July 9: Manitoba

The morning was already hot by the time I woke. I began the day with some yoga, reflecting as I practiced on the yogic principle of ahimsa, or refraining from causing harm to others. I thoughtfully smacked a few mosquitoes.

Before getting on the road, Mom and I swam in Lake Winnipeg – our first lake swim of the trip. Lake Winnipeg is the eleventh largest fresh water lake in the world at 24,514 square kilometres (9,465 square miles), and although generally shallow was definitely refreshing.

There are just over one million people in all of Saskatchewan, and about 1.2 million in Manitoba. Despite the sparse populations, there is evidence of people everywhere in the form of cultivated fields, farm houses, and tiny towns. We stopped at a café in Warren, Manitoba for caffeine and directions. A sign on the wall proudly proclaimed “Finest Coffee Served Here”. Locals at the adjacent tables generously gave detailed instructions on how to get to Lower Fort Garry, as well as tips on campsites and traveling western Ontario.

Lower Fort Garry, a trade post in the 1800s, is now a national historical site with costumed university students representing the original inhabitants and hosting tours. We took a “behind the scenes” tour in which we were invited to explore closed buildings, cellars, the back of the storehouse, and the costume area, then watched an Iron Skillet Chef bread making competition (the cornbread won). The actor playing the governor took his role particularly seriously, prattling on about the qualities of each bread and generally having some fun with his role. When we finally left the Fort, he was lowering the flag and we joined in singing “God Save the Queen” as it lowered. It was good medicine for me to have a day off from the long drives, and to have such a fun and educational afternoon.

After leaving the Fort, we drove about four hours to Manitoba’s eastern border. We didn’t once get on the TransCanada, sticking to secondary highways and country roads – such a refreshing change. The prairies were made for cruise control – everything straight and flat. Red winged blackbirds flit across the roads from one ditch to another. Hawks wheel above the fields looking for gophers. As we neared the border, trees and rocks began to appear – the edge of the Canadian Shield, and the beginning of lake and cottage country. It was also the beginning of the weekend, and campsites were packed. We were turned away twice before landing at Falcon Lake.

Tomorrow, Ontario!

Copyright © 2010 Lynn Thorsell, All rights reserved.