Manitoba - Day 15

Today was a slow day as we knew it would be. The weather was a bit iffy but it did not rain. We were going to head north out of the city the Rocky Lake to see what we might find there. On the way out we drove through "Downtown" The Pas - the sign sure makes it sound like a wild and crazy place. In reality it is a quiet look back at days gone by - I felt like I was back in the sixties.

You often meet nice people when you travel; people who are very friendly, happy and sincerely wish you well. Every once in awhile you meet someone who is truly remarkable in every way. Today was one of those days. We turned off the highway onto the access road for Rocky Lake only to be stopped by the RCMP. The officer approached with a big smile and before he said anything I said, "I guess you're going to tell us the road's closed".

"Oh yes, it most certainly is". Rather than turn us around with a wave he came up to us and began about a 30 minute conversation. Wanted to know all about where we were from and why on earth we wanted to spend so long in Manitoba and was totally gobsmacked that we had selected The Pas as a place to stay. Not many people do that - not even local people. Without question this was the highlight of our day. He even let me snap a photo.

The rest of the day was spent getting to know The Pas a little better - just in time to leave tomorrow. The neighbouring municipality of Big Eddy (who comes up with this stuff) is a Cree Nation community. A little run down and sadly liberally sprinkled with a tremendous amount of trash on both sides of the road, it was very clear that more time, effort and funding has to go into these communities.

Larose Avenue is an historic area of The Pas highlighting pre-war pillbox houses from the 20s. Most have been extensively renovated but all are proudly displayed...and some sure take their hockey seriously. Around here it's a rousing chorus of Go Jets!!!

I knew when I selected this airbnb I would have to think outside the box, actually in this case inside the box - the outside is most depressing. Our "neighbour" is an old couple (you know if I refer to them as old they've got to be getting up there) who, at a glance, takes hording to a new level. Well, I guess it cuts back on grass cutting.

Sadly we are into our last week now. Tomorrow we head north and east to Paint Lake just south of Thompson. I hope you're all enjoying being along for the ride - it isn't over yet.

😎