Work 'n Play

Just got back from a short trip in the park where we finally completed the cutting of a 1km portage trail.  With temperatures in the 30 C, it was a very hot and exhausting work project.   The trail was thick ...  lots of cutting.  Can you see me?

After I finish cutting... we have a trail

My young work partner drank alot of water... and keeping hydrated.

In the evenings, it felt so good to rest at the campsite and enjoy the park.

I love sitting by the water and watching and listening to all the beauty that surrounds me. 

Spreading Dogbane

 

Once I was back in town, Ray and I decided to spend a day off together.  We spent the day out on Lac Seul.  What a gorgeous playground.

This is Manitoba Point on Lac Seul.  It is such a gorgeous beach and it was a treat to go for a swim here... so so refreshing.  The clouds in the sky were whispy and looked amazing.

We saw a group of White Pelican

We were also reminded of the many forest fires in the area.  We spotted a fire and then sure enough, a few minutes later, we were watching water bombers picking up water and dropping their loads over the fire.

Fire Conditions are extreme in Northwest Ontario.  There are currently over 100 active forest fires in the area and smoke lingers everywhere.  Many communities are being evacuated.

Ray was sent home from work.  A fire has burnt over the Hydro Line that supplies power to the Musselwhite Mine.  A fire has made its way to the mine site and everyone was flown out.  These are the bunkhouses at the mine site with a wall of smoke nearby.

And the airport at the Musselwhite Mine Site. 

We will keep you posted.  Enjoy the sun and the beach, don't light any campfires, wear your sunscreen, and drink plenty of liquids. 

Dauphin Country Fest

It only took Toby Keith in the line up of performers to convince us to take this 9 hr drive to Dauphin, Manitoba for the opportunity to hear and see him do his stuff.    This was our first road trip with Ray's new Subaru WRX

We enjoyed the drive through Riding Mountain National Park.  This photo is as we exited the park back into farm country.  Very pretty.

A colony of ground squirrels entertained us at one of our stops along the way

Here we are... at last. HeeHaw!

Grand Stage and 4 or 5 fields filled with campers.

 

Ray sitting  and enjoying the view

Including the many ladies in bikinis and short shorts 

Not much water in those parts of Manitoba.  This small creek nearby was filled with campers trying to cool off.  Lots of drinking going on here.  It was entertaining to watch.  You woudn't have caught me soaking my toe in those muddy waters. 

 The bull riding competition was also entertaining to watch. 

Starr would have loved trying this.

These stunt motocyclists and 4-wheelers were amazing. 

Chrystal Shawanda

Aboriginal Country Singer from Wikie F.N.

She sounded great - I need to buy her CD

And finally, Toby Keith.  Unfortunately, young underage drunken Punks were blocking our view.  We had to move and it was a challenge getting a glimpse of Toby. 
But he sounded fine... oh so fine.

It was a fun and interesting weekend.  The campground is way to rowdy to consider camping here in the future.  Best stay in Riding Mountain N.P. and day trip to the Fest.  Reserving a seat would also guarantee us a better view of the performers. 

On our way back, Ray took a detour south.  Here the Assinaboine River is very high.  Still lots of flooded fields in Manitoba despite all this hot weather we've been having. Here Ray witnessed a raven snatch a small river swallow mid air.   

 

50 & Forever Grateful

How incredibly lucky and grateful I am to have such great friends and family. 

I was recenlty surprised with a 50th birthday bash.  Apparently, my good friend Kaaren had been scheaming this little gathering for quite some time. 

Oblivious... I was totally oblivious to all this.

I relive the moment over and over again... when I entered our home and I layed eyes on Sarah, then Helen, Kaaren and Kaaren Jr... later Christine.  My husband and son were all smiles.  "What in the world?'.   Then I saw the flowers, the posters on the wall and I finally clued in... I'd been had.  This was all for me.  How special. 

There was a 60s theme going on and Kaaren ended up being the only one dressed up for the party.  Ha Ha.  She looked so great.  What a trooper!

Helen worked really hard on a number of "Far Out" posters. A great job. I can't beleive how much work she put into these... oh... how my name was probably cursed. lol  

Perhaps the most touching gift for me was the scrapbook that was so carefully put together for me... a collection of good wishes from friends and family, close and from back home.  What a treasure.   Thank you all for contributing to the scrapbook. 

 I LOVE it.

  

What is a birthday without sweet cake?   

Cheesecake and chocolate bunt cake.  

I loved so many things about my 50th birthday.  Flowers from my mom and sister, card from another sister...  the fact that so much thought went into making my day special touched me immensely.   Thank You