Wandering in Winnipeg

This morning began with a great thunder and lightning storm. I don’t know at what time it began because I was in a pretty deep (and blissful) slumber at the time. I also don’t know if it moved in as quickly as I feel like it did or if I just kept waking up at each lightning flash. Perhaps it was a little of both. Either way, I think I was coherent enough to accurately do the “counting thing” between lightning flash and thunder to determine how close the storm was. As I said, it moved through quickly. The last thunder and lightning occurred almost simultaneously and, as the rumble of the thunder faded, the rain started to fall. It was a pretty great way to start the morning – especially since I wasn’t in my tent! To be completely honest, that didn’t officially start my morning as the sound of the rain quickly put me to sleep for a while longer.

I eventually rolled out of bed around 8:30 … I think. Ian and Sheri had already left for work so it was just me and the kittens again. At the risk of repeating myself, the kittens were still pretty cute. One might even say adorable – especially when they were following me around like lost puppies. At one point, all four had invaded my room to check things out.

There really wasn’t an official plan for the day other than to see some of the sights of Winnipeg. Ian had highlighted some options on a map so I figured that would be a good place to start. It wasn’t until I was at the Louis Riel statue that I realized that my memory card was almost full so I didn’t take as many photos as usual – perhaps that’s a good thing.

Anyway, I walked around the Legislative building, the aforementioned Louis Riel statue, The Forks, and the Forks Market (where I had lunch), the Human Rights Museum (a very interesting looking building), the Exchange District, City Hall, Mountain Equipment Co-op (it took a great deal of willpower to not buy anything), the MTS Centre (home of the Winnipeg Jets), and I even managed to find a No Frills where I was able to stock up on trail mix for tomorrow’s ride. I have to say it was a very good day which went by far too quickly.

Since I only had a day to explore the city, my options were pretty much see one thing thoroughly or a bunch of things in passing. I opted for the latter. I know I saw a pretty limited number of things but I enjoyed my day in Winnipeg. And it was a beautiful day to be walking around the city. Winnipeg in June is great. I don’t think I could say the same about Winnipeg in the winter months.

I was hoping to go see a CFL game while I was here but the timing didn’t work out. I was also hoping to see a CFL game when I eventually get to Regina but it’s looking like the timing won’t work out on that one either. Sigh. But Regina is still several days away so I’ll worry about that when the time comes.