A Crock of Schmidt
@acrockofschmidt.bsky.social
Mostly camping, some travel/attractions, the odd musing.
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A Crock of Schmidt
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acrockofschmidt.com
Mostly campground reviews, some travel/attraction reviews, and occassional nonsense. Please, come have a look around.
acrockofschmidt.com
acrockofschmidt.com
I'm a little late publishing a summary of our 2025 metal detecting season. We didn't get out much and didn't find much of interest or value. Too bad considering things started off with a bang thanks to a vintage toy gun found at the first hunt of the season.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/05/07/a...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/05/07/a...
All Our Metal Detecting Finds in 2025 • A Crock of Schmidt
Our 2025 metal detecting season was a disappointment. We didn't get out much despite a cool toy gun found on our first hunt. Check it out.
acrockofschmidt.com
May 7, 2026 at 2:32 PM
I'm a little late publishing a summary of our 2025 metal detecting season. We didn't get out much and didn't find much of interest or value. Too bad considering things started off with a bang thanks to a vintage toy gun found at the first hunt of the season.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/05/07/a...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/05/07/a...
After three nights in Cypress Hills Centre Block, we waltzed into Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park expecting a near identical #camping experience. I'm still not sure if we got it.
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Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park - review • A Crock of Schmidt
In southwest Saskatchewan Cypress Hills gets all the glory, but Saskatchewan Landing is a worthy competitor for your summer vacation dollar.
acrockofschmidt.com
April 27, 2026 at 2:46 AM
After three nights in Cypress Hills Centre Block, we waltzed into Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park expecting a near identical #camping experience. I'm still not sure if we got it.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/26/s...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/26/s...
Getting lost on a prairie hike is not something one would normally brag about. But it does take a special kind of skill ... or lack thereof. I blame the cows.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/19/r...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/19/r...
Rings Ruts and Remnants Trail • A Crock of Schmidt
It takes a special kind of hiker to get lost on the prairies, but I did exactly that on the Rings Ruts and Remnants Trail in Sask Landing!
acrockofschmidt.com
April 19, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Getting lost on a prairie hike is not something one would normally brag about. But it does take a special kind of skill ... or lack thereof. I blame the cows.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/19/r...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/19/r...
A dreary, winter visit to #Toronto between Christmas and New Year's needed a dash of colour and life to brighten our mood. Allan Gardens Conservatory just happened to be across the street from our hotel and delivered in spades. #allangardens
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acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/12/a...
A Winter Visit to Allan Gardens Conservatory • A Crock of Schmidt
We needed a calm detour from our frantic side trip during a wonderful but busy trip home for Christmas and Allan Gardens gave it to us.
acrockofschmidt.com
April 12, 2026 at 3:23 PM
A dreary, winter visit to #Toronto between Christmas and New Year's needed a dash of colour and life to brighten our mood. Allan Gardens Conservatory just happened to be across the street from our hotel and delivered in spades. #allangardens
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/12/a...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/12/a...
Famous People Players is not your typical dinner theatre. Not by a long shot. And it's that uniqueness that makes it so very interesting and enjoyable. We finally had a chance to take it in this past Christmas and what a wholesome joy it was.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/05/f...
Famous People Players Black Light Theatre • A Crock of Schmidt
We finally enjoyed a delicious lunch and terrific show at the wonderful Famous People Players black light theatre in Toronto.
acrockofschmidt.com
April 5, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Famous People Players is not your typical dinner theatre. Not by a long shot. And it's that uniqueness that makes it so very interesting and enjoyable. We finally had a chance to take it in this past Christmas and what a wholesome joy it was.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/05/f...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/04/05/f...
Another last minute hike we found while exploring the Slocan Valley in British Columbia. Beginning from a beach in New Denver, the hike to Molly Hughes Mine was a good one, along the shore of Slocan Lake. Plenty of cool rocks in the tailings to pick through too.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/29/t...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/29/t...
The Hike to Molly Hughes Mine • A Crock of Schmidt
The hike to Molly Hughes Mine in New Denver is a wonderful adventure along the shoreline of Slocan Lake. A true hidden gem, if you will.
acrockofschmidt.com
March 29, 2026 at 10:36 PM
Another last minute hike we found while exploring the Slocan Valley in British Columbia. Beginning from a beach in New Denver, the hike to Molly Hughes Mine was a good one, along the shore of Slocan Lake. Plenty of cool rocks in the tailings to pick through too.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/29/t...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/29/t...
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a great park, but also odd. The concept is terrific and for the most part well executed. But the epicentre for the Saskatchewan side is in a pod of park wholly separated from the actual border spanning part. I find that odd.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/22/c...
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Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park Centre Block - review • A Crock of Schmidt
Looking for a fantastic summer resort on the prairies? Cypress Hills Centre Block in southwest Sasktachewan is just what you're looking for!
acrockofschmidt.com
March 22, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a great park, but also odd. The concept is terrific and for the most part well executed. But the epicentre for the Saskatchewan side is in a pod of park wholly separated from the actual border spanning part. I find that odd.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/22/c...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/22/c...
A lakeside abandoned highway turned trail sounds like a nice way to spend a couple hours in Slocan. The partially collapsed rock tunnel will give you pause before entering. And the angry vultures add unexpected flair. But topless rock jumpers make up for a it.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/15/o...
Old Slocan Highway Trail • A Crock of Schmidt
If you need to rationalize eating an unconscionably big ice cream cone, then the Old Slocan Highway Trail is all the excuse you need.
acrockofschmidt.com
March 15, 2026 at 2:02 PM
A lakeside abandoned highway turned trail sounds like a nice way to spend a couple hours in Slocan. The partially collapsed rock tunnel will give you pause before entering. And the angry vultures add unexpected flair. But topless rock jumpers make up for a it.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/15/o...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/15/o...
Another former railroad turned hiking trail near the ghost town of Sandon, B.C. Had a great time on this one. It follows a river, leads to substantial ruins at Alamo Siding, and features a cable car crossing over the river. We were even naughty on this hike!
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acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/08/g...
Galena Trail: Three Forks to Alamo Siding • A Crock of Schmidt
Another historic mining railroad turned hiking trail in BC's beautiful Slocan Valley. Follow the Galena Trail to the Alamo Siding ruins.
acrockofschmidt.com
March 8, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Another former railroad turned hiking trail near the ghost town of Sandon, B.C. Had a great time on this one. It follows a river, leads to substantial ruins at Alamo Siding, and features a cable car crossing over the river. We were even naughty on this hike!
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acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/08/g...
Hiking former railways in old mining regions is a fantastic way to explore history. The trails inevitably encounter mine ruins from boom times while winding through beautiful wilderness. Even better, the trails are flat, making them easy to hike for anyone.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/01/h...
Hiking the K&S Trail in Sandon • A Crock of Schmidt
Make a visit to the ghost town of Sandon a fulfilling day trip by hiking the historic K&S Trail along the former K&S Railway.
acrockofschmidt.com
March 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Hiking former railways in old mining regions is a fantastic way to explore history. The trails inevitably encounter mine ruins from boom times while winding through beautiful wilderness. Even better, the trails are flat, making them easy to hike for anyone.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/01/h...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/03/01/h...
An almost ghost town might be my favourite type of ghost town. Sandon is a quirky place and a great way to spend a couple hours in the Slocan Valley.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/22/s...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/22/s...
Sandon Ghost Town • A Crock of Schmidt
The ghost town of Sandon isn't quite dead yet. An funky open air museum keeps the remains of the town alive in the beautiful Slocan Valley
acrockofschmidt.com
February 22, 2026 at 3:02 PM
An almost ghost town might be my favourite type of ghost town. Sandon is a quirky place and a great way to spend a couple hours in the Slocan Valley.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/22/s...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/22/s...
History isn't always conveniently located. Don't let that stop you.
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Fort Walsh National Historic Site • A Crock of Schmidt
Fort Walsh is a bit off the beaten path, but nonetheless worth visiting. Experience Canadian "wild west" history in the Cypress Hills.
acrockofschmidt.com
February 15, 2026 at 2:41 PM
History isn't always conveniently located. Don't let that stop you.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/15/f...
If you're not one of the rare locals, Fort Walsh National Historic Site is a bit out of the way. But Battle Creek Trail should change your mind.
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Battle Creek Trail • A Crock of Schmidt
Battle Creek Trail is an excellent way to add a couple hours to your Fort Walsh Visit making it a worthwhile day trip.
acrockofschmidt.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:35 PM
If you're not one of the rare locals, Fort Walsh National Historic Site is a bit out of the way. But Battle Creek Trail should change your mind.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/08/b...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/08/b...
I've been here twice, with a quarter century of time in between. What I remembered of the place vs what is actually is took me by surprise.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/01/b...
Bear Creek Provincial Park - review • A Crock of Schmidt
If you're looking for a family friendly camping experience close to Kelowna, then Bear Creek Provincial Park is where you want to be!
acrockofschmidt.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:09 PM
I've been here twice, with a quarter century of time in between. What I remembered of the place vs what is actually is took me by surprise.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/01/b...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/02/01/b...
It's fascinating how a little height changes everything. In the case of Kamloops, it's the difference between barren and brown to lush and green. What? You thought this was a dating post?
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Paul Lake Provincial Park - review • A Crock of Schmidt
You'd never know it from the drive, but there's a lot of green around Kamloops. And Paul Lake Provincial Park is a great place to enjoy it.
acrockofschmidt.com
January 25, 2026 at 3:47 PM
It's fascinating how a little height changes everything. In the case of Kamloops, it's the difference between barren and brown to lush and green. What? You thought this was a dating post?
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/25/p...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/25/p...
Maybe it's a good thing I've never been in charge of the placement and/or implementation of public parks. What I envision and what I witness are two very different things. Case in point ...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/18/e...
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acrockofschmidt.com
January 18, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Maybe it's a good thing I've never been in charge of the placement and/or implementation of public parks. What I envision and what I witness are two very different things. Case in point ...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/18/e...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/18/e...
I imagine this once was a bustling pitstop and overnight haven on the TransCanada. Now it gets 10 campers on a summer Saturday night. That's a shame because it remains a lovely spot but I'll happily indulge in the unexpected privacy.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/10/s...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/10/s...
Skihist Provincial Park - review • A Crock of Schmidt
A highway changed travel patterns and turned Skihist Provincial Park in to an unexpectedly peaceful spot to camp near Lytton, BC
acrockofschmidt.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:42 PM
I imagine this once was a bustling pitstop and overnight haven on the TransCanada. Now it gets 10 campers on a summer Saturday night. That's a shame because it remains a lovely spot but I'll happily indulge in the unexpected privacy.
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/10/s...
acrockofschmidt.com/2026/01/10/s...
A campground with its own placer claim? Sign me up! But, always be careful what you wish for. Nothing is ever quite what it seems. Much like butchered, overused proverbs, idioms, and cliches.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2025/12/14/g...
Gold Panner Campground - review • A Crock of Schmidt
Camping and Gold Panning at the same place? Sign me up. Gold Panner Campground is that rare unicorn offering exactly that.
acrockofschmidt.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:22 PM
A campground with its own placer claim? Sign me up! But, always be careful what you wish for. Nothing is ever quite what it seems. Much like butchered, overused proverbs, idioms, and cliches.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/12/14/g...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/12/14/g...
I doubt many of you will ever get to Sceptre Saskatchewan. Even fewer of you will camp there. But if you are one of the minute number that will, I hope you avoid the thunderstorm excitement we endured. Whoa, baby, was that a humdinger!
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/12/07/s...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/12/07/s...
Sceptre Campground - review • A Crock of Schmidt
Small town Saskatchewan is a unique experience not everyone gets to experience. A diversion took us to Sceptre Campground for one night.
acrockofschmidt.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:27 PM
I doubt many of you will ever get to Sceptre Saskatchewan. Even fewer of you will camp there. But if you are one of the minute number that will, I hope you avoid the thunderstorm excitement we endured. Whoa, baby, was that a humdinger!
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/12/07/s...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/12/07/s...
It's not quite Sahara on the Prairies, but the Great Sand Hills of southwestern Saskatchewan are a cool spot nonetheless. Endless horizon and sand so soft you'll want to bath in it.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/30/t...
The Great Sand Hills of Saskatchewan • A Crock of Schmidt
You may not expect to find active dunes in Saskatchewan, but they do exist and some of the easiest to get to are the Great Sand Hills.
acrockofschmidt.com
November 30, 2025 at 9:44 PM
It's not quite Sahara on the Prairies, but the Great Sand Hills of southwestern Saskatchewan are a cool spot nonetheless. Endless horizon and sand so soft you'll want to bath in it.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/30/t...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/30/t...
Another publicly accessible gold panning spot in a park. That continues to baffle me but I'm happy to make use of these exceptions. Found some gold on Mission Creek. Right in the city of Kelowna. Not enough to pay for an Okanagan vacation, but fun nonetheless.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/23/g...
Gold Panning on Mission Creek • A Crock of Schmidt
There's gold in Mission Creek, right in the heart of Kelowna BC. What better way to spend a day of your Okanagan vacation?
acrockofschmidt.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Another publicly accessible gold panning spot in a park. That continues to baffle me but I'm happy to make use of these exceptions. Found some gold on Mission Creek. Right in the city of Kelowna. Not enough to pay for an Okanagan vacation, but fun nonetheless.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/23/g...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/23/g...
A guaranteed place to find gold in the Yale Town Recreational Panning Reserve at the south end of the Fraser Canyon. You won't get rich, but you'll leave satisfied with the flakes of yellow you collect. Red garnets, too. The scenery ain't so shabby either.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/16/y...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/16/y...
Yale Town Recreational Panning Reserve • A Crock of Schmidt
Yale Town Recreational Panning Reserve is one of the best and most enjoyable public panning areas in British Columbia
acrockofschmidt.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:28 PM
A guaranteed place to find gold in the Yale Town Recreational Panning Reserve at the south end of the Fraser Canyon. You won't get rich, but you'll leave satisfied with the flakes of yellow you collect. Red garnets, too. The scenery ain't so shabby either.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/16/y...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/16/y...
Hope Recreational Panning Reserve doesn't get stellar reviews for gold but we decided to check it out anyway, albeit briefly. The reviews are accurate but the setting is still worth a visit. Hope must be a lovely place to live.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/09/h...
Hope Recreational Panning Reserve • A Crock of Schmidt
Fans of Dan Hurd are familiar with his fondness for saying there is gold everywhere on the Fraser. He seemingly mentions it in every video he posts from one of his Fraser River claims. Considering the...
acrockofschmidt.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Hope Recreational Panning Reserve doesn't get stellar reviews for gold but we decided to check it out anyway, albeit briefly. The reviews are accurate but the setting is still worth a visit. Hope must be a lovely place to live.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/09/h...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/09/h...
The Tranquille River near Kamloops was once the undisputed best public panning area in all of British Columbia. Recently, however, things have changed and that may mean the crown is up for grabs.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/01/g...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/01/g...
Gold Panning on the Tranquille River • A Crock of Schmidt
The Tranquille River was once the best public gold panning spot in British Columbia but lately things have changed.
acrockofschmidt.com
November 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The Tranquille River near Kamloops was once the undisputed best public panning area in all of British Columbia. Recently, however, things have changed and that may mean the crown is up for grabs.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/01/g...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/11/01/g...
Apparently summer is over. About time I started posting again! Let's start with this little gem from BC that made the final stop on our father-son adventure a delight.
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acrockofschmidt.com/2025/10/20/r...
Rosebery Provincial Park - review • A Crock of Schmidt
If you're camping in the beautiful Slocan Valley of British Columbia, Canada, you won't be disappointed with Rosebery Provinical Park!
acrockofschmidt.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Apparently summer is over. About time I started posting again! Let's start with this little gem from BC that made the final stop on our father-son adventure a delight.
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/10/20/r...
acrockofschmidt.com/2025/10/20/r...