We awoke before seven and went downstairs for breakfast at the hotel. The “coffee” that was offered was more of an Americano than a brewed coffee, so I decided on two glasses of orange juice. Mum was a bit braver and had a coffee with her orange juice. After we were done downstairs, Mum went up to the room while I walked across the street for Timmy’s. We drank our coffees while I broke down a cardboard beer case to make my Tragically Hip sign.
In my blog yesterday, I alluded to visiting 100°W. For those who didn’t understand my reference, I was referring to the hundredth meridian, which is where the Prairies officially begin. It is also a Tragically Hip song, hence the reason for my choice of t-shirt today (as seen in the featured image). Once I had finished my sign, we grabbed another coffee and were on our way. Since it was going to be a Hip day, I put on Yer Favourites (The Hip’s Greatest Hits).
Our first stop was in Shoal Lake for a much-needed pit stop. After driving around the village, we finally found an Info Centre/RCMP Museum and stopped to ask if they had a public restroom. The young girl at the centre informed us that we had to use the one at the attached campground. We walked through the campground and finally found them. They were in a building with a cute mural, next to the lake.
About 50 kilometres east of Shoal Lake, we stopped at 110 Road W, which is exactly at 100°W. I pulled off the highway onto the sideroad, just as At the Hundredth Meridian started playing. I guess Gordie was looking down at me, giving me his approval. I got my sign and set Mum up to take a picture with my iPhone. She took the first picture, only for me to realize that the letters weren’t dark enough to see in a photo. We went back to the car and I made the lettering darker. This time, it was legible, and after a few frustrated tries by Mum to take the picture, she finally was able to do a burst shot that I could crop. Mum is great with a camera, but pressing the button (both volume control and actual shutter button) lightly enough to take a single picture on my iPhone, still escapes her. The sun also made it difficult for her to see what she was actually taking a picture of. Regardless of her issues, she took a great pic and I wouldn’t have been able to get that shot without her.
We stopped for lunch at a rest area near Minnedosa and finished most of our leftovers. The temperature was in the low 30’s, so we were glad to find a picnic table in the shade. After lunch we detoured through Minnedosa, searching unsuccessfully for a Timmy’s. We continued on to Neepawa, the birthplace of Margaret Laurence, and found my coffee.
The rest of the drive down to Highway 1 was uneventful, but just after we left Portage La Prairie, we saw half a dozen pelicans flying above the highway. I wasn’t able to get pictures, but it was nice to see them regardless. Most of the sloughs have been devoid of birds, or there have just been a few ducks and geese. Compared to other trips we have had, this has been disappointing in the wildlife department.
We arrived in Winnipeg around six and settled into the hotel. After hemming and hawing about where to go – mainly because I was being picky and not sure if I wanted to try something new – we decided on Bistro Dansk. I credit Mum for being bitchy and forcing me to make a decision. Yes, I called her bitchy, and I know she’ll wear that proudly in this situation. We drove the couple of kilometres to the restaurant and I did an expert parallel parking job on a side street. It took me a few shunts, but once I was parked it looked great ;).
The restaurant wasn’t packed, but it was busy, which is always a good sign when we try a new restaurant. Mum decided on the Dansk Schnitzel (pork) with sweet & sour cabbage and I had the Chicken Schnitzel with veggies. After trying Mum’s cabbage, I was kicking myself for not getting it. I absolutely hate sauerkraut, and made the erroneous assumption that it would be the same. I will learn for next time.
After dinner we drove down to the river to investigate where we could explore tomorrow. I drove through the Portage & Main intersection, so I can finally say I’ve been there. We also drove across the river to the St. Boniface side. It’s been a while since I’ve been somewhere with French street signs, and I can’t wait to explore the area more tomorrow.
First on our to-do list tomorrow is to head to Gimli. Although we may visit one of the two museums (Icelandic Heritage and Gimli Glider), our main reasons are the giant Viking statue and pickerel for lunch. While researching Gimli, I also noticed that Crown Royal is solely produced there. Whatever we visit, I know it’s going to be fun. Then, we will be exploring downtown Winnipeg when we get back.
Thank you for sharing our adventure and I will talk to you soon.
L