Moonbeam! We stayed at the provincial park here years ago. We were able to reserve a site for 1 night at Twin Lakes Camping What a jewel in the middle of nowhere!
The park is huge. There are 200 lots and they are developing more. Seasonal rates seem so inexpensive beginning at 1279$. Our lot with full services for 1 night was 39$ plus tax.
If I were coming up and staying for a week I would pick this place. People are friendly and it is very clean.
Pictures will follow.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Wild Goose Lake Campground, Geraldton, Ontario
Today we had a shorter trip to go from Thunder Bay to Wild Goose Lake Campground Doing the north route home. People say it is not very scenic because it is suppose to be all rock. There are lakes along the highway as well. But there aren't very many towns.
The owners are very nice people. The campground is good. Our first wooded lot. We were on top of the hill but took walks all around. A nice big lake. We stayed 2 nights but our 2nd day was rainy. It looked as if we were going to get a huge storm around 7/8 pm, but we just got a bit of rain. There are a few seasonal campers but not many.
I will attach some photos later.
This camp is a good stopover one, but I would not stay for longer than what we did, unless you are huge into fishing and boating.
The owners are very nice people. The campground is good. Our first wooded lot. We were on top of the hill but took walks all around. A nice big lake. We stayed 2 nights but our 2nd day was rainy. It looked as if we were going to get a huge storm around 7/8 pm, but we just got a bit of rain. There are a few seasonal campers but not many.
I will attach some photos later.
This camp is a good stopover one, but I would not stay for longer than what we did, unless you are huge into fishing and boating.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Once again, we stayed at the KOA Thunder Bay A life long friend of the Edwards' family lives there. Mae Bunt. On our way out west, she insisted on us stopping in for supper with her and her daughter Joanne Waddington. We arrived about 4pm for a good visit with Mae. Joanne and her neighbour Diane showed up to cook supper. The visit was full of reminiscing of Al and Joanne growing up, visits to Wasaga Beach and back to Thunder Bay. Tricks the girls would pull on the guys---the parent peoples--not the kids! Too funny!!
Here is a picture:
Here is a picture:
After the visit we went to Safeway and did some grocery shopping. We got a 6 cent coupon per litre off fuel for a Shell station.......the price of fuel these days that is a savings.
We were a bit disappointed that the WIFI didn't work at the camp, but there was a huge thunderstorm that went through and knocked everything out. We heard today (Sunday) that another one went through and some of the streets were flooded. Hoping everyone is ok.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Since we both liked Bird Hills Provincial Park so well on our way west we decided to alter the schedule a bit and stay there on the way home as well, for 2 nights.
We arrived in the early afternoon, set up camp and went for a tour. Joanne had told us to go to Skinner's Diner for ice cream. There are actually 2 Skinner's. One right on the river and the other not to far.
After we finished our ice cream, we carried on a bit further north. We come upon Lower Fort Garry. They were still open so we stopped and did our tour. Each little house and shop had students posing as the people back in history. They were all very informed of the history during that era. The Fort was actually a trading post set up by the Hudson Bay Company. Hudson Bay actually owned Manitoba until 1870 when Manitoba became a province. Canada bought the land in 1869. We helped close the Fort at 5pm and returned to camp.
On our second day in Winnipeg, we had on the schedule to meet Scott Pettigrew, a friend from Wingham Ontario. Since that was to be at supper time, we decided to go to Gimli, Manitoba. Al and Chris McGarvey had been to Gimli, the summer of 1983. Chris and his twin Cheryl were born there. Gimli had an Air Force base until 1971. Gimli is right on the water and would remind you a bit of Lake Huron.......beaches, fish and chips etc.
Do you remember when the Air Canada Jet glided into the Gimli Airport? A huge mistake in fuel consumption----changing the measurements used. Along the Marina wall, artist in the community have painted different pictures...........here is the Jet, painted by Dave McNabb.
We arrived in the early afternoon, set up camp and went for a tour. Joanne had told us to go to Skinner's Diner for ice cream. There are actually 2 Skinner's. One right on the river and the other not to far.
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| Skinner's Diner! |
After we finished our ice cream, we carried on a bit further north. We come upon Lower Fort Garry. They were still open so we stopped and did our tour. Each little house and shop had students posing as the people back in history. They were all very informed of the history during that era. The Fort was actually a trading post set up by the Hudson Bay Company. Hudson Bay actually owned Manitoba until 1870 when Manitoba became a province. Canada bought the land in 1869. We helped close the Fort at 5pm and returned to camp.
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| Entrance into the Fort |
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| Treaty Number One |
During our tour of Gimli we found the New Iceland Heritage Museum. Interesting place. There was a huge population of Icelandic people and later Polish people immigrated to Gimli. While the museum was not that large it did have quite a few displays. I found a couple of pictures that might be relatives of Sandra??
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| Manitoba--1st Province giving Women Right to Vote |
Our last stop of the night is in Winnipeg to meet Scott. We met him at Rae & Jerry's Steakhouse -- a place where deals are made! The atmosphere was awesome reflecting back in time. Built in 1957!
We had a wonderful visit and one of the best meals. Anyone in the area should try it out!
We had a wonderful visit and one of the best meals. Anyone in the area should try it out!
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| Scott, Fran and Al |
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| Rae & Jerry's Steakhouse |
Saskatoon, Saskawatchen !
Arrived in Saskatoon in the afternoon. Mike Ubell, Joanne's husband was home with his daughter Hanna, at the time. He helped us with the hydro/electricity for this very private campground. They live outside of Saskatoon in Merrill Hills. The house is beautiful set upon a ridge with Saskatoon in the background. What a great find it was for them.
After Joanne and Mike retired from the Canadian Air Force they both obtained employment with Prairie Meats in the city. We got to enjoy some of the product as Joanne cooked for us the whole time we were there. Joanne and Mike really spoiled us while we were there. Uncle Joe and Sandra came up for the Saturday. We went to a Market of vendors and also to a distillery that made Gin. We had some samples, I think the Raspberry Liquor was the best. This place also owned a flower garden to where they give you a bucket and you go and pick yourself. Unfortunately, we were about a week early.
Jeff and Erin (more cousins) came out on the Friday night and Saturday. Their son Zach came Friday. Austin was busy at work. On the Saturday Zach was asked to play soccer for the university team in an exhibition game. The game was played in the rain. We left in the 2nd half---I am sure Zach played in the second half and scored a couple of goals. ?? These two boys are awesome athletics just like their parents.
One funny part as I was sitting there watching was when Jeff asked me if Al was the oldest of the Edwards' grandchildren.............LOL, Danny you just got knocked down to 3rd. Jeff is the youngest. I repeated this conversation to Al the next day---- his words were, " Wow, that hurts, really hurts!!" I knew Danny was, then Cathy but Vic and Al Joanne had to look up! This is the order of age:
Danny Jan of 1955
Cathy Oct of 1956
Al Oct of 1958
Victor May of 1959
Marilyn Oct of 1960
Keith Jan of 1961
Gwen April of 1962
Ed Nov of 1965
Joanne of May of 1968
Jeff July of 1970
All data came from Al's genealogy records. Anyone else into genealogy??
Foam Lake
After Joanne and Mike retired from the Canadian Air Force they both obtained employment with Prairie Meats in the city. We got to enjoy some of the product as Joanne cooked for us the whole time we were there. Joanne and Mike really spoiled us while we were there. Uncle Joe and Sandra came up for the Saturday. We went to a Market of vendors and also to a distillery that made Gin. We had some samples, I think the Raspberry Liquor was the best. This place also owned a flower garden to where they give you a bucket and you go and pick yourself. Unfortunately, we were about a week early.
Jeff and Erin (more cousins) came out on the Friday night and Saturday. Their son Zach came Friday. Austin was busy at work. On the Saturday Zach was asked to play soccer for the university team in an exhibition game. The game was played in the rain. We left in the 2nd half---I am sure Zach played in the second half and scored a couple of goals. ?? These two boys are awesome athletics just like their parents.
One funny part as I was sitting there watching was when Jeff asked me if Al was the oldest of the Edwards' grandchildren.............LOL, Danny you just got knocked down to 3rd. Jeff is the youngest. I repeated this conversation to Al the next day---- his words were, " Wow, that hurts, really hurts!!" I knew Danny was, then Cathy but Vic and Al Joanne had to look up! This is the order of age:
Danny Jan of 1955
Cathy Oct of 1956
Al Oct of 1958
Victor May of 1959
Marilyn Oct of 1960
Keith Jan of 1961
Gwen April of 1962
Ed Nov of 1965
Joanne of May of 1968
Jeff July of 1970
All data came from Al's genealogy records. Anyone else into genealogy??
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| Our very own campground! |
Once we left Saskatoon we travelled through Foam Lake where Sandra Johnson is from. We stopped at the Visitors Centre and took some pictures. Foam Lake--A Great Place to live. Foam Lake is also known for some hockey players too. The pictures greet you at the centre of town!
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| Ted Hargreaves |
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| Dennis Polonich |
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| Bernie Federko |
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| Pat Elynuik |
Rosetown, Saskatchewan
We decided to head out from Cochrane, Alberta and go to Rosetown, Saskatchewan. This way we could rest a day before heading on to Saskatoon to meet up with family on the weekend. Rosetown is a small prairie town. Everyone was quite friendly.
We stayed at the Prairie View Campground. 30$ gave us a full site. The profits to this park went to the handicapped adults who took care of the park. When Al went to make a reservation the guy told him to pull in and pick a spot. Put your money in an envelope with your name and site number on it and drop it in a box! A small town like Ripley (only bigger) where honesty means a lot.
I am reminded that when shopping for groceries the Co-op is the place to go! Not the Co-op we know at home though!! You find these grocery stores out west and our east.
Al, with the sharp eye, spotted this 1974 GMC truck at the local dealer. We went back so that he could speak to the sales agent. NO, he is not buying it. He was looking at it for a guy in Owen Sound that actually wants to buy Al's 1984. I am sure if I said I would drive it back it would be sitting with us at the campsite today!!!
We also took the opportunity to tour the Rose Museum. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures. They had a no picture policy inside but I could have taken some outside. The museum was set up in sections of what was in Rosetown in the early 20s-50s. The young lady working there was in her last year at Univ. of Saskatoon Education Degree. She was very informative. One interesting fact, was that Kerosene was used as a medicine! Times have certainly changed!
We stayed at the Prairie View Campground. 30$ gave us a full site. The profits to this park went to the handicapped adults who took care of the park. When Al went to make a reservation the guy told him to pull in and pick a spot. Put your money in an envelope with your name and site number on it and drop it in a box! A small town like Ripley (only bigger) where honesty means a lot.
I am reminded that when shopping for groceries the Co-op is the place to go! Not the Co-op we know at home though!! You find these grocery stores out west and our east.
Al, with the sharp eye, spotted this 1974 GMC truck at the local dealer. We went back so that he could speak to the sales agent. NO, he is not buying it. He was looking at it for a guy in Owen Sound that actually wants to buy Al's 1984. I am sure if I said I would drive it back it would be sitting with us at the campsite today!!!
We also took the opportunity to tour the Rose Museum. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures. They had a no picture policy inside but I could have taken some outside. The museum was set up in sections of what was in Rosetown in the early 20s-50s. The young lady working there was in her last year at Univ. of Saskatoon Education Degree. She was very informative. One interesting fact, was that Kerosene was used as a medicine! Times have certainly changed!
Rosetown Co-Op Groceries
Always finding an old vehicle!
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Alberta here we come!
After a fantastic visit with Uncle Joe and Sandra we headed off Friday morning, June 10 to Cochrane Alberta. Cochrane is where Al's sister Gwen, Jeff and Makana Hilton live. Al booked us into the Bows River Edge Campground for 1 week. This campground fills up really fast, quite popular. So if you plan on being in Alberta book early.
The sites for the most part were pull through. Excellent maintenance. As soon as a camper left the staff came by and cleaned the site and raked the gravel so that it appeared no one had used it. Campers, 5th wheels, big busses from everywhere came in. Some repeat customers, some testing it out to see if they wanted to come back for a month next year. Quite a few of the people Al talked to were full time RVers. (I can't imagine it, but a lot do this)
Randi and Callum had flown in the day before. They were staying with the Hilton's for a week. We all had so much fun visiting and sightseeing. On the Saturday the girls went to the Banff Springs Hotel and spent the afternoon in the spa. (A fantastic Mother's day gift!!) The boys--Al, Jeff and Callum toured doing guy stuff. Callum was an excellent baby chilling at their stops. Al and Jeff were able to speak to some operators at an Electric station.
On the Sunday we took off to Spruce Meadows via a fruit market where we picked up our supper of cabbage rolls for the night. Authentic Ukrainian. yum. Then off to the Spruce we went. There was an international competition going on. We watched about 4 jumpers then decided to tour the grounds themselves. So much going on. What a great facility Mak! Mak and her horse Hudson are Equestrian competitors---now doing cross country.
At supper that night, Heather McNair Chisolm joined us. A cousin from New Brunswick living in Calgary! Great evening with family! Good time to visit one on one and catch up on what everyone is doing.
The little town of Cochrane has some unique stores so we all went shopping there. Bought a few souvenirs.......
Monday, the Hiltons are all back at work so Al drove the rest of us up to Lake Louise to see the hotel and lake, then back down to Banff to do some souvenir shopping as well.
The trip to Banff is spectacular --- can one tire from the scene of the mountains?? No. We didn't see wildlife on this trip but did see bridges made for the wildlife to go over. I have pasted a picture of it below.
Wednesday Randi and Callum flew back home. On Thursday Al and I left for Rosetown, Saskatchewan. This would be our turn heading back home.
The sites for the most part were pull through. Excellent maintenance. As soon as a camper left the staff came by and cleaned the site and raked the gravel so that it appeared no one had used it. Campers, 5th wheels, big busses from everywhere came in. Some repeat customers, some testing it out to see if they wanted to come back for a month next year. Quite a few of the people Al talked to were full time RVers. (I can't imagine it, but a lot do this)
Randi and Callum had flown in the day before. They were staying with the Hilton's for a week. We all had so much fun visiting and sightseeing. On the Saturday the girls went to the Banff Springs Hotel and spent the afternoon in the spa. (A fantastic Mother's day gift!!) The boys--Al, Jeff and Callum toured doing guy stuff. Callum was an excellent baby chilling at their stops. Al and Jeff were able to speak to some operators at an Electric station.
On the Sunday we took off to Spruce Meadows via a fruit market where we picked up our supper of cabbage rolls for the night. Authentic Ukrainian. yum. Then off to the Spruce we went. There was an international competition going on. We watched about 4 jumpers then decided to tour the grounds themselves. So much going on. What a great facility Mak! Mak and her horse Hudson are Equestrian competitors---now doing cross country.
At supper that night, Heather McNair Chisolm joined us. A cousin from New Brunswick living in Calgary! Great evening with family! Good time to visit one on one and catch up on what everyone is doing.
The little town of Cochrane has some unique stores so we all went shopping there. Bought a few souvenirs.......
Monday, the Hiltons are all back at work so Al drove the rest of us up to Lake Louise to see the hotel and lake, then back down to Banff to do some souvenir shopping as well.
The trip to Banff is spectacular --- can one tire from the scene of the mountains?? No. We didn't see wildlife on this trip but did see bridges made for the wildlife to go over. I have pasted a picture of it below.
Wednesday Randi and Callum flew back home. On Thursday Al and I left for Rosetown, Saskatchewan. This would be our turn heading back home.
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| Spruce Meadows |
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| Spruce Meadows |
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| Callum chatting with Poppy during a break! |
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| Overhead bridge for wildlife! |
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| The Fairmont Chateau- Lake Louise |
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| Lake Louise |
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| Brook at Lake Louise |
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| Downtown Banff with the mountains in the background. |
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| Fairmont Banff Hotel in the rain. |
Stewart Valley The Landings
Onward we went from Indian Head all the way to Stewart Valley -- The Saskatchewan Landings which the locals call The Landings.
A great campground. Al's Uncle Lawrence (Joe) booked us in for a couple of nights. He and Sandra met us there. We had a site at the very back of the campground on Lake Diefenbaker. It has a beautiful look at the lake and hills. Lots of fishermen going up and down the river fishing. Could be fun to stay for a week. There was also a golf course you could play at and some seasonal sites for camping and around 50 homes.
While at this campsite we toured the Goodwin House. It was built in 1900 by Frank Goodwin. He was a former member of the Military Police. This house was used as a trading post. Today it is an interpretive centre. It also contained many preserved wildlife.
We would recommend this site. A variety of different hookups and large lots.
A great campground. Al's Uncle Lawrence (Joe) booked us in for a couple of nights. He and Sandra met us there. We had a site at the very back of the campground on Lake Diefenbaker. It has a beautiful look at the lake and hills. Lots of fishermen going up and down the river fishing. Could be fun to stay for a week. There was also a golf course you could play at and some seasonal sites for camping and around 50 homes.
While at this campsite we toured the Goodwin House. It was built in 1900 by Frank Goodwin. He was a former member of the Military Police. This house was used as a trading post. Today it is an interpretive centre. It also contained many preserved wildlife.
We would recommend this site. A variety of different hookups and large lots.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Indian Head, Saskatchewan
When they say you can see for miles they aren't kidding! Flat and more flat.
Al found us a great site in Indian Head. It is a former KOA now a Good Sam Park. It is called Indian Head Campground We got a pull through site which is even better!! And the hockey game is on. (After the girl told us we were in a low area and would not get any reception) Al is happy. NHL on TV and Petey's game on the internet.
After supper we went for a walk in town. We are just at the edge of the town proper so didn't have far to go. Indian Head has a population of about 2000. Along our walk, of course, we saw some older cars. And you can't just walk past those!!
The drive was a bit windy again. Gas mileage is down---way down. But when you are pulling this rig that is what you can expect. It was another 5 - 6 hour drive type day. Tomorrow is only about 3 and we stay for 2 nights.
We have also entered another time zone so we are behind Ontario by 2 hours. I must remember this when texting people!!
Al was also happy when we found a RV/Truck plaza vehicle wash. It was do it yourself at $1 a minute. All set up with great water pressure and an upstairs so you could read the top of your trailer. He was ecstatic to wash the rain/dirt off of everything. Some things don't change!!!
Al found us a great site in Indian Head. It is a former KOA now a Good Sam Park. It is called Indian Head Campground We got a pull through site which is even better!! And the hockey game is on. (After the girl told us we were in a low area and would not get any reception) Al is happy. NHL on TV and Petey's game on the internet.
After supper we went for a walk in town. We are just at the edge of the town proper so didn't have far to go. Indian Head has a population of about 2000. Along our walk, of course, we saw some older cars. And you can't just walk past those!!
The drive was a bit windy again. Gas mileage is down---way down. But when you are pulling this rig that is what you can expect. It was another 5 - 6 hour drive type day. Tomorrow is only about 3 and we stay for 2 nights.
We have also entered another time zone so we are behind Ontario by 2 hours. I must remember this when texting people!!
Al was also happy when we found a RV/Truck plaza vehicle wash. It was do it yourself at $1 a minute. All set up with great water pressure and an upstairs so you could read the top of your trailer. He was ecstatic to wash the rain/dirt off of everything. Some things don't change!!!
Manitoba
After Fort Frances we made out way to Birds Hill Provincial Park in Manitoba.
Our drive was hard for Al. The wind was not very forgiving. Made for a tiring day.
The park was wonderful. Why can't all provincial parks be like Birds Hill. They had a camp store you would not believe. And a cafe right next to it. There was also a horse barn to where you could go and ride horses. We were there for only 1 night, but could actually spend a couple nights touring around.
Birds Hill was about 30 minutes from the Winnipeg downtown. We had wanted to visit with Scott Pettigrew but after the drive Al was not into going anywhere else. It also happened that Scott had just arrived back home after a few days away and he also was tired. Who knows, maybe on the way home.
Neither one of us felt like cooking so we had leftover lasagna. We had no TV reception so we both just read. There was also no wifi right at the site. But Al took his laptop to the store where they had free wifi.
Not many pictures taken. I think tho on this drive was the day we saw the wolf.
Our drive was hard for Al. The wind was not very forgiving. Made for a tiring day.
The park was wonderful. Why can't all provincial parks be like Birds Hill. They had a camp store you would not believe. And a cafe right next to it. There was also a horse barn to where you could go and ride horses. We were there for only 1 night, but could actually spend a couple nights touring around.
Birds Hill was about 30 minutes from the Winnipeg downtown. We had wanted to visit with Scott Pettigrew but after the drive Al was not into going anywhere else. It also happened that Scott had just arrived back home after a few days away and he also was tired. Who knows, maybe on the way home.
Neither one of us felt like cooking so we had leftover lasagna. We had no TV reception so we both just read. There was also no wifi right at the site. But Al took his laptop to the store where they had free wifi.
Not many pictures taken. I think tho on this drive was the day we saw the wolf.
Fort Frances
The drive from Thunder Bay to Fort Frances was not that long. We stayed at a park called Pither's Point Park. It is a municipal park ran on the honour system.
They did not have many 50 amp sites and what they did have were hogged by seasonal campers. They did not seem to be around. Once we got hooked up we went for a drive into town. Not a huge place. The paper mill had been closed about 4 years ago. It is a border town with International Falls, Minnesota.
When we were driving around touring Al remembered an OPP from Kincardine had transferred to Fort Frances years ago. We follow a cruiser into the OPP station parking and out of the car came Paul Davis. Paul used to organize goalies for the OPP hockey Wednesday morning's and that is how Al got to know him. They had a big catch up on what was going on in Kincardine. Paul is retiring in October and is wanting to tour Kincardine to have a chat with those that he worked with.
After that we headed back to the camp. Josh Colling and his girlfriend Chandra were coming for supper as soon as Josh was done working. We had a good visit with them.
We will likely not stay at this campground again. It had to be every hour a train went bye. We were about 4 sites away from the tracks. So not a good night sleep.
They did not have many 50 amp sites and what they did have were hogged by seasonal campers. They did not seem to be around. Once we got hooked up we went for a drive into town. Not a huge place. The paper mill had been closed about 4 years ago. It is a border town with International Falls, Minnesota.
When we were driving around touring Al remembered an OPP from Kincardine had transferred to Fort Frances years ago. We follow a cruiser into the OPP station parking and out of the car came Paul Davis. Paul used to organize goalies for the OPP hockey Wednesday morning's and that is how Al got to know him. They had a big catch up on what was going on in Kincardine. Paul is retiring in October and is wanting to tour Kincardine to have a chat with those that he worked with.
After that we headed back to the camp. Josh Colling and his girlfriend Chandra were coming for supper as soon as Josh was done working. We had a good visit with them.
We will likely not stay at this campground again. It had to be every hour a train went bye. We were about 4 sites away from the tracks. So not a good night sleep.
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