Shane,
Thank you so much for the wonderful descriptions of Fort MacLeod and the
historical background. I really appreciate it. I'd always imagined the
place as a desolate prairie wasteland outpost (mainly because so many of the
U.S. military bases have traditionally been in the "outback" down here in
the states). But, no, Fort MacLeod has character, history, color and
beauty. And I'm happy to hear that Joni's father played a very important
role there during the war.
Of course, that "Chinese Cafe" caught my eye, too - but I wonder if it is
the same as in the song? It always seemed like Joni was talking about a
place she hung out at with her friends as a young adult - maybe in Saskatoon
or in college in Alberta. Who knows, though, maybe it is some kind of
reference to the cafe in Fort MacLeod.
Please keep sending in the details - I love reading them.
Kakki
