Day 17 - Thursday, October 3

The Drumheller hoodoos are geological wonders that have stood guard at the mouth of Willow Creek for thousands of years. Like the canyon yesterday, they just pop up out of nowhere. 

It wasn't so much of a hike today as a climb...and not a particularly easy one at times.

The temperature was perfect around 8 degrees - very comfortable for this activity.

The Star Mining Suspension bridge is what remains today from earlier bridges designed to transport both men and coal from the mines to the other side of the river. All bridges were a far cry from the original rowboats to accomplish that task.

The nearby Town of Wayne has been granted ghost town status as the population is only 25. The approach to the town is wonderful crossing 11 iron bridges in a 6 kilometre span of road.

However, you can't technically call it a ghost town because there are a few businesses operating there, namely a hotel, bar/restaurant and a campground, all quite captivating on this pleasant day. Though open, the activity level sure supported its ghost town moniker.

Our final visit for the day was to the amphitheatre. The natural setting was surreal...and the acoustics were quite amazing, even to me! The photo below is surrounded on both sides and behind by rows and rows of similar seating giving a capacity of 2500 - simply astounding.

Drumheller is a weird and wonderful place. Don't miss it if you're ever near Calgary. It's so much more than just dinosaurs.

😎