What is a buffalo jump?

According to Wikipedia “A buffalo jump is a cliff formation which North American Indians historically used in order to hunt and kill plains bison in mass quantities”.  You can read more about them here.

They have been going on for thousands of years by the Indians to procure buffalo to feed and clothe their people.  Probably the most famous buffalo jump was Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, approximately 17 km from our campsite in Fort Macleod, AB.

Every one in our group went there to go on the tour.

They also had many other beautiful stuffed animals as well.

This is the actual buffalo jump used for many many years.

Archeologists had dug up bones and artifacts that went back several thousand years.

Several of us were invited into a special room by Edwin who is a Blackfoot Indian.  He then showed us this display and asked us to point out different items.  He would then explain what they were and what they meant and how they were used by the Blackfoot Indians.

Here is Edwin showing us how they carried heavy items by using their dogs.

Here he is explaining how they drilled holes.

It was really interesting because he also talked about the life of the Blackfoot Indian and many of their rituals.

Fort Macleod

I also decided to visit Fort Macleod.  It too was very interesting but had to do primarily with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

This was a traders storefront.

A very old wood oven of the 1800’s.

A dentist’s chair.  I don’t think many people went to the dentist back then.

Here is a doctor’s office including an incubator.

Here is the chapel used at the fort.  They were probably praying they would not get attacked by Indians.

Main Street Fort Macleod

I the walked over to Main Street.  This is a very old town and had many interesting storefronts.

Daisy Mae Campground

We had great camp sites at the Daisy Mae campground.  The owners were very friendly and we were all nestled in together.  This was my camp site.

The second night we were there turned out to be a great day as the weather was perfect so we had a potluck.  There was a lot of great food.

Chica stays nice and comfy.

For all you Chica fans out there this is how she stays nice and warm.  Right next to my Wave 3 heater.  She loves it right next to her ducky.