I took the opportunity this past weekend to take a couple of friends up to the East Side of Riding Mountain National Park.  It was the first time for either of them to venture to this area of the world.

For each, a once in a lifetime experience awaited them that could not even be imagined.  What is taken for granted by us, was absolutely appreciated by my friends.  I should mention at this point, that both are international travellers from Paris, France and Newcastle, Australia that have been living and working in Winnipeg for a couple of months.

Manitoba for most travellers is only Winnipeg.  I didn’t want my friends to leave Manitoba with only a view of the city and nothing else to tell for it.  They have both been told of places like Grand Beach, Whiteshell and Churchill.  What I offered them for this weekend was an area of the Province that is known however, has disappeared of the radar maps of most.

For those of you who have visited Prairiemango before (hopefully on numerous occasions), it is of no secret that I write of this area a lot…no really, just read my past blog posts:

Ø      Overlooking the Past Atop the Mountain

Ø      A Mountain of Opportunity

Ø      Flatlanders Get Their Vertical

Ø      Community Involvement

The East Side of Riding Mountain National Park is somewhat like the little brother of the main entrance going through Onanole, Manitoba.  The area is very humble and non-assuming yet, there are hidden gems around every corner.  All you have to do is get off the #5 and drive towards the dense forest ahead.

For a couple of newcomers to the area, we planned an outing to the Mt.Agassiz Ski Hill.  The Mt.Agassiz Ski Hill played host for two days of epic vistas, slushy snowshoeing and fresh tracks.

Walking from the park gate and up the snow laden road, only a very few visitors have been this way for the past 6 months.  As our approach to the open field gets closer, we can already see snowmobile tracks crisscrossing the hill.  Although off-road vehicles are not allowed in National Parks, these pirates left their mark on this hidden treasure. 

Hiking up the chair side of the hill, the white ocean of the valley floor below reminds us of how vast and endless this landscape is.  For my two friends, the expressions on their faces said it all – Smiles for miles!

I can sit here and write all that is wrong with the Mt.Agassiz Ski Hill not being open.  I can sit here and write on how important this is for the surrounding communities.

But, I won’t…

On our first night, we were treated to the most impressive sight.  The skies were clear and the stars were out.  The Northern Lights spent some time dancing in the skies above our southern location.  As we were revelling upon the sights above, a shooting star took our attention away but, only for a moment.  The howling of coyotes in the distance capped this night.  We all fell asleep anxiously waiting for the morning light.

The two days spent out in the East Side of Riding Mountain was all about enjoying our space, our time and the adventures we had. 

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