Rural Recreation

I sometimes wondered what rural people do for recreation, but it's obvious from the slides presented here. Right close to Inglis we came across the Asessippi Provincial Park where we found a ski facility. Given the place's climate that was hardly a surprise, but look at the landscape! Where would one put a ski slop here? Well, what we didn't see at first was a large depression with a lake in the bottom and the entrepreneurial locals had constructed ski runs down the slopes in question, along with a large range of chalets, prairies style and nothing like Phil's and resort facilities which made the site usable in summer.

After a quick look at the development we boarded the bus again to the final leg at Duck Mountain. Two things surprised me. First, we went into the Saskatchewan side of the park, so added yet another Canadian Province to the list of those visited, leaving only Newfoundland left. Secondly, there was no mountain. Duck Mountain is named on a map, but as far as I can see it is only a pimple on the landscape. We headed to Madge Lake and came across what might be Canada's answer to the French Riviera!! The lake's beaches were bursting with visitors from far and wide, mostly staying in the Park's extensive condos, tented areas, cabins, and motor home sections or the central 'motel' style accommodation where I am holed up typing this travelogue. Well, the temperature was a nice 32-34C so I and some other conference delegates headed into the water. This is now becoming an annual ritual. Last year I immersed myself in the Mediterranean and the previous year it was the Adriatic. Madge Lake's water was, however, on the cool side and I dare not stay in too long! Still, it's a great achievement to develop a coastal resort thousands of km from the ocean and in such a severe climate as this one. The season is only about 2 months! The wildlife I've seen only includes one lonely seagull (!) and the cute little chipmunk posted here.

We're heading back to Winnipeg tomorrow after a hot day here (and 41C forecast for Brandon), and I leave Canada, alas, two days from now. Surely I can time things better!

AS