Rocky Mountain House...

when considering a weekend getaway or family holiday and should you like the adventurous type of relaxation...consider Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

i recently had the opportunity to visit this great Alberta town and also meet some of the folks who live and work there... i have to say, that everyone i talked to was extremely friendly and willing to chat, that, despite the fact that they were all very busy...by the way, this isn't about buttering anyone up...it's simply what happened as i experienced it.

i met with Dean Schweder - the Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator and before I left Joanne at the Town office was kind enough to suggest talking with Ron Caine of Caine's Jewellers, a local family owned and run business with over 50 years worth of history in Rocky. this was a great place to start my informal survey of the local business scene. (the number to reach Ron at the store by the way is 403-845-3440, if you're looking for a great deal on some very fine jewelry give him a call, i spied with my little eye, a really neat yin and yang pewter flask that i may consider next time i'm down there, even though i don't consume much alcohol, it's just one of those unique things, maybe as a gift to a friend, hmmm).......

Ron was kind enough to spend a few moments out of his busy day... graciously putting on-hold all of his 55 - 5 minute tasks that were stacked up to chat with me. - Thank-you very much Ron...

he let me know that there is a concerted effort on behalf of businesses on mainstreet to bring attention to the mainstreet business zone, promoting a shop local mentality, showing off what the shops have to offer...the fact that there will soon be a wal-mart in town suggests that these efforts will almost certainly need to increase and continue to be creative to direct the local shoppers their way...i didn't have time to speak to Ron about this issue...maybe on my next trip.

in fact, there's a committee on which he sits who's primary focus and purpose is exactly that. as i walked up and down mainstreet the stickers on the windows were evidence of support of this committee's efforts over the years...

Here's Ron in front of his store...


Some very interesting comments came back to me as a result of my "rocky mountain adventure"and informal chats with various business owners...

For one, like the rest of the Province of Alberta, everyone that i spoke to is short of staff and could use access to new reliable talent...all were very busy and worked long hours at their businesses...despite being tired, the kind of tired that only business owners could understand everyone was very upbeat and optimistic about the future...they most definitely love their town and why shouldn't they? it's absolutely great. you really need to go there and have your very own unique rocky mountain adventure...after all as the sign says...it's "Where Adventure Begins".


before i left for the day...i also had a chance to meet with Trish Kohlert of The Fabric Centre (403) 845-3740, a cool fabric store with a fun team...hey..i'm a guy there's little more i can say about fabric...i can say that the atmosphere was jovial and friendly. Trish did say she considered herself extremely lucky to have really great staff as was evident when i asked to take her picture and she insisted that the whole team smile for the camera...unfortunately i wasn't able to reach Trish today so i decided not to put their picture up without their permission. Thank-you for your time Trish and gang....

Eric and his wife Jodi Wymenga, the hard working owners of Panic Printing Solutions, who by the way, in addition to handling all your printing and engraving needs, can also build your high-end custom computer system and if you have a need for an internet cafe service they have that too... panicprt@telus.net or (403) 845- 5120

Panic Printing handles almost all of the engraving for the local oil and gas scene...all those little plastic name plates on heavy equipment or in gas plants telling you which valve or button you're about to push is all done by Eric's team...that's a lot of engraving...that is in addition to the sports trophies and plaques, way to go Eric and Jodi and thank-you for your time and comments...

Here's Eric in front of his store....


Sandy Andersen, owner of Buddy's Bookshoppe...she let me know that Rocky Mountain House has a twin town ---i can't be sure but i think this is the site... Kamikawa, Japan which I found very interesting...you can reach Sandy to talk about her passion..."books" at buddysbk@telus.net or 1-866-845-3168...all were extremely nice and very proud of their businesses and community...Sandy, you were very busy training a new staff member thank-you for your accommodation and great questions despite that....

it was a bit of a stormy day, despite that though here is some of the beautiful country i drove through...


the spring run-off at work...

it's not often you'll get to see a herd of Bison hanging out.......


this snowy picture still turned out in it's own way kind of relaxing...just imagine no sound except for the snow flakes hitting the ground...



a couple of horses hanging out....



this was a very fun day trip and yet there's still so much more to explore and i have no doubt more interesting people to meet....i can certainly see why people love living there...