You imparted mega-knowledge.

We no longer feel so ignorant ‘bout that black goo!

But....Take us home...we need a shower.

Take us home...it’s the dinner hour.

Take us home...we’ve had a blast, but now it’s time...

Wait a minute...what’s that beeping? Someone’s cellphone? No, the engine’s weeping!!

Now we’re sweating by the roadside.

O-ring’s blown, we can’t go on, nobody’s sleeping.

But our Johnny never panics. Bus is full of armchair mechanics.

And bus replacements? Johnny’s got ‘em.

Move that luggage, take your seats, THIS TOUR IS DONE!!