Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Tuesday, we crossed the border and stopped at the Visitors Center at Milk River.  It had a small museum that described the history of the settling of the area.  It also explained the daily activities of the Indians that are native to this area.  The visitor  center staff was most helpful in assisting us with our travels north.  She also recommended visiting the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

We did stop and it was certainly worth the visit. The views were magnificent and you could see for miles.  We were intrigued with name and this is the explanation...."according to one legend, the people were driving buffalo over the sandstone cliffs.  A young brave wanted to watch the buffalo tumbling past.  Standing under the shelter of the ledge, he watched the great beasts fall.  It was an unusually good day and as the bodies piled up.  He became trapped between the animals and the cliffs.  When the people began butchering, they found him with his skull crushed by the weight of the buffalo carcasses, and they named the place Head-Smashed-In."  When the Indians hunted they chased the buffalo over the cliff.  They did this all on foot.  Later with the introduction of horses, the whole hunting process changed and they could hunt the buffalo wherever they roamed.

We also treated ourselves to buffalo stew and buffalo chili for lunch.  Both were delicious and if you ever have a chance to try either one go for it.

We ended the day at the Westerners Campground in Red Deer, AB.  It was a very nice campground, but soon after we were setup a wind
storm blew through and damaged trees and branches in the park. It also caused a loss of electricity, but it was restored before we went to bed.