These paths are made for Walking

How many know, or can remember Nancy Sinatra's hit song? "These Boots are made for Walking". I remember it from the sixties because I hadn't left England when it was a hit. "One of these days, these boots are goin' to walk all over you... dum, dum, dum ..... !" and so on. One of the more enjoyable pastimes in Prince Albert is walking, whether it be on the Rotary Trail which almost encircles the City, or along tree-lined footpaths on the west or east hills. Now is a good time to go for that walk you've been meaning to take. There are no mosquitoes to suck you dry, birds are everywhere, singing, chasing mates, and it's not too hot. In fact, it's still freezing, so you'll need a sweater or coat.

It was on a chilly morning like this morning 65 years ago that the Allied Forces landed in Normandy, on beaches with unforgettable names - Omaha, Juno and Sword. As soon as my dad could, he took my mum, brother and me to the Normandy beaches. It must have been 1952 because I think I was eleven, only 8 years after that fateful day. It's hard to imagine what it was like jumping from the landing craft into icy cold water with fully loaded packs and facing a hail of machine gun bullets. For some, the water was too deep and the weight of their packs submerged them with terrible consequences.
If and when you take that walk, think about those men and women that landed in France, and the over two thousand Canadians who died in Normandy on D-Day and never had the chance to come home to enjoy the beauty that is our City.

I have no idea if anyone is reading this blog. I feel like I'm crying out to the wilderness. There have been no comments (just click on the green 'Comment' to write something) and still there are no 'followers'. Please let me know that you're out there. Just tell me your first name if you're shy.

Enjoy the weekend, eh!