Winnipeg to Regina to Medicine Hat

The stop over in Winnipeg gave us an opportunity to visit with relatives. It was unexpected, unplanned, and lots of fun. It's always great to catch up with folks that are very close to you but you never are able to spend time with them. We also got a solid workout  in at the Winter Club and attended a guitar/recording workshop lead by Murry Pulver, a studio guitarist who had just returned to Winnipeg after working in Doc Walker and touring with the Crash Test Dummies. All in all, a great stop over.

The storm passed through Winnipeg and the highway opened on Sunday morning so we decided it was time to hit the road - in spite of the warning of slippery roads. Just outside of Winnipeg we stopped for gas. We where the only ones filling up a automobile, everyone else was filling up a snow mobile. This should have been a warning. Stay another day. But with a full tank of gas we headed out for the open road.

The drive started out fine.  The roads were clearish and traction as not a problem.  The sky was blue and the forecast showed no signs of further precipitation.  We drove for a while - until I saw a great opportunity for an image.  We pulled down a side road and parked at the edge of the road.  Unfortunately, the edged of the road was a ditch filled with snow and our right front tire slipped in.  We dug and we pulled and we pulled and we dug but could not move the truck.  Next thing we know a red 4x4 pulls up and hooks on to the back of the truck with a special towing strap.  Another vehicle pulls up and 2 more folks jump out and start pushing.  In no time theses friendly prairie folks have us out of the ditch and we are ready to be on are way, but first, I have to take that shot.  I grab my trusty Canon, loaded with a 75-200mm lens, and head towards the shot.  Stepping in the ditch filled with snow I find myself up to my knees in snow - and sinking.  I don't care anymore. I'm going to get my shot, and get it I did.

With the shot in the can we pointed the van west and were on our way. What a beautiful day.  The sun was shinning, the roads were clear and the winds were blowing lightly, at first.  It wasn't long before the wind picked up and started really blowing.  We found out later this is considered to be one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Canada.  With miles of flat land on either side of the highway the wind is able to blow at very high speeds making the steering of vehicles tricky.  It also makes the already cold temperature much much colder.  The the wind blows the snow across the highway creating a sheet of ice underneath it and turns the road into a skating rink.  No wonder the guys at the gas station looked at us like we were, well, from Vancouver.  This part of the ride was total white knuckle. The van slipped from time to time as we crossed the ice patches. We passed 4 cars that had left the road and one 18 wheeler that had done a 180 degree spin on the ice.  We made it through without incident thanks to Joel's driving skills. We got to our hotel room later than planned but in on piece. Played guitars for a while then went to sleep.

The next morning it was off to Medicine Hat.  A short driving day - that's all we had the energy for.  The wind had died down and the drive was easy.  We checked into a hotel called the Medicine Hat Lodge.  What a great find out there in the middle of the prairies.  Nice room with a balcony overlooking the indoor pool, hot tube and water slide. Two restaurants, shops and a casino.  It was a good night that left us ready for the long drive to Nelson BC. the next day.