Day 79 - Portage La Prairie, MB

I woke to a heavy fog and no visible sun. By the time Susan got up and all the dogs were fed, the fog had already started to lift. Yea I really didn't feel like driving in fog. We got going shortly after 7 am under a beautiful sunny sky with not a cloud to be seen. As we continued down the road there was an ominous looking cloud way off in the distance. My spidy sense tells me it's fog. Living in Saskatchewan many moons ago I have seen this before. Sure enough it's fog. It's almost freaky.

Within no time we were right in the middle of this very heavy fog, no sun now. Actually, we couldn't see more than a few feet in front of us. Transport trucks were right beside us before we could see them. It lasted for over an hour then the skies opened up and it was beautiful blue sky again. Like I said before Freaky!

We drove through several little towns before I quickly pulled over at a local subway and told Susan I was starved. We were in the town of Langenburg, Sk. population 1,000. Now what does this town have that no other has. Just the worlds largest swing named fittingly "Goliath". They also have a volkswagen planters.

What a fun town. We continued on our way reaching our next destination of Portage La Prairie. We had to go into town for some groceries, ice, and diesel. Portage is not a big town but it has everything you need or want. Canadian Tire, Walmart, grocery stores, restaurants, and so on. You get the picture. We got what we needed then headed back to the campground. I took the dogs for a long walk around the park and a beautiful one it is. Seasonals really take pride in their properties at this campground.  

Wasagaming - Riding Mountain

In 1741 the plains around Riding Mountain were explored and a post was established on Lake Dauphin. Soon thereafter the Hudson’s Bay Company came to the area. By the 1800’s the mountain was surrounded by posts and recognized for its fur trading business. Horseback riding was the easiest way to explore the rugged highlands. The original name of Fort Dauphin Hill was changed to Riding Mountain. After 150 years of exploiting certain species such as the otter, marten, fisher, and wolverine they have all but disappeared completely.

As early as 1919 a proposal was but forward to establish a national park in eastern Manitoba. In 1929, the Riding Mountain Forest Reserve was set aside as National Park. On May 30 1930, the Forest Reserve became Riding Mountain National Park.
Riding Mountain National Park
• 2,978 square km (297,591 hectares) or 1,150 square miles
• the Manitoba Escarpment rises 427 metres or 1,400 feet above the lowland plains
• the highest point in the park is 756.1 metres or 2,480 feet above sea level
• Clear Lake is the largest covering 25 square kms or 9.5 square miles
• Clear Lake is also the deepest lake dropping to a depth of 34.7 metres or 114 feet
• there are more than 60 species of mammals and 260 species of birds in the park


The visitors center happens to be in the Town of Wasagaming which is a short walk from our campsite.

We were camped on site #3 with full hook-ups. We could even get WiFi from the check-in booth. How great is that. The pathway into town was so quiet and peaceful. 

A Magpie

Clear Lake

Clear Lake

Before calling it a day I decided to take a short drive down the causeway. It's getting close to dusk and animals seem to come out at that time. I didn't have to go far. I was rewarded with Momma bear and her three cubs. What a treat.

Riding Mountain Bison Compound

The next morning very early I was up and on the road to the Bison Compound. Yes, I said Bison. No sooner had I turned off the main road I spotted my first moose. I almost drove right by him/her. It was tucked back in the bush real nicely.

Nice little beaver dam

The road into the compound was very rough to say the least. Much of it was washboard, other parts just big potholes. The distance is 39 kms from the campground to the compound.

Jackfish Creek

Bison are no longer in danger of becoming extinct. In 1889 there were less than 100, now there are over 40,000 in Canada. In the summer the bison move to the south range when the fescue goes to seed. Also, bison rut in late July early August. In the fall bison calves are grazing not nursing. In the winter bison move to the north range which provides enough food for survival. Unlike most animals, bison face into the wind as their fur is heaviest over their head, neck, and shoulders. In spring the bison are still in the north range. They shed their winter coats. Calves are mainly born in May.

Entrance to Bison Compound ...Texas Gate 

Then I turned a corner and there she was with her baby. What amazing creatures. At one point she walked right beside my truck. I'm sure I still have bison hair on the grill.

After an hour of watching Mum and baby I went back to the bison information center. I was a little nervous walking the pathway up to the gate. Bisons can roam this whole area if they want.

Looking out over the fescue plains I couldn't see another bison.

After spending 3 hours in the compound I decided that it was time I headed back. Momma and baby headed into the bush to get relief from the hot sun. What a morning.

Day 8 - 9 Riding Mountain National Park, Wasagaming MB

It was another shorter drive 338 kms or 222 miles on our way to Riding Mountain National Park. The day is gorgeous, bright, sunny, and getting warmer. The further into Manitoba we go the flatter it gets. We finally meet up with the Yellowhead Highway. This highway will take us to Edmonton but not today.

Many of the old dilapidated grain elevators that were standing when I lived in Saskatchewan I'm sure have been replaced with new concrete or steel ones like these ones.

Before getting to Riding Mountain we stopped at a great rest area in Minnedosa. Canvasback Ducks live only in North America and 10% of the breeding population come to southwestern Manitoba. Researchers have come to this area to study Canvasback Ducks since the 1950’s.

We finally arrive at Riding Mountain National Park and I can tell it's the place for me. Lots and lots of things to see and do.

After we get all set up and after supper near dusk Susan  and I decide to go for a drive through the National Park on their main road. It didn't take to long before we started seeing wildlife. I'm happy.

We also spotted an old fire control tower. It's still being used today. Also spotted an old beavers den with a semi-dried up pond.

All in all I think we counted 7 deer, 4 bear, a bald eagle, but no moose yet. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.