The state of Minnesota brags on their license plates that it has “10,000 Lakes” HAH! That’s nothing. There are over 100,000 lakes in Manitoba. Water covers approximately 15% of the land mass of Manitoba. Heck even its name refers to water. Near a place called “The Narrows” on Lake Manitoba, a strong wind can send waves crashing into the limestone rocks of Manitou Island, causing a booming noise. Legend has it that this booming sound was the Great Spirit Manitou sounding his drum. The Cree and Ojibway name of the Narrows was Manito bau or Manitob-bau meaning “straits of the Great Spirit”. When Europeans arrived they adopted many of the place names of the indigenous people and the legend inspired the name of the province.

After leaving “VB” we head south with our original destination to be Saskatoon. Turning northwest onto Highway 16, The Yellowhead, we decide that Russell Manitoba will be our layover for the night. If you thought Saskatchewan is flat, this part of Manitoba northwest of Winnipeg is really flat. Beautiful lush fields of grain; wheat, corn, canola, sunflowers and something purple which is probably flax. Spectacular. Truly the breadbasket of Canada. Looking at a map I really wish we had taken a different route. Highway 68 passes through right through The Narrows of Lake Manitoba on a 2600 ft causeway and a 891 ft bridge. Alas too far the go back.

FIELD OF FLAX

We continue on. At the little town of Gladstone MB, we come upon Mr. Happy Rock. Well, we just had to stop and take a pic. Next was the town of Neepawa, home of the Neepawa Titans of the Manitoba Junior A Hockey League and the birthplace of Margaret Laurence, noted Canadian writer. She is best known for the Canadian classic, The Stone Angel. We followed a sign that led us past her original home. Her final resting place is also here.

MARGARET LAURENCE HOME IN NEEPAWA MANITOBA

After leaving Russel the next morning, we decided that Saskatoon didn’t have much appeal at this point of our journey and perhaps we should start to head for home. Turning southwest we headed for Regina where we would lay our heads tonight. Two more nights on the road then Calgary for the weekend then home next Tuesday.