I grew up on the Prairies and so did my parents. Now that we find ourselves in the east my Dad is fulfilling a long time dream of his - to own a boat. 

It was actually during my visit last fall that Dad bought his boat from a retired lobsterman. The kids and I were on that memorable first journey as he "drove" the boat home. 

Since last fall when he bought the boat Dad has had it refurbished and put a lot of effort into fixing it up. It's a sweet little boat with ample room for our family to join. My parents intend to cruise the coast with it, exploring this beautiful province of Nova Scotia they now call home.

With a nod to our family's Alberta background Dad named his boat The Prairie Skipper.

We took The Prairie Skipper to town last Friday night to watch the Canada Day fireworks from the river. And what a great view we had.

Both of the setting sun on the way to town and the night sky lit up with Canada Day festivities. But my favorite views were definitely the natural ones. The river, the sunset, my family enjoying the evening together.

Thanks Dad for the great Canada Day evening.