Czar Quilter's Annual Trip - July 13 & 14, 2007

Trip Organizer, Vicki and sidekick sister, Carole, seem to be  able to

scoop out the most interesting and unique adventures. After  sufficient

research and at least one dry run, the twosome, counted heads  and lead

a group of 32 of our members along with 12 non-members on a  tour

of Businesses owned and operated by Female entrepreneurs in  the

Bon Accord area. Potting by Heather was the first stop and the group split

in half...taking turns touring the studio, taking in a demonstrations on different clays and firing procedures while Heather's husband  conducted a tour of their yard sharing his knowledge of their wide variety of plants. Such a special tour made even

more impressive as Heather had collected quilts made by her  friends which she

had on display throughout her studio. Travelling 2 km north of Bon Accord

we were treated with an opportunity to visit Prairie Gardens Greenhouse and Strawberry Farm. After enjoying a wonderful lunch we were given an abbreviated tour of the strawberry fields.........Whew, it was so hot! Owner Tam offered us

a selection of plants which we could use to plant a planter and  a foxglove for

us to take home. It was so interesting to learn about the  Agritourism aspect

of her business....much of her business comes from school  groups...many of us farm gals found it interesting to learn that many urban  childern actually never have an opportunity to see and to touch....garden  vegetables....the soil and learn about

growing and harvesting processes that result in them having food on their tables.

Approximately 4 miles north of Bon Accord we discovered Lola Canola, owned and operated by Patty Milligan, Queen Beekeeper. What an experience to see the inside

of a hive...safely! Patty had taken great care to have a hive  enclosed in a screened tent so we could witness her, in her protective clothing,  taking a frame out of the hive and spinning the honey out of it on an antique extractor for all of us to have a taste!

It was great fun to taste all of the different types of honey. What a unique and interesting endeavour!

What a full day....bringing us to West Edmonton Mall Inn for the night.

Not to call it an evening...15 of us attended Jubilations and  the rest went

shopping at West Edmonton Mall. Now, that's a day!

Saturday morning ...this day is going to require lots of energy  and it is still recording breaking hot........Tons and tons (actually over 250)  vendors at the largest outdoor

Farmer's Market in Western Canada.......the St. Albert Outdoor market. Of course, what kind of a trip would it be without a visit to at least one Quilt shop...and

Quiltessential Co in St. Albert was a perfect stop. The  hospitality and friendliness

of this shop in addition to fantastic quilt fabrics and notions  made it a wonderful

finale. By all reports......the shopping that day was  incredible.......the heat necessitated

purchasing very unique headgear...and I'm told that the shopping was so grand that it

caused undue pressure on shopping totes which resulted in  additional luggage and

shopping bags being acquired. Once more..........a wonderful time away.....generous

draws....exciting, informative visits and all under budget to  boot!

It just doesn't get any better!