Super Fun Adventure Times: Star Gazing, RCMP History

Day 12 --Regina, SK

Google Earth measurements (straight line between locations)
Distance from Vancouver: 1332 km
Distance from Kingston: 2214 km

Last night, we went out about 20 km south of Regina into the farmlands to look at the stars. We figured we would have a much better view than we did in Richmond with less light pollution and no trees or buildings to block our view. There was some cloud cover so it was not super clear but there was enough clear sky to see a ton of stars! Didn't really recognize many constellations, even with a star chart, but we did get to see the Milky Way. Even though we didn't get the full effect since there were clouds, it was still really awesome. We also saw a ton of lightning looking north towards Regina. We didn't hear the thunder so they were probably really far away. I am guessing that we saw so many since Saskatchewan is so flat and lightning is so bright that we could see lightning over a very large area. I tried to take pictures of the stars but my camera couldn't get enough light (it's not a very good camera).

Today, we went to the RCMP Heritage Centre and saw some of their history. We also got a very interesting tour of the Depot, where RCMP cadets undergo a 24 week training program to become police officers. Their program is very rigorous and steeped in tradition. In the Heritage Centre, I was most surprised to learn that RCMP members have served in the Canadian Forces (sometimes as their own unit) in every major conflict since its inception. They also serve with the UN.

Tomorrow, we are off to Winnipeg and a new time zone!