Manitoba, Canada

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A quick nap spot along the Drive, The Souris Swinging Bridge, was a fun quick walk and rest spot under some beautiful Trees with no bugs. We promise, we only made it shake when no one was on it... promise! 

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Located in the town of Souris, Manitoba, is a notable and historic pedestrian suspension bridge. Spanning the Souris River, the bridge is one of the longest swinging bridges in Canada, measuring over 600 feet. 

Originally constructed in 1904 by Squire Sowden to provide easier access to his land on the opposite side of the river, the bridge has been rebuilt several times due to damage from floods. The current version, built in 2013, maintains the charm and function of the original while incorporating modern engineering for increased safety and durability. 

The Souris Swinging Bridge is a popular tourist attraction, offering scenic views of the river and surrounding area, and it serves as a symbol of the town's resilience and history.

Here we enjoyed a fun bike ride along the west part of the lake at lake level to a red set of Adirondack chairs perched on the sandy, natural causeway ending our path. 

Paige went for an epic run to a great hidden dock, deep enough to dive into the crystal clear waters. Getting out was a battle between the towel and mosquitoes.  

We all drove out to the Bison preserve in the Park and happened across a Sow and her two calfs crossing the road only feet in front of us while driving respectfully on the gravel roads. We kept the windows up as the freakishly large swarms of bugs, all capable of 50+kph (don't ask me how I know), shocked by their stamina and almost a "The Shinning" moment!

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Grasslands National Park, located in southern Saskatchewan near the U.S. border, is a remarkable natural area that preserves one of the few remaining sections of undisturbed prairie grassland in North America. The park is divided into two blocks: the West Block near the town of Val Marie and the East Block near Wood Mountain.

The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystem, featuring mixed-grass prairie, rolling hills, and deep river valleys. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and over 20 species of endangered plants and animals. The park's vast open spaces and unique landscape provide excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Grasslands National Park also has significant historical and cultural importance, with numerous archaeological sites and evidence of ancient Indigenous habitation. Visitors can explore the park's interpretive trails, participate in guided tours, and enjoy stargazing in one of the darkest night skies in Canada, designated as a Dark Sky Preserve. The park offers a unique and serene experience, showcasing the natural beauty and ecological significance of the prairie landscape.

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Tim at TJD Diesel saved our once in a lifetime RV lap of North America!
After developing a significant fuel leak climbing the hills toward Osoyoos. The truck lost horsepower and we found ourselves on the side of the highway. After calling everyone in the area, the end of the July long weekend proved to be a bad to have truck problems. The truck would run fine when not having to work too hard above 2000PRM. We limped ourselves into Osyoos and decided that the worst thing that could happen at this point was to buy a new truck because were were not going to stop!

So, we limped our way across BC and into Calgary where I had arranged for a shop to get a leaky fuel rail repaired. Unfortunately, after two full days, and paying them royally, the truck still had issues as we left town. So, onto Saskatchewan and all the way to Selkirk, Manitoba. 

This is where we found Tim and TJD diesel. I phoned him on a Friday afternoon, still a few days from town, and  although he noted he was busy, he heard my story and promised to get us in first thing Monday morning and on our way again. 

First thing Monday, I pulled up to the shop and Tim greeted me at my door. He was insistent on getting right to the root of the problem.
In no more than a few minutes of poking around he found the exact problem, a manufacturing flaw in the seat for the #5 fuel line on the main fuel rail.
Minuets later again, he had sourced a new part for $2500 less than the Calgary shop although it was in Winnipeg (30 minutes away).
In his next call, he sent a driver to pick it up while he then walked over and started to dismantle the truck. It was there that he cleaned the excess carbon and ensured there were no other issues.
Only THREE HOURS after arriving at his shop, he called me and told me he was all done and to come pick it up! THREE HOURS!!!
Our trip was saved, the truck is now running flawlessly and we are saving $$$$ on spilled diesel.
We just swam in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan! Next stop, Niagara Falls. 

Thank you so much Tim and TJD Diesel! Your's will be a story I will retell again and again.

PS> After reading this, should you need further reference on how good this this diesel repair shop is... perhaps look elsewhere. Lol

This museum is both overwhelming and incredibly thought provoking. We took our time and were consumed the displays while the kids also revisited the tower.... over and over, excited by the elevator perhaps a bit more than the view.  The building itself fascinates and awes as do the exhibits featuring some of the best and worst in people thought human history. 

I Chased Adventure and pushed myself to walk the entire museum, from the main floor to top of the tower! 

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The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is located on Indigenous ancestral lands on Treaty One Territory. The Red River Valley is also the birthplace of the Métis. We acknowledge that the water in the Museum comes from Shoal Lake and are grateful to the First Nations that care for that water.

“So much history can be lost if no one tells the story – so I tell the stories. This is my way of fighting for social change.”

Alanis Obomsawin, Abenaki filmmaker and singer