Leaving on a jet plane, bus, train
Leaving a mostly shoveled roof and Linda behind, a fairly uneventful flight to Winnipeg. Making it past customs was a little hassle this time, however. After initial questioning about why in the world I would be in Canada in the winter for over 45 days I proceeded to, I thought, exit the airport only to be told to sit in one of those red chairs over there. At least it wasn’t the Group W bench. Or was it? Becoming somewhat flustered I couldn’t even remember what CNSC stood for and had to grab the contract out of my bag. Apparently there have been instances of people purportedly going to Churchill as “volunteers” but instead seeking out paying work. Anyways, after grilling me he figured I wasn’t bright enough to hold down a real job so let me on my way.
A cab ride and twenty dollars lighter, I arrived at the hotel with plenty of daylight left. So, what’s a visitor to do? Of course, walk, in very cold windchill, over to Chinatown to shop at Sun Wah market. Oh, boy, we are going to have Hot and Sour Soup this Friday, Chinese New Year! Even found the correct vinegar, don’t ask me to spell it. But the durian was too heavy to carry plus I don’t think they would have let me back in the hotel much less the train with it.
Then it was as if an invisible hand (Boston Globe April 1 readers reference)
had directed me down King Street to the Chinese market where I passed Well, as a poutine newbie I replied that I would go natural. There were many available toppings but I’ll be back plus it’s a small franchise so any time I’m in Canada…..without Linda.
They were quite delicious - french fries, cheese curds, and gravy with a taste of black pepper. I got the snack size so I wouldn’t ruin my dinner.
Dinner?
By the time I walked back to the hotel with a fruitless stop at Toad Hall for the Dutch Blitz expansion pack I needed a nap. And then another nap. And then it was 1130. So I just stayed in bed. Dinner would wait for another day.Saturday - time to recharge the MacAir. But where was the charger? Oh, in the outlet in the kitchen at home (to be continued, sigh!). Where is the nearest Apple store? All the way across town, many miles and even more kilometers. So I learned to ride the Winnipeg bus system out to Polo Park which turned out to be a significantly sized upscale mall - well, of course, it has an Apple store! Grabbed the charger then headed to the pharmacy to pick up a bunch of items I didn’t want to carry up on the plane. Had an encounter with some sketchy characters in the mall
Back onto the bus - I found out, luckily, that I could get a transfer that would enable me to do a round trip - and off in downtown at Portage Place. Portage Place where there is a Staples that had the charger I needed for the same price and within walking distance of the hotel. But I learned a lot on the bus ride which should come in handy in the future. To make myself feel better I indulged in a Mama burger, fries and A&W root beer at the food court, one of my guilty pleasures. A little more shopping at the elusive Family Foods supermarket and it was back to the hotel to drop everything off and get rested for the walk over to The Forks and to Thida’s for takeout Thai later.
I did manage to watch a bit of the Tournament of Hearts curling on TV starring Manitoba's own Jennifer Jones.
I’m sure she had nothing to do with me watching. Was quite remarkable
how skilled the players were in drawing and hitting with the stones.
That’s not to take anything away from the broom people as I would break
my leg and ruin my back trying to do what they do.Valentine’s day…….I needed my love to keep me warm! So I had to settle for some medium hot ginger stir fry from Thida's Thai. Got one to take on the train, too.
Sunday - packing and checking out then hauling the gear to the train station.
Train was delayed. So VIA bought us lunch at the little cafe in the station. What a surprise! New owners and I hope they make it as the Italian panini was tremendous. Train left an hour late which shouldn’t be a problem especially with getting me some time to head into Thompson for some last minute stuff tomorrow afternoon.
Got to know the train conductors, Tracey and Kevin. And met a couple from Hartford who are going to CNSC for the aurora program but coming up two days early and staying at Blue Sky B&B, Gerald and Jennifore’s BB in town - they want to make sure they see the aurora after having failed elsewhere. Gave them some info. Their flight up confirmed my suspicion that flying into O’Hare, weather permitting, rather than to Toronto/Montreal makes for a better customs experience! But you never know!
Another couple, Tom and Margaret, are venturing up on their own through Saturday staying at the Tundra Inn where they’ll get a night out in a tundra buggy, dog sledding, but no Laura The Cook. It’s the Seaport for them as I doubt the rumor that Gypsy’s is open will be false.
One other couple, young, have yet to be communicative. Parlez vous Francais?
Saw a snowshoe hare out the train window.
Talked until a little after 10, then fell asleep in the middle of a Game of Thrones a la Linda.
Monday - as is Via’s new serving-meals-to cabins/sleeper berths policy, had a good breakfast of oatmeal, cranorange muffin, yogurt and coffee. Last night’s supper was the heralded coconut chicken curry. Will be getting into Thompson about 1 PM, an hour late so we made up a little time overnight. But it turns out to be Louis Riel Day in Manitoba, essentially the founder of the modern province. Interesting story so check the link. Will the stores be open, will Brian get a haircut, will Sarah get her Scotch glass? Stay tuned.
No haircut but yes on the other two. Walked into town with Bill, -20F but very little wind. Finished my pre-Churchill shopping, had lunch at the deli.
Saw a small flock of willow ptarmigan in their white winter feathers out the train window. Expect I'll see more in Churchill.
They speak Aussie! From Brisbane but living for awhile in Augusta, ME. Hope they stay safe as they are doing it on their own and they want to rent a snowmobile. Disappointed when I told them they would not see polar bears most likely. And if they did chance upon one it’d be a mother with cubs and we all know that is not good.
Will get repacked tonight as I’ll probably oversleep tomorrow morning.
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