I've lived in Saskatchewan all my life and there are so many winter activities I've never tried. Like what, you may ask? Well, curling for one. Am I the only Saskatchewan gal who's never tried curling before? Quite possibly.
Another winter activity I've never attempted is ice fishing. My desire to try this isn't huge - I don't like to be cold and fish is nowhere near a favourite food of mine. However, I can think of several friends who regularly go ice fishing. It wouldn't be too terribly difficult to find someone to go with. And you know what? I should!
While I have been to a Saskatchewan junior hockey league game (and it was kind of fun), I have never been to a professional hockey league game. And you call yourself a Canadian??? Yes, just not a hockey-loving Canadian. It can happen. Anyway, this is something I should do at some point in my life, so onto the list it goes.
What else? Well, have you heard of the relatively new phenomenon of crokicurl? It seems to be taking western Canada by storm! I first heard of it in Winnipeg and this winter I now know that Saskatoon is also set up for it. Basically, it's a combination of the fingernail-jarring game called crokinole and curling! It looks like fun and I must give it a try!
And my last item? Dog sledding! Let's go mushing!
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Sunday, November 13, 2016
#56 - See the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba!
Done! Cross that one of the list!
On the November long weekend, my good friend Melinda and I went to Churchill, Manitoba, on a charter flight with about 120 other explorers of all ages. It was Part 2 of Melinda's 40th Birthday Canadian Adventure Trip!
We had looked (and looked!) for a reasonable way to get to Churchill, Manitoba to see the polar bears, but it's just not that easy a place to get to! First, there are no roads to Churchill. You either have to take a slow train or an expensive flight. Second, it's a small place and there aren't very many lodging options. Third, because it's hard to get to, there isn't a lot of information available for this unique destination.
One evening while doing more research, I came across this article - the most useful and condensed information I found: http://www.travel4wildlife.com/how-to-get-to-churchill-cheap-fast/
We had pretty much given up on our plans for this cap to Melinda's 40th birthday year, but then out of nowhere came surprise information - from my dad of all people! The phone call went something like this:
Dad: Are you still looking for a way to get to Churchill to see the polar bears?
Me: Yes (hesitantly).
Dad: Well, there's an ad in the paper (Saskatoon StarPhoenix) this week.
Me: Really???
Dad: There's a charter flight from Saskatoon on the November long weekend.
Me: Really???
Dad: It's expensive!
Me: I'm sure! How much?
Dad: $2,000!
Me: Ouch! For how long?
Dad: One day.
Me: One day???
Dad: It's a special one-day charter flight. Everything's included - the flights, three hot meals, approximately six hours of polar bear viewing...
Me: Wow!
And so began our journey. The company that operates the charter flights is Classic Canadian Tours, which is based out of Calgary, Alberta. Once on the ground and out to the tundra in Churchill, we were well looked after by Frontiers North Adventures - the company that does the polar bear safaris via tundra buggies.
Our one-day charter flight to Churchill was the stuff dreams are made of! There were no bright or shining lights, no movie stars, no glitz, no glam. What there was though can be summed up as an amazing opportunity that many do not get or take. You knew you were a part of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
To read the full description of our special day, check out my guest post for Jenn Smith Nelson's Travel & Happiness blog: https://travelandhappiness.com/guest-post-polar-bear-safari/
Our low point of the day was when our tunda buggy's drive shaft pulled apart when we tried to navigate a giant pothole (or slush pond, however you look at it) a little differently than the other tundra buggies had. Oops... We were down/stranded for about 1.5 hours.
Our high points definitely outweighed our low point though. We saw 18 polar bears in total including a mama and her cub. And, because we lost time with out breakdown, we got to stay out on the tundra longer than the other groups had and watch the sun set and moon rise over Hudson Bay. Now that was a wow!
All in all, it was an awesome experience! We made Part 2 of Melinda's
40th Birthday Canadian Adventure Trip happen and saw all of western
Canada along the way this year! Of course, we're both eager to return...
The hard part is deciding between the winter tour we did or a summer
tour that involves beluga whales!
After all is said and done though, the easiest, cheapest and warmest way to see polar bears is simply by viewing this live polar bear cam. Enjoy!
On the November long weekend, my good friend Melinda and I went to Churchill, Manitoba, on a charter flight with about 120 other explorers of all ages. It was Part 2 of Melinda's 40th Birthday Canadian Adventure Trip!
We had looked (and looked!) for a reasonable way to get to Churchill, Manitoba to see the polar bears, but it's just not that easy a place to get to! First, there are no roads to Churchill. You either have to take a slow train or an expensive flight. Second, it's a small place and there aren't very many lodging options. Third, because it's hard to get to, there isn't a lot of information available for this unique destination.
One evening while doing more research, I came across this article - the most useful and condensed information I found: http://www.travel4wildlife.com/how-to-get-to-churchill-cheap-fast/
We had pretty much given up on our plans for this cap to Melinda's 40th birthday year, but then out of nowhere came surprise information - from my dad of all people! The phone call went something like this:
Dad: Are you still looking for a way to get to Churchill to see the polar bears?
Me: Yes (hesitantly).
Dad: Well, there's an ad in the paper (Saskatoon StarPhoenix) this week.
Me: Really???
Dad: There's a charter flight from Saskatoon on the November long weekend.
Me: Really???
Dad: It's expensive!
Me: I'm sure! How much?
Dad: $2,000!
Me: Ouch! For how long?
Dad: One day.
Me: One day???
Dad: It's a special one-day charter flight. Everything's included - the flights, three hot meals, approximately six hours of polar bear viewing...
Me: Wow!
And so began our journey. The company that operates the charter flights is Classic Canadian Tours, which is based out of Calgary, Alberta. Once on the ground and out to the tundra in Churchill, we were well looked after by Frontiers North Adventures - the company that does the polar bear safaris via tundra buggies.
Our one-day charter flight to Churchill was the stuff dreams are made of! There were no bright or shining lights, no movie stars, no glitz, no glam. What there was though can be summed up as an amazing opportunity that many do not get or take. You knew you were a part of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
To read the full description of our special day, check out my guest post for Jenn Smith Nelson's Travel & Happiness blog: https://travelandhappiness.com/guest-post-polar-bear-safari/
Our low point of the day was when our tunda buggy's drive shaft pulled apart when we tried to navigate a giant pothole (or slush pond, however you look at it) a little differently than the other tundra buggies had. Oops... We were down/stranded for about 1.5 hours.
Our high points definitely outweighed our low point though. We saw 18 polar bears in total including a mama and her cub. And, because we lost time with out breakdown, we got to stay out on the tundra longer than the other groups had and watch the sun set and moon rise over Hudson Bay. Now that was a wow!
 |
| Do you see all three polar bears in this photo? |
After all is said and done though, the easiest, cheapest and warmest way to see polar bears is simply by viewing this live polar bear cam. Enjoy!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
#55 - Attend the Annual Dickens' Village Festival in Carlyle
Attending this festival has been on my to-do list for many years and yesterday it finally happened! One of my website clients is the woman who heads up Women on the Go Tours (day trips by bus across southern Saskatchewan), so I knew who to talk to in order to get a seat. And, turns out Charles Dickens is the favourite author of one of my friends (Patti) - perfect!
We boarded the bus, sat back and enjoyed being chauffeured to Carlyle. Our first stop upon arrival was for High Tea. We donned hats, chose a seat and enjoyed the delectable treats (including Christmas pudding) set before us.
It was an unseasonably warm day, so we were able to easily wander all over the town and see the sights. Many local business owners dressed in traditional costumes - we even met Scrooge and Father Christmas!
We shopped til we dropped all afternoon, ate outside (smoked turkey drumstick anyone?) and stayed warm by a fire, and then were treated to a light parade.
Our last stop of the evening was to attend the annual production of A Christmas Carol. Each year, the play is rewritten, acted and produced by locals.
The day was fun, the town went all out to decorate and act the part, and I am so glad I finally got to experience the annual Dickens' Festival - in it's 13th year!
What are you doing the first weekend in December? Maybe you should go to Carlyle!
We boarded the bus, sat back and enjoyed being chauffeured to Carlyle. Our first stop upon arrival was for High Tea. We donned hats, chose a seat and enjoyed the delectable treats (including Christmas pudding) set before us.
The day was fun, the town went all out to decorate and act the part, and I am so glad I finally got to experience the annual Dickens' Festival - in it's 13th year!
What are you doing the first weekend in December? Maybe you should go to Carlyle!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
#25 - Participate in a fundraiser that involves a physical activity
Well, I never dreamt this would be the next item completed on my list... After all, it's the middle of winter!
You just never know what will happen and maybe, just maybe you (and especially I) should say yes to new and interesting opportunities before we over-think them too much. That's what I did with only a week's notice for a fundraiser called The Coldest Night of the Year (https://coldestnightoftheyear.org/home).
A friend from a walking group I occasionally attend invited me to participate and I jumped in with both feet. Each participant could choose to pay a small entrance fee or commit to raising $150 each. I chose to fund raise and committed to raising $200. With less than a week left prior to the event I thought it might be a long shot to raise any money, but I reached the $200 mark in just a few days. The fundraising continued right up until the walk, and I was surprised to not only get more donations the day of the race but even had one come through after I had returned home. My total raised through online efforts was $400!
It was a bitterly cold day! In fact, out of 80 locations across Canada, we were the coldest - not that that's something to brag about though. Some precautions were taken to ensure everyone would be safe, but the walk went off without a hitch. We had a halfway stop at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission for coffee/tea and cookies and then a yummy chili supper was waiting for us when we returned.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the entire experience and although I do not look forward to the cold, I am already anticipating next year's Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk in support of the homeless in our city.
You just never know what will happen and maybe, just maybe you (and especially I) should say yes to new and interesting opportunities before we over-think them too much. That's what I did with only a week's notice for a fundraiser called The Coldest Night of the Year (https://coldestnightoftheyear.org/home).
A friend from a walking group I occasionally attend invited me to participate and I jumped in with both feet. Each participant could choose to pay a small entrance fee or commit to raising $150 each. I chose to fund raise and committed to raising $200. With less than a week left prior to the event I thought it might be a long shot to raise any money, but I reached the $200 mark in just a few days. The fundraising continued right up until the walk, and I was surprised to not only get more donations the day of the race but even had one come through after I had returned home. My total raised through online efforts was $400!
It was a bitterly cold day! In fact, out of 80 locations across Canada, we were the coldest - not that that's something to brag about though. Some precautions were taken to ensure everyone would be safe, but the walk went off without a hitch. We had a halfway stop at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission for coffee/tea and cookies and then a yummy chili supper was waiting for us when we returned.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the entire experience and although I do not look forward to the cold, I am already anticipating next year's Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk in support of the homeless in our city.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Item #1 - Go Snowshoeing
Well, I can cross another item off my list... Today I went snowshoeing!
We had a pretty nice day for it with temperatures around zero, fresh snow that arrived overnight, and our walking surface was fairly solid - not too much sinking into the snow. We walked some ridges along a fence line, crossed a frozen creek and some grassland, and walked around a golf course still very buried in snow. Pictured below my friend Dorothy and I are snowshoeing on snow drifts 4-6 feet off the ground.
I've cross-country skied since I was little, so am far most used to a gliding motion than a high-stepping motion on snow, but it was fun to try. I've lived in Saskatchewan all my life and it's about time I gave snowshoeing a whirl!
We had a pretty nice day for it with temperatures around zero, fresh snow that arrived overnight, and our walking surface was fairly solid - not too much sinking into the snow. We walked some ridges along a fence line, crossed a frozen creek and some grassland, and walked around a golf course still very buried in snow. Pictured below my friend Dorothy and I are snowshoeing on snow drifts 4-6 feet off the ground.
I've cross-country skied since I was little, so am far most used to a gliding motion than a high-stepping motion on snow, but it was fun to try. I've lived in Saskatchewan all my life and it's about time I gave snowshoeing a whirl!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Item #2 - Serve a Meal in a Soup Kitchen
On Friday night (December 14) I went to Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission and helped to serve a meal to the homeless. It was a wonderful experience.
A friend and her husband were preparing the meal and had asked for volunteers to help serve. This is something I've thought of doing for a few years and it just took an invitation to make it happen. I am thankful that the opportunity to volunteer with some others I knew came along.
When I arrived at the mission, the plates were already being dished up in preparation to begin serving the supper meal at 5:00 p.m. I and several other volunteers distributed roast beef dinners to those that were seated and waiting, and we kept an eye out for newcomers to be served and empty plates to be removed from the tables. I poured coffee and more coffee (and more coffee!) and made a few rounds with the dessert trays too. I wasn't sure what I could say to anyone, but found that a smile and the offer of more coffee or dessert was just fine.
Once everyone was served and had their fill and after most had left, we began to clean up and then we sat down to our own roast beef dinner. Good conversation and prayer for a few of those that had come for the free meal followed.
I left feeling blessed and having had a very good experience volunteering at something way outside my comfort zone. It was a blessing to serve those that came through the doors that evening.
A friend and her husband were preparing the meal and had asked for volunteers to help serve. This is something I've thought of doing for a few years and it just took an invitation to make it happen. I am thankful that the opportunity to volunteer with some others I knew came along.
When I arrived at the mission, the plates were already being dished up in preparation to begin serving the supper meal at 5:00 p.m. I and several other volunteers distributed roast beef dinners to those that were seated and waiting, and we kept an eye out for newcomers to be served and empty plates to be removed from the tables. I poured coffee and more coffee (and more coffee!) and made a few rounds with the dessert trays too. I wasn't sure what I could say to anyone, but found that a smile and the offer of more coffee or dessert was just fine.
Once everyone was served and had their fill and after most had left, we began to clean up and then we sat down to our own roast beef dinner. Good conversation and prayer for a few of those that had come for the free meal followed.
I left feeling blessed and having had a very good experience volunteering at something way outside my comfort zone. It was a blessing to serve those that came through the doors that evening.
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