Drumheller: Land of the Dinosaurs
Going to Calgary? Sure you will head West to Banff and Lake Louise. AlteCocher loves Banff and Lake Louise. Calgary does not have world class museums, but Alberta does have one really world class museum in Drumheller.
Where the hell is Drumheller? Of course, AlteCocker will tell you. It is northeast of Calgary and about 1 1/2 hour drive (the way AlteCocker drives; Albertans drive a bit faster).
What AlteCocker recommends in Drumheller is the Royal Tyrell Musem. Now, AlteCocker lives in the Washington, DC, area and--having been spoiled by The Smithsonian (yes, AlteCocker has reviewed that too)--is not easily impressed.
The Royal Tyrrel is a world class museum in the midst of a very small town. Why, you ask is it in the middle of nowhere? Well, it's the middle of nowhere for people, but it is located in fossil heaven. Fossils are being dug up all around Drumheller. It is one of the best areas in the world to find them. Rather than schlep the dinosaurs to some city elsewhere, the Canadians built the museum in the midst of all the finds. If people want to see the fossils, it is people who have to do the schlepping. The dinosaurs stay at home.
You can participate in a fossil dig if you make arrangements in advance. Regrettably, the Cockers did not have time for such an adventure (and SonCocker was less than enthusiastic when the Cockers made their visit).
Where the hell is Drumheller? Of course, AlteCocker will tell you. It is northeast of Calgary and about 1 1/2 hour drive (the way AlteCocker drives; Albertans drive a bit faster).
What AlteCocker recommends in Drumheller is the Royal Tyrell Musem. Now, AlteCocker lives in the Washington, DC, area and--having been spoiled by The Smithsonian (yes, AlteCocker has reviewed that too)--is not easily impressed.
The Royal Tyrrel is a world class museum in the midst of a very small town. Why, you ask is it in the middle of nowhere? Well, it's the middle of nowhere for people, but it is located in fossil heaven. Fossils are being dug up all around Drumheller. It is one of the best areas in the world to find them. Rather than schlep the dinosaurs to some city elsewhere, the Canadians built the museum in the midst of all the finds. If people want to see the fossils, it is people who have to do the schlepping. The dinosaurs stay at home.
You can participate in a fossil dig if you make arrangements in advance. Regrettably, the Cockers did not have time for such an adventure (and SonCocker was less than enthusiastic when the Cockers made their visit).