The Bunnies & Us, Douglas Prov Pk

Douglas PP, near Elbow, SK
Site #242 - $28 (x3, paid 2), p only/water off Sept 20

We travelled from Manitou Beach to Douglas Prov Pk on Sunday. OMG SK Hwy #15 was the worst 'paved' highway we have ever been on. We were certainly questioning our decision and almost changed plans midway there. It took us 2 ¼ hrs. to drive the 156 km. The best section was the converted to gravel section. The remaining highway was all broken and poorly patched pavement. Plus there was a 12 minute stop for construction. Seriously the whole stretch needs a complete re-do. Never again!!

Once settled, Douglas Park was an enjoyable stay. Unfortunately the water had already been turned off. After coming from Manitou where there was a boil water in place, we were not in a great position with our water supply. We drove back to Elbow and were able to get a couple jugs of drinking water. It was enough for our 3 night stay anyway. Note: we may have stayed an extra day if we had more water! 

This was another pretty quiet campground as far a campers go. There were only two to three units per night. We were the only unit on the last night. It would appear that the bunnies have taken over the park. They were everywhere. 

We went for a couple long hikes which had me a little nervous as there was a coyote warning posted at the now closed Administration office which may or may not still be a concern?? Anyway, thankfully there were no encounters! Once again we enjoyed the fires and the free wood. 

Most of our fires involve the umbrella. That is not because it was raining, but we've discovered the umbrella holds in the heat quite nicely and it also blocks the breeze on our back side. Perfect! 

The one slight downside to our stay was the ongoing construction at the Shower Facility around the corner from us. This involved power tools, air compressors and we weren't real keen on their choice of loud music. One evening they worked until 9 p.m. 

As said, we might have stayed longer, but for the water shortage. But also, we have been 3 weeks without doing laundry and are down to our final pair of undies. The final deciding factor was this little notice that has been popping up on social media. Gah! That "s" word.

On Wednesday we packed up and headed home. We won't winterize quite yet as we hope to camp a few more nights should weather improve. We've often enjoyed a camping Thanksgiving so maybe we'll get that chance again this year??

Later: Back at home. The sun is shining and it's 21C and hot!! Short weather again! We should be camping!!!

Life's a Beach

It was fun to return to these old stomping grounds, but I don't expect we will back any time soon. We had our $32. soak in the mineral pool ($16/person), toured about the resort area by bike and by truck, hiked and we enjoyed our evening campfires. 

The campground was fairly busy on the weekend. Some came to golf, some came for the mineral pool and it sounds like many came for the 'famous' Danceland entertainment. This Danceland pic was taken from the lookout point on one of our hikes.

Apparently the well known, always popular "The Fugitives" were playing. We'd never heard of them, but people came from all over and as far away as Calgary to see them - lol. They had arranged for a bus load from the Manitou Springs Hotel to the Hall. 

There is also an annual wood carving competition that takes place here every August. There was that entrance carving I posted earlier. We saw various carvings around the Beach and a few in the nearby town of Watrous. There were a number remaining at the community hall just behind our campground. We aren't sure if these have been sold to be picked up at a later date or just how it all works. I am glad we got to see them though. Very cool! 

 

 

There are also a few interesting iron figurines around the townsite. 

So that is about it from here. Tomorrow is move day. We haven't firmed up our next stop.

from Good Spirit to Manitou

Manitou Beach Regional Park, SK
Site #16 - $28 (x3), p/w, but boil water, wifi slow, poor at site

The great camping experience continues. The weather has been awesome. Although, we had quite the thunderstorm on Tues. night. It started rumbling as we sat by the fire and we were treated to quite the display of sheet lightning. It poured on and off overnight. We had planned to move on Wednesday, but then decided a 'drying out' day was in order. It turned out to be another perfect sunny day. We biked along some of the Trans Canada trail and we checked out another community just outside the park. These mushrooms are a common site in this area. I'm thinking they may have seen a lot of moisture here this year?

We checked out of what felt like our very own private campground this morning and we are now settled in at Manitou Beach Regional Park. Our last memories from here go back to 1996 and our second outing with our old 5th wheel. Ron took out a sign post backing in to our campsite and it had to be 're-planted'-- lol... We met up with Ray Finlay & Frankie that camp trip and we played a lot of Canasta between trips to the spa. Good times! We were back here in 1997 with the Finlays and again ourselves in 1998 but we haven't visited since. We are looking forward to getting reacquainted with the townsite tomorrow and hopefully a soak or two in the mineral pool. 

The carving at Manitou Beach Regional Park entrance.

Good Spirit Lake Prov Pk near Canora, SK

Good Spirit PP, near Canora, SK
Site #142 - $32 (x4), p only, Temp 26C

Finally a SK Park with a sign telling us to pick a site and then come back and self-register! No reservations and we are not restricted to the worst sites in the campground. The last time we visited this and the previous two Prov Pks was in 2002 or 17 yrs ago! Looking back to our stay in this park, I see that we were in this exact same site. Obviously our preferences haven't changed very much over the years!!

It was 26C when we arrived! Off with the jeans and sweatshirts. It didn't take Ron long to gather and chop our evening wood supply. A chilled white wine for me!

And it was hot again yesterday and today. It was the first time this trip that we were looking for shade! And for the beach with our bathing suits. Gotta love the sandy beach at this lake!

Once again we enjoyed biking around the park and through the various cabin subdivisions. All those beautiful cottages. It is rather like riding through abandoned neighbourhoods this time of year. There is not a soul around! These people are missing out on perfect lake weather. I noted with my morning temperature checks that we are the hotspot compared to all the places that our friends and relatives live. It is even warmer than Med Hat for a change. It was certainly a great time to visit!

6 nights at Madge

Another great stay at another great park. We truly love camping in the woods. Despite a couple mornings with a little rain, we have spent our days outdoors and have enjoyed afternoon and evening fires every day.

 

We are certainly taking advantage of the unlimited wood supply. The park activity picked up a bit this weekend, but we are again surprised by how few campers are taking advantage of the Fall camping. (And once again we question the stupid SK Reservation System this time of year! Let us pick a site and self-register. It could be SO easy! AB & BC have it figured out!!)

 

 We continue to put mileage on our bikes and enjoy our daily walks. Those colors! One rainy morning we made a trip to Kamsack for fuel. (for the truck and for us - diesel and liquor-lol) The sun finally put in an appearance this weekend. We soaked it up at the beach and watched all the boats on the lake that are here for the weekend fishing derby. And after the blue skies and sun, you get those beauty sunsets!

 
It is tempting to stay put, but we decided we will make a move on Sunday. I believe we will be heading to Good Spirit Prov Park near Canora.

Madge Lake, Duck Mountain Prov Pk

Duck Mountain PP near Kamsack, SK

Site #10 - $32 (x6, only paid x3!), p only, Temp 14C

It was a new to us drive along Hwy 8 through Moosomin, Rocanville and through the pretty Qu'Appelle Valley. We checked out a Regional Park near Langenburg but decided not to stay. It is a very pretty park on a Golf Course that is mostly filled with seasonal units. They have great private roomy sites, but the area set aside for overnighters was in the open. We pulled over for lunch in Langenburg beside this cute VW.

And then it was on to Duck Mountain Prov Park near Kamsack. It is another great park that we last visited back in 2002. Again, the park sits almost empty, but reservations are still in effect and of course, the 19 first come sites are the worst choices. There are basically 2 decent sites and one was taken. Oh well, we were lucky to get this 'other one'! We did love our view of the lake. 

Where most of S. SK was getting rain, we were able to do a bike around and sit out until late into the evening. Perfect! And once again, some free wood that keeps this chopper very happy!

We were out and about this morning. But then the rain found us. Damn! We are hoping it lets up for tomorrow as there are some great biking paths and places to explore. In the meantime we will make use of the canopy! And I believe a drive about is on for this afternoon.

Moose mountain, cont'd

We certainly enjoyed our 5 nights at Moose Mountain. A great campsite, great weather, biking trails and plenty of wood for our campfires. 

 

I'm looking a little blurry. Must be too much wine? There were no mosquitoes, but 'tis the season for those pesky flies trying desperately to get indoors! That was pretty much our only complaint from this place. This fellow, however, appears to love the bugs!

We mostly biked and hiked about, but we did one driving tour through the White Bear Resort area. It is not nearly as nice as the Kenosee cottage 'resort' but it was an interesting area with new and old cabins haphazardly located along the many winding roads. The community is obviously big on ice fishing. There were rows and rows of fishing shacks along the water. We made a quick stop in Carlyle for milk. What a quaint (and busy!) little main street with all the shops still open and busy. 

And then later, back at our campsite....

They must have had lots of rain in this area over the summer as we saw lots of these guys in our campsite. Plus a few slugs!

Yes, an enjoyable 5 nights. It was tempting to stay a few more days except for the upcoming forecast -- rainy and cool. Things looked a wee bit better north. Time to move on. 

Note: no moose were seen!

looking for moose - Moose Mountain Prov Pk.

Moose Mountain PP, Kenosee Lake, SK
Site #19,#22 - $32 (x5), p only (yr round pass), Temp 23C

We made it through the Regina congestion and construction (holy, slow!!), had a quick lunch at a pull off in Wolseley, picked up a few fresh veggies at the Whitewood Coop and now we are comfortably set up in Moose Mountain Prov Park on Kenosee Lake.

It was a little upsetting to get all leveled, unhooked, the barbecue and stove set up, only to discover that there is still a Reservation system in this park and we just happened to be in a reserve site. S*** We had just paid for 2 nights at the self-serve registration kiosk and missed the fine print.

So, it was off to the Park Administration office back down the road. The computer was checked and we were told we could stay that night, but the site had been online reserved for the following night and we'd have to move.

Of course the few remaining 'first come sites' were not so nice. Note: This park has close to 300 camping sites, but after Labour Day, all but 30 are closed. So forget the reservations already!! Anyway, no sense grumbling. We headed back to the campsite, went for a bike tour and enjoyed an evening fire. At least the wood is free here!

As luck would have it, someone pulled out of one of the nicer 'first come' sites on Thurs morning and we quickly moved our chairs and bikes over to hold the site. We finished breakfast and by 9:30 we were moved and settled in three sites over. The sun came out and our world was bright and happy once again. :) 

 

We had another great bike ride today. There is no denying that Fall is coming as we are seeing the leaves changing colour. Tonight was steak night - yum! and we enjoyed another beauty evening at the fire, under the stars, listening to the coyotes and the loons.

I think we just might stay for the weekend. We are a little undecided about next week. The weather is not looking so pretty.

Rolling in to September

Besant Campground, near Mortlach
Site #3 - $35, p only

Well, it's back to school for the kiddos and back to some RV travel for us. Our last 2 week stay at the lake was windy (coming off the lake, ugh!) and rather cool, so we ended up winterizing and closing up on the Thurs prior to the long weekend. Enough of that wind already! Back home in Med Hat it was lovely!

We brought the 5th wheel home on Monday, and were on the road by 10 am Tuesday. Our direction of choice was East for a change.

Night 1 was spent at Besant Campground just out of Moose Jaw. It was about 15 years to the day that we were last in this campground and it was actually our first night in this then, 'brand new' RV. We had just bought it in Moose Jaw and chose this near by park to 'test' that everything was working properly. It's pretty amazing all the roads we've travelled and all the parks we have visited since that first night 15 years ago!

The campground itself could certainly use some updating but the Day Use and swim pond area is very nice and we enjoyed our walk about.

 

There are quite a few 'seasonal camping units' in the campground but people weren't at them. A lady and her dog arrived in a van and parked across from us. She had left Vanc. Island July 1 and had travelled to PEI and was now heading home. A fellow on his motorcycle pulled in beside her and set up his tent. We gathered from their conversation that they had met on the road previously and he joined her at her fire in the evening. (just a little side gossip, lol!)

We, too, enjoyed an evening fire along with a couple cocktails. Ahhhhhh.....camping......

Kuzmicz Korner, Montmarte, SK

Ben's Farm Yard (x2 nights)
(Walter's Memorial & burial at Candiac Cemetery)
p, Temp 29C and HOT HOT!

We left home about 9:30, fuelled up in Dunmore. Lunch stop at Chaplin and another fuel stop in Regina. It took forever driving through Regina! Road construction and traffic - yuk. However, 6 1/2 hrs later we pulled in to Ben's. He assigned us to an overgrown spot in the trees which Charlie had to mow upon arrival!!  (LOL... Let's just say Ben is not the most organised even though he had invited us and knew we were coming for months prior.)  And I wasn't kidding re that note above. It was SO HOT.

So the guys all pitched in and help organise things at the farm and to prep for the next day funeral lunch. Some of us enjoyed a cold one at the RV's.

 
Not only was Ben hosting the funeral luncheon, but he was pushing his workers to have his newly built pool and hot tub ready for us. I can't even imagine how much his son and the workers were pushed those few days prior to our arrival!!?? Did I mention Ben is not at all organised? Well by that evening with the bros help, the pool had water and the guys poured in many bags of salt. And after some cheese, crackers and snacks we christened that pool!!  And it was lovely! Warm and relaxing!

On Monday Richard, Janice, Ron and the caretaker dug the hole at the grave and there was a graveside service at 2:30 pm. Imagine, a Catholic priest saying prayers for good old Jewish Uncle Walter!!? Hilarious! But what Bennie wants.... lol.... We would have been quite happy just burying him as per his request! Oh well, it was a fitting celebration of his life (nice eulogy, Richard & Janice) with a nice luncheon (meal!) for about 50 guests. Including wine and beer.

cousins Ben, Larry, Angela, Richard, Charles, Ron

We enjoyed a second swim that evening after all guests had left.
On Tuesday morning Ron helped load the tables and chairs and we packed up and hit the road about 11 am. (Richard and Charles stayed another night.)  After a fuel up and lunch in Moose Jaw, we arrived home by 6 pm.  And it's on to the lake for a couple months!

Kesslar Reunion, Pigeon Lake, AB

Whispering Spruce Campground, Westerose
Group Site - $210/week, p/w

We left Medicine Hat at 10:30 am shortly after Greg and family headed out in my car.  They had flown in to the Hat on Tues so it was great to have a couple days with them before the reunion.

We arrived at the camp about 5 pm. Richard, Charles and Rhonda's family were already set up and Richard had a chicken dinner prepped for us all.  A campfire and cocktails evening.

The gang started to arrive throughout Saturday. It was absolutely pouring when Greg, Jeff and their family pulled up. Sucks for those with tents!!  We went from pouring rain, to a high winds scare to light rain on and off.

Some roughed it out under the umbrellas with a wood fire. The 'old folk' sat around the propane pit under the canopy shelter. And we did get a bit of sunshine and warm weather -- no canopies required!

On Sunday we awoke to fog. However that lifted and it was a busy day of walks, cribbage tournaments, pickle ball, volleyball, bocce, golf, pepper ball and Jenga! There were animals to pet in the campground and some went shopping at the Village of Pigeon Lake boutiques.

 

 
 
There were tours of the local campground lawn ornament garden! Such a fun collection!!

Everybody pitched in for meal prep and cleanup.  Meals were awesome and we celebrated all the birthdays with cake! Nice decorating Christal!

 

It was an awesome week.  Greg, Jeff and families left Tues for 2 nights at West Ed mall. Greg returned Thurs (with my car) and Ron took them all to the airport for their red-eye flight.

We left Friday morning - Ron in 5th wheel and me in the car. LONG drive!! After the fuel up and lunch break in Ponoka I tuned in to my audiobook to pass the time. Good to be home after a busy week.
Note: Lots more pics if you click the Reunion link under Trip Pics on the left.
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