North to Alaska 2016: Manitoba, Canada

Manitoba & Family Time

After a very stormy, wet night at the Peace Garden campground, we awoke to a cold wet patch in the center of our bed. The leak was dripping from our AC air intake. Unsure if it was a roof leak, frost buildup from the humid conditions, or water pooling on the roof due to the uneven site, Alan climbed on the roof and liberally sealed all around the AC unit, and so far.....no more leaks.

After breakfast, on this cold, dreary wet morning, we crossed the border from North Dakota into Manitoba. The Canada Customs agent at this small border crossing seemed reluctant to venture out of his warm building and requested we come inside. After showing passports, declaring our 6 bottles of wine and 3 partial bottles of spirits, he asked if we had any guns, and the purpose of our visit, after which, he said have a great trip.

Driving conditions were less than desirable, poor visibility and driving rain. Just 3 miles into Manitoba, a young fawn (still with spots) ran out from the ditch and directly into our path. Part way, it decided to turn back, and in doing so, slipped on the road. There was no time to stop, and in such conditions. It would have been dangerous to even try, especially towing a car. Unfortunately, the fawn did not survive, but thankfully, we were safe and in one piece.

After stopping in Gimli to replenish our fresh produce and wine stock, it was off to Hecla to meet up with our daughter, husband and 2 youngest grandchildren for 5 days of camping.

Hecla, Manitoba

Highway 8 north from Gimli, approaching the causeway over to Hecla Provincial Park.

The mosquitos and deer flies were brutal! It has been a very wet summer, and that combined with the dense foliage at the campground, and fact that the park does not spray to keep the bug population at bay made for a less than desirable stay.

Hecla Village

A turn of the century fishing village with it's Icelandic heritage and Anishinabe and Ukranian cultures make this an interesting visit.

Enjoy the winding scenic drive along the shoreline of Lake Winnipeg. Watch the flocks of white pelicans as they glide gracefully over the water, followed by their less than graceful, comical landings.

The old lighthouse at Gull Harbor Marina.

A turn of the century home in the village.

Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park

Another camping trip with our daughter and grandsons, and thankfully, very few mosquitoes. Weather was hit and miss. A couple of warm, sunny days and some heavy rain.

The park, overlooking the marina and beach.

A family dinner

Custom pizzas for lunch. One pepperoni and cheese and one chocolate chips, bacon and sauce!

Ice cream time, just before the big storm.

Rainy day activities

Ready to dance in the rain. A pink umbrella in memory of our dear friend, Tom Conrad. Tom, nothing could out-do your pink parasol!

Pontoon boat rental on Clear Lake. Unfortunately our son-in-law received news that his mother was critically ill, and had to disembark shortly after we left the dock.

Grampa, can we drive.......please!!

Swim time.

Gramma Sue is first into the water

Finally, Grampa jumps in.

Water was clear and refreshing. A great summer day.

Loons on the lake.

The village of Clear Lake, also known as Wasagaming is a charming, well maintained village within the Park.

The Whitehouse Bakery is a favorite with visitors for breakfast and lunch. This family business has been operating for about 50 years and is renowned for it's huge, delicious cinnamon rolls.

Boutique shops, ice cream parlors, restaurants and patios line the boardwalk, overlooking the lake.

Our last day together, and a drive to visit the bison enclosure.

Tanner at the wishing well

Heather, Tanner and Kian at the wishing well.

It is goodbyes tomorrow as we head towards Calgary for our next family visit. Heather and family head back home to Winnipeg. It has been a fun and memorable week.

After breakfast and goodbyes, we headed southwest to Saskatchewan.