Since I'll be visiting Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump and Frank Slide with my son's grade 4 class in about 3 weeks, I picked up some books to learn more about both places. I've actually been to both places at least once (think I've been to Frank Slide 2 or 3 times), I didn't really absorb all the history behind them.

I just finished the book "Imagining Head Smashed In" by Jack W. Brink. I thought it would be too technical a book, but it's very easy to read and enjoyable. The Real People of Southern Alberta have been using this sand stone cliff for nearly 6000 years. There is a network of low stone cairns in the catch basin behind the cliff where the people would slowly funnel the bison towards the cliff, then stampede them over. At the base of the cliff is 10 METRES of bison bones! A little farther down is the processing area where they butchered, dried, rendered and cooked the bison. The class will be touring the vistor's centre and hiking to the cliff.

April 29, 1903 at 4:10am, 90 million tons of rock fell off Turtle Mountain, covering part of the town of Frank metres deep in rock. About 80 peopled died, and most are still under the rock. It also covered the entrance to a mine, trapping the miners. They were able to dig themselves out before the rescuers reached them. The class will be spending the night here, learning about Frank Slide, and going on a mine tour.

They need a few parents to drive so their vehicles can be used for storage... I first though Oh No, but quickly reconsidered and offered to drive (minivan - lots of storage room). Taking my own vehicle means I get away from a bus load of 4th and 5th graders! Yeah! And I don't have to worry about my stuff taking too much space. :)

I'm really looking forward to this trip.