The Cypress Hills: One of Canada's Seven Wonders

The CBC needs our help in selecting The Seven Wonders of Canada. They have selected a short-list of 52 and are now asking us to vote for our top seven.
Today Sheila Rogers chatted with Guy Vanderhaeghe about the Cypress Hills and why he feels that they are one of Canada's Seven Wonders. His book The Englishman's Boy is set primarily in the Cypress Hills in 1873. He discussed the unique geographical and botanical features of the Hills and how they were a centre of activity for native people, the Northwest Mounted Police, whiskey traders and many other groups.
I was born in Maple Creek, on the edge of the Cypress Hills.
As a child I lived on a farm north of Maple Creek and, later, in Golden Prairie – always in sight of the Cypress Hills. On summer weekends we would leave the hot plains and drive up and into 'the Hills' which have the same elevation as the town of Banff. My father's 1950 Ford would periodically have a vapour lock as we climbed the last few miles into Cypress Hills Park and he would have to pour cold water on the fuel pump to correct the problem.
The Hills were a cool, peaceful refuge from the heat and from the week's work. We fished the lakes and streams for trout, splashed in the swimming pool and visited with friends.
The Cypress Hills have always been a spiritual place for native people and for the rest of us. I too think they are one of Canada's Seven Wonders, and, as soon as I post this blog entry, I will vote on the CBC site. We only have until May 31 to cast our electronic ballots.
I hope you'll vote too: and I'd be delighted if you voted for the Cypress Hills – and for prairie skies as well. That leaves five other votes for the rest of Canada, which seems fair and appropriate.