Flatlanders in the Canadian Rockies by K Gordon Schultz July 1, 2014 written by K Gordon Schultz July 1, 2014 0 comment 0FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail 700 Anyone who hails from the prairies knows. Visiting or moving to the Canadian Rockies is a bit of a geological shock. You can always tell who the flatlanders are by the wide-eyed, stunned and dazed looks on their faces. We’re a little slow to get around because we’re constantly looking up, which is a new direction for most of us. We’re the ones bumping into others as we drift into this fresh sense of awe like an eight year old in Disneyland. We’re the ones pulling over on the side of the road to take a picture of elk or moose grazing in the ditch even though we’ve already seen tons of them on the prairies. Don’t even get me started on what happens when we see a bear. The mountains do strange things to us. While driving we struggle to adapt to the road having actual elevation changes. This is practically unheard of on the prairies and is one of the biggest changes we have to deal with when we visit. Somehow our cars seem to be most resistant to this change. Or perhaps it’s just our inability to gauge such changes that makes going up those hills a prolonged effort. Keep an eye out for those green license plates and consider passing them while you have the chance. We won’t be offended. One of the biggest transitions I had to make was ensuring I didn’t say the word “bunnyhug” (not to be confused with actually hugging a rabbit) while trying to sell a hoody to anyone who wasn’t from Saskatchewan. People always do a double take wondering if I’ve suddenly switched languages and the Albertans have a good laugh at my expense. Everyone thought I talked funny but then, you’re bound to sound odd when you’re someplace new and different, right? Flatlanders have to put up with a lot. Everything from the pitiful looks and comments when we tell someone where we’re from to the jokes about our landscape and customs. I challenge people to get more creative with their remarks. Anyone from the prairies will tell you the only people who can tease them are themselves and we usually have the best jokes. Besides our driving, language, and facial expressions we can blend in quite nicely. The one thing sure to give us away is our excessive use of Saskatchewan Roughrider paraphernalia. So this summer, keep your eyes peeled for people walking around with watermelons on their heads. True, we may be a proud people, but we’re not too proud to put a watermelon on our head for the sake of football. 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail K Gordon Schultz K Gordon Schultz is a well-known figure in the golf community and currently serves as the President of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having spent many years working in the golf industry. Schultz has been a member of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club for over 40 years and has been actively involved in the clubโs operations since he joined. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2001, becoming Club President in 2005. In 2019, he was acclaimed as Club Vice-President, assuming the role of Club President again in 2022. In addition to his work at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Schultz is also an avid traveler. He has visited over 30 countries around the world, on all continents. But his most enjoyable travel experiences have come from within Canada, visiting many of Canada's National Parks including Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Grasslands National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park and Pacific Rim National Park. Along with golf, he enjoys scuba diving, biking, hiking and relaxing with a fine Pinot Noir. previous post Canada Day Celebrations in Banff National Park next post The Mountaineer Lodge You may also like Biking in Banff National Park: The 8 Best... January 9, 2023 Everything You Need to Know About Buying Real... August 8, 2022 Kananaskis Country in Review: The Perfect Golfers Weekend July 5, 2022 Yoho National Park – Heart of The Canadian... June 2, 2022 7 Best Banff National Park Hotel Tips May 22, 2022 Canmore โ The Underestimated Town of the Rockies May 18, 2022 28 Best Drives and Walks Around Banff May 17, 2022 The 3 Best Canoe Trips in Banff National... May 16, 2022 The 11 Best Canmore Hiking & Walking Trails May 13, 2022 Canadian Rockies Cycling: Highwood Pass May 3, 2022