Camp Morton Getaway

Back in February or March when the reservation day was for provincial cabins and yurts we managed to get a cabin for August on the same weekend that our friends did at the same place. So when the weekend was nearing and they started talking about extreme heat it was not too difficult to decide we should not cancel and go anyway as when do you get the chance to get this kind of weekend together.

We checked in Friday after the park office closed but I called to let them know we were coming. It was hot but the cabin didn't feel too bad despite having been closed up. We got it opened and set up the fans we brought. I had been told there was dishes there so when I realized there wasn't we make a quick trip back to Gimli to get plates and cutlery. Otherwise the cabins are great. They are small with a full bed in the bedroom and a futon in the living room; a bathroom with a toilet and sink; kitchen with an apartment sized fridge with freezer and 24" stove and a small counter with a double sink and a microwave. There is a picnic table on the porch and a nice fire pit area. We had a pet friendly unit and my friends were around the corner from us, a short walk. I was so bad at only taking pictures of my friends 2 year old so I'm sorry I have nothing to show how great this charming little log cabins were.

Saturday we decided to heed everyones advise and head down to the Arnes Farmer's Market. It is quite impressive with vendors sprinkled here, there and everywhere. There was lots of fresh veggies, honey, baking and homemade items, antiques, flea market items and tons of books. There was a busker that caught the eye of my friend's 2 year old enchanting her with his guitar. And there was farm animals. They were a ton of fun. When we got pooped out in the hot weather (high of 37C!!!) we threw down a blanket and had a little picnic sans homemade donuts we bought there (thanks to everyone that suggesting making sure we went for the donuts!).

We went back so the muchkin could have her nap and we got a visit from my parents then headed to Gimli to pick up a case of beer and let the dogs cool off. By 3 we were set up on the grass in the shade by a quiet area that felt like our own private beach. There was the odd other group that would come by. I took the dogs swimming to cool them off and that did the trick. They laid in their pen in the shade and slept the rest of the afternoon while we played with the munchkin. The breeze was perfect and refreshing coming off the water and there were no bugs till into the evening when the flies decided to start biting as the breeze died down. 

The night sky was so dark you could see the Milky Way and there was already some meteor action happening even though the media was saying Sunday night would be the night. 

I can't wait to go back to Camp Morton provincial cabins and hope that we can luck out again next year by getting a cabin the same weekend as our friends do. We made some awesome memories together despite the temperatures being in the high 30s. 

Our South Western Manitoba Adventure

So my aunt still had a couple days before she was returning to BC and we had found an Airbnb out near Boisevain that was newly built, 3 bedrooms and only $100! How could we lose?! It was even dog friendly but we decided to leave the dogs with my dad as we had a lot of activities planned.

We met my mom, George and Pat out in Souris, Manitoba. It was a lovely drive once we left Winnipeg. We decided the first stop would be for bathroom and lunch break. I found this cute little cafe on facebook that we decided to stop at called Woodfire Deli. We ordered a light lunch and besides them almost forgetting to bring Jamus his sandwich it was very good there. They had a little grocery there as well where mom found some bees wax wrap she had been wanting but hadn't found locally yet.

Then we set off to the suspension bridge. We had a lot of fun there but Jamus being Jamus did scare Auntie Pat into leaving the bridge that she had already been apprehensive about crossing. We watched some turtles swim below and got a bit sun kissed out in the blazing sun.

There was plenty to do in Souris so we could have stayed longer but it was already late afternoon so we decided to move on as we still had another hour to drive to our Airbnb. We did decide to grab pizzas to take with us so we would have dinner at the cabin. 

The Airbnb was tucked away a little further then we had anticipated but we found it without too much trouble. There is not really any cell phone service once you get into the Turtle Mountain area. We passed the Turtle Mountain Resort and followed the instructions but kept stopping thinking we had missed it when we just hadn't gone far enough. I wish I had taken a picture but here is the link. His pictures are the greatest and the house is barely finished being built so there is still lots of small things like finishing the painting to do but it was a great deal on a brand new cabin with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a 2 tier deck. I wished we had booked it for both nights. It was super close to the boarder so you have to keep that in mind when having your cell phone on as it was picking up the US towers. There was lakes and channels all around us and the host was super nice and told us which way to not hike as we could end up on US soil illegally. There was a fire pit set up for our use, a bbq and patio set and a fully equipped kitchen. Jamus and I had the master bedroom with a king sized bed and a huge deck off the master which was perfect for seeing how close Mars was. We also spotted Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune! (download the app Skyview to help you find the planets and constellations).

For breakfast we went to Turtle Mountain Resort which was having some technical difficulties with the bathrooms so it was a bit stinky there. We have heard good things about the new owners and they did try to make the best of a bad day. 

We headed over to the International Peace Gardens after that. Jamus and I have never been so it was interesting to see how expansive it is. We visited both the Canadian and US sides and had some silly fun posing for timer pictures. We had a light lunch at the gardens before my parents and aunt had to start their trek back home and we had to go set up camp at Adam Lake. 

You can see above the boarder marker the definite line in the forest of where the boarder is. 

We went to Turtle Mountain Provincial Park to set up camp at Adam Lake. It was a very hot day to be setting up the tent so we were looking forward to going for a swim. It was disappointing to find out the lake is pretty much a slew and the beach they have there is all green and not swim-able. We utilized the free showers instead. We liked the privacy of the camp sites and over all the camp ground was very quiet. The evening was a perfect temperature with no mosquitos although the flies made up for them. Once we put away dinner the flies weren't so bad and we were able to enjoy a camp fire and the peacefulness of the surroundings. You do hear the highway a bit but only when everything is really quiet. 

We stopped in Miami on the way home and had lunch at The Station Bar and Grill. Jamus said his burger was amazing and my chicken fingers were super moist and real pieces of breaded chicken. The service was super attentive. I would put that place on my list again the next time I am out highway 3. 

Ballet in the Park

I am always a huge fan of the ballet but with someone with allergies it doesn't always work out to see them in the concert hall. I have often had to leave because people don't adhere to the perfume free environment but with Ballet in the Park there is so much fresh air I know I am going to be able to enjoy it. 

The first portion is normally demos and small excerpts of upcoming ballets and pretty ballerinas in their tutus there to entertain the kids. The second part is usually about 45-60 minutes and is usually a larger except from one of the ballets and is intentional and beautiful and stunning and I could go on and on. 

This year the last portion was from Carmina Burana which is a collection of poetry from the 12-1300s. It ranged from moody to emotional to upbeat. It was captivating. 

We had gone early and walked over the bridge to have dinner on Portage Ave at Star Grill. I love the variety on their menu both in terms of food and budget. In all the times we have been we have never been disappointed with the food. This time they had a cold brewed blueberry iced tea that was amazing. I will have dreams about that every summer!

It was stifling hot but I bought an umbrella for shade so we could save ourselves some spots and we were lucky enough that a cluster of clouds came in and cooled things off by several degrees before the performance started. You could see it raining in the distance but it when south of us and kept us dry make the weather the rest of the evening perfect for sitting at the Lyric watching the ballet. 

It was a magical night!

Fringing

I have not been much a fringer in the past but I have always had it on my list. This year my aunt was visiting from BC and she is always open to adventure and a friend was able to take a little time off during the day one day. I was able to check out The Cube with some of the free entertainment as well as 2 shows.

We picked our shows based on time availability mostly. Both shows were at noon during the week. My aunt and I headed down early so I could take her over to Parlour Coffee and then to Toad in the Hole for some shopping for her granddaughter. We then went over to the Planetarium where our show would be. I like that venue as it is comfortable and there is easily accessible bathrooms. We enjoyed the show a lot. It was called Traveltheatrics and was about a young woman who loves to travel from a very young age. She tells about several some are very light and fun and some are dark and scary but ends with how she has overcome and learnt a lot about herself and the world. We then had lunch at my favourite downtown lunch spot, Clementines, and then checked out the free entertainment at The Cube.

photo credit: Patricia Dandeneau

The next time I was able to get downtown to watch a show was with my friend. We decided to go to see one called F Words. I thought it was so hilarious I could have peed my pants! And it was a really good thing I had asked outside if there was a washroom inside as there was no washroom at that venue and had to go use the portapotties in The Cube area. Honestly, that one was so funny I would love to see it again. But those who know me know I am a sweary pants so to have a song entirely about the ultimate F-word was up my alley. So was the fact that she was talking about being Forty, Fat & Forgotten. It was just so relatable and done in a hilarious manner.

When that was done we went back to The Cube and both hit up some food trucks and took in a show there. It was not nearly as good as the Firefighter Clowns from Australia but it was ok. The food was awesome. I had perogies and Amanda had deep fried cheese curds from the Bothwell truck.

When you get the chance, get out to a couple fringes. Read the write ups and reviews and see what calls to you and get out and see some.

2018 Patio #1, 2 3 & 4.

I love patios. Till wasp season anyway. We try to eat el fresco any time possible in the early part of summer. And I am hoping that the wasps won't be as bad this year as they were last year so we can continue to eat outside into the fall.

1. The first patio we hit up this year was Beachcomber at The Forks. It was threatening to rain but we decided to chance it. We did get a few drops here and there but their big umbrellas kept us dry and the clouds blew by. The service was great and the crowd was cheerful and friendly. I almost always opt for Manitoba walleye when given the opportunity and it was tasty. We left very full and enjoyed a walk around The Forks. Definitely bonus points for extra things to do before and after a meal.

2. Santa Lucia rooftop patio. I love their rooftop patio. They have a roller shade that allows for shade and wind protection but can be opened late in the evening to let in the light breeze and warmth of the setting sun. The pizza is amazing even for those of us that aren't crazy about pizza. It was a weeknight so it wasn't very busy at around 7:30/8pm on the patio.

3. Resto Gare for a late lunch was amazing and we had the whole patio to ourselves and a little baby bunny! Despite us being the only people outside our waiter was super attentive and funny. I ended up boxing up half my Mac and Cheese and had it the next day for lunch. Jamus usually doesn't like homemade fries but he devoured these ones. They are so good! I had been on the patio here last year with girlfriends and a live band and had a great time so I knew it wouldn't disappoint. The menu here is so varied in options and prices that there really is something for everyone.

4. I went to Promenade Cafe for brunch with a girlfriend. I had booked the reservation the night before requesting the patio. The previous time I had tried to book the patio here for a late night reservation we got a call cancelling due to rain and they had graciously moved us inside but gave us the option to cancel. We did go and loved it but I still wanted to try it out at brunch and on the patio. I got there earlier then my reservation time and the patio wasn't set up. She didn't notice my reservation was for the patio and hadn't planned on setting it up till the other waitress came in later in the morning. She decided to get it set up while I waited (it took her under 3 minutes) and I was seated. I read and sipped tea till my friend came and by then there was several other people enjoying the beautiful view from the patio. If you don't know where Promenade is, it is on Tache looking towards the Forks, Esplanade Riel bridge and The Canadian Museum of Human Rights. They have quite a few options on their brunch menu but were slow to bring coffee and tea refills and even slower to bring the bill. We actually joked about just leaving as we hadn't seen the waitress in so long and this was after the other waitress had come in. Overall, it was mid-morning, unhurried brunch so was all good. I would go again - the view and food were great.

Hopefully we get in a few more patios this year. What have your favourite ones been so far?

Lazy River Adventure

I am totally in love with lazy river tubing but the Pinawa area is the most beautiful spot I have done this in Canada (the caves in Xcaret Mexico were still my favourite despite the BAT!). I have tubed a couple of places in Manitoba (Asessippi & Roseau River) and in Penticton, BC but Pinawa had such beautiful rocks and trees along the river banks. It was just gorgeous.

Jamus & I have our own tubes so we didn't need to rent any but the rest of our group did. I would recommend the kind with a canvas-like cover to protect from getting it pierced. Wilderness Edge in Pinawa rents tubes for $20 each with tax and that includes giving a member of your party a ride back to the starting point so you can leave your car at the ending point without having to bring 2 cars. You can book this online as some weekends they do sell out. They also have change rooms, bathrooms and showers at their facility. So once you have gone to Wilderness Edge to check in and change they give you a claim ticket for tubes and the ride at the starting point and direct you on the map on where to go next.

So you go to the starting point at the end of Highway 211. Someone from your group will follow the driver back to the ending point and leave your car there while the rest of your party gets the tubes ready. We rented a cooler tube as well so we could bring lots of water, fresh fruit & berries in snack bags, cut veggies in snack bags, hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks and other snacks for the 2-3 hour ride on the river.

Once the drivers got back we headed down to the channel's starting point. You definitely need water shoes for this part as it is large rocky gravel. The temperature was 33 Celsius on a Saturday so you can imagine how busy it was so we did have to wait our turn to get started but it wasn't a long wait at all. You do have to carry everything down to the river's edge and part of it is steep so keep that in mind when you are packing up a heavy cooler.

Then you just get on the tubes and start floating. There are some rocks near the beginning but once we got past that we rafted our tubes together and enjoyed the float. There was some rocks and faster spots towards the end as well.

We saw lots of children on this tube ride. They do recommend bringing life jackets for the little ones as they have a limited number of kids ones in different sizes. It is very family friendly as most of this run is very slow and shallow although there are spots that get about 10 feet deep. As with any water activity, life jackets are important and rafting the tubes together so your children are always close to you recommended.

Here is the list of things I recommend to bring:
Shoes you can wear in water
Lots of water proof sunscreen
Water guns (we had a super soaker which was fun but others in our group got these water cannons at the dollar store for $1.25 and they were wicked!)
Waterproof case for anything like your cell phone & keys if you are taking it on the river but Wilderness Edge does not recommend doing that. They recommend hiding your key in the bush.
Water, lots of water... freeze some of it so that by the last half you still have cold water
Sunglasses (and maybe a sports band to keep them on)
Hat (even better if you can tie it to your head)
Waterproof camera or Go Pro with a floaty on them if you have
Snacks in waterproof bags
Towels, extras to put on the seats of car when you get out at the end
Change of clothes so you can change after you are done
Life jackets for kids or poor swimmers (they will provide but have limited amounts)
Small first aid kit in water proof container (my sister is always prepared!)
A water proof bluetooth speaker would be fun
Your adventurous friends!

Have you tried tubing somewhere in Manitoba? Where was it? I want details as we would love to try different spots.

Loud, hot, fast, summer fun!

We love going to the oval dirt race track for some loud, hot, fun on a Thursday evening. The closest one to Winnipeg is Red River Co-op Speedway just off Highway 75 near St. Adolphe. You can save a couple dollars per ticket by picking them up at any Red River Coop Gas Station but beware that they do run out of tickets sometimes so it isn't always best to wait till you get to St Norbert (the last one not the way out of the city) to buy them.

We decided pretty last minute that we were going and texted a few friends to see if anyone else was available. We went July 5th and they were celebrating Canada Day which just passed. They had some make up races to do from a previous rain out in June so we were getting extra races and fireworks. Jay and Irka decided to join us even though they would be late.

So we took a couple blankets to sit on and one to use to save them a spot. We went early so we could get dinner at the concession. They have things like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, taco in a bag, fries, chicken burgers, chicken fingers and a few other things. Their chicken fingers are really good, breaded chicken filets and we always enjoy their burgers or taco in a bag. They offer a large assortment of condiments including all the taco fixings, sourcrout

Some things you may want to bring besides something to sit on: If you have sensitive hearing you should bring earplugs. I do notice adults and really young children seem to wear them the most and Jamus says it really makes a difference to his ears to have a set. It is nice to have a pair of cheap sunglasses to keep the dirt out of your eyes. Some nights you could also need sunscreen or mosquito repellent. And it does cool off some nights towards the end so a sweater is always nice to have. If there is a chance of rain you may want to have a poncho and something to put down on your car floor as if it does rain it is a muddy mess in the parking area.

There is a ton of free parking. If you prefer to park close you can pay for VIP parking for $5 or if you need accessible parking and have a permit you can drive right up to the gate where VIP parking is and park for free by showing them your accessibility permit. They will also give you a lift in a golf cart if you let the parking attendant know you need assistance as the seating is up on the hill.

The races were so much fun. The fireworks show was really impressive as well. They did a great job!

Have you been to any of the race tracks in the province?