Our first overnight on our recent Saskatchewan road trip was in Swift Current, SK – in the southwestern part of our province. With stops, we had been on the road for about five hours. Due to an old lower back injury, this is plenty of car time for me. In the motorhome, I can travel a lot longer before needing to stop for the day.

We stayed at this Holiday Inn Express twelve years ago when it was brand new, and enjoyed it there, so we thought we’d give it another go. Sadly, the room furnishings, as well as the pool and hot tub are showing signs of aging and wear and tear.

After we checked in and had a swim and a hot tub, we took a drive to the iPlex Hockey Arena. In the early 1970’s, hubs played ice hockey with the Swift Current Broncos of the WCHL (Western Canada Hockey League). This league is made up of elite junior hockey players from all over North America and Europe. For many of these young athletes, the next step is the NHL. Hubs was invited to an NHL Camp but declined the offer. He was a very skilled defenceman and a strong skater, but he believed that he didn’t have what it took “inside” to play at the top level. Many of his teammates from that time did go on to play in the NHL. Hubs says he has no regrets for his choice.

Tripping Down Memory Lane

Over a late dinner of taco salad, we shared a laugh while noting that, like the hotel, time has definitely marched on for both of us.

“It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”

Andy Rooney