Next in my 12 things I love about series – my hometown. We moved there in 1975 when I was in grade 2, so I pretty much grew up there. And it was a great place to be a kid.
- Clearwater lake
I am currently living within view of Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world and a beautiful sight to behold. But in my heart and mind, Clearwater Lake in my home town is the most beautiful and compelling lake in the world. It is clear, clean and where I best find my peace.
I still remember one summer evening in high school, standing on the shore on a little beach across the highway from my home, with my boyfriend’s arms wrapped around me as we stood looking at the sunset. (last year I did a small post about Clearwater)
- Rocky lake
Totally different from Clearwater but also occupying a special place in my heart and those from The Pas, is Rocky Lake. A stunning example of a Canadian Shield lake. Great fishing and great swimming. You can dive into the lake from shore because it is plunges from the rocky sides. No wading in at Rocky Lake. You can pull a boat up to one of the small rock islands throughout the lake and have a picnic, dive in and swim and explore the unique little environments. It isn’t clear because of the muddy, weedy bottom. But the bottom doesn’t matter because you never touch it!
*this is a photo I found online because all my Rocky Lake photos are in Canada. This photo is labled Kumbak Cabins, which is owned by family friends.
- Sam Waller Museum
When I was a girl the Sam Waller Museum was quite literally one man’s collection on display in his basement. When he passed away, the town took it over. Then, in the early 1990s it was moved into the old Court House building that had recently been declared a heritage site. Now you can enjoy Sam’s collection and much more, and explore an old fashioned court building from 1916 all for a nominal donation.
Like many of my cohort, the two headed calf and fleas dressed as bride and groom are my faves.
- Fishing
Not much needs to be said here. The fishing is superb. You can fish in the big lakes above, tiny lakes scattered all over, or even from the shores of the Carrot and Saskatchewan river. Catch jackfish (northern pike), pickerel (walleye), trout and more. This photo is from 2016 when I had just landed my first rainbow trout. It jumped out of the water as I reeled it in. And keeping a leaping fish on the hook without the help of a barb is no mean feat! That’s why I look so happy.
**I caught my first jackfish before I was ten but didn’t go trout fishing until my late 40s.
- Socials
Some placed call them hall parties but in Manitoba they are socials. Usually fundraising for weddings but sometimes for other purposes, they are essentially hall parties. You pay for your admission ticket and it’s a cash bar. There is music, dancing, drinking and occasionally some drunken fights (most often couples hahaha)
- Long summer days, late summer nights
My Margaret in Edmonton reminded me of this favourite thing, but I am stating it for The Pas because that is where I first loved it. I am posting this on June 21st for a reason. This is the longest day of the year at home. Tonight sunset will be at 10:20pm. These nights are great for bonfires, late swims, exploring in nature, drinks on the deck – you name it. It is the north’s compensation for short winter days.
Yay solstice!
- Lido theatre
Visit the website below for the full history on the theatre.
I love the Lido (in The Pas it is pronounce lie-do not lee-do) partly because of the memories and partly because of the beautiful interior you can see in these photos.
As kids we would go to the Saturday matinees, get our box of popcorn and a pop and have a great time. They even still played opening cartoons! Now it has been modernized for movies but the unique townscape is still there to enjoy. Lido Theatre
- The Caves
Not really caves, but split rocks, this is a must visit site at Clearwater lake. You can follow the trails for a lush nature walk, or do the local teen thing and venture off trail through the ‘caves’ which are really crevasses between the large stone foundation of the lake. There are also spectacular views of Clearwater. Travel Manitoba Bog
- Dutch Drive-in
BEST.FRIES.EVER. Some argue that Fat Boys have better fries, but it’s the same recipe (same family) I prefer them the way I grew up with them – at the drive-up, from a tray, in a box. Mmmmmmmmmm Get them with gravy.
- Otineka Mall
Don’t go there expecting an outstanding shopping experience or West Edmonton Mall sort of entertainment. But when I was really young, we had one mall – the Uptown Mall. And it is a stretch of the definition of mall to call it that. So when the Otineka opened on the Big Eddy Reserve with a food court and everything it was the coolest. And I still have an affection for it.
- My parents’ house
My Mum and Stepdad built and live in a somewhat famous house. It is known as the gingerbread house and people have been known to drive by just to see it. It is unique, beautiful and ever changing because Don is always adding, improving and dreaming of what to do next. The gazebo, the garden, Mum’s sew ‘room’ (it’s an entire addition). Even the dog house and a play house that was converted from a boys’ fort to a little girls’ haven when my daughter was little. If you’re really lucky you might get an invitation to visit some day.
- Trappers Festival (well how everybody else loves it)
Okay, I am mentioning the Trappers Festival for everyone else in and from The Pas. It’s a festival in February. In northern Manitoba. Outside. So it is always cold. Really cold. Really really cold. So I hate it. Always hated it. I’m not a winter person. Hence my love for Africa and South East Asia. Haha!
All that aside, it is a pretty cool event with a lot to do. Socials (see above), dog races, trap setting, flour packing etc and even a beauty queen contest.
It has even been available for live streaming the past few years thanks to the efforts of Andy Gordanier, who was like a little brother to me growing up. Hopefully someone will take the reigns next year as he moves on to bigger and better things.
I hope you enjoy this list and maybe take a virtual tour of where I grew up.
A Travelling Accountant 