Today’s trip out from Grand Marais to our Lake Winnipeg Fatbike campsite went really well! We overcame a few challenges (quad and sled issues), had a fun bike and snowmobile ride out to the pre-chosen site and our little ‘Tent City’ on the lake is all set up, well provisioned (yes, there will be KFC leftovers for those of you coming out to join us tomorrow) and cozy!
So much to say, but I will let the pictures speak for now …
Leaders Team pre-ride lunch at the Sand Bar Inn in Grand Marais. Other riders joining our Team included David, Kathy, Steven and Leela (Birthday Gal!) and two Robert Paige’s Xtreme Sports Medics (Kas and Natasha). We even had Darcie drop by to wish us well. 🙂Lots of well-lit overnight parking available beside the Sand Bar Motor Inn.Robert Paige’s offer of free support by his Xtreme Sport Medics Team came complete with multiple vehicles, transport options and rescue-evacuation capabilities!Xtreme Sports Medics Rock! Thanks Robert! 🙂Everything loaded and ready to roll! 🙂Leading the way and hauling gear was Kevin Champagne – our key supporter in 2017 and again this year! Much thanks Kevin! 🙂Patrick Steven’s, one of our Assistant Guides, came all the way over from Sweden to join in the adventure and fun! 🙂There Robert Paige hauling camp and rescue gear!Kathy had no doubts as to whether she was ready for the challenge! 🙂STOP sign? TRAIL CLOSED? Not to worry, the SnoMan Snowmobile Trail across the lake was closed, but our route went went a different route – groomed ourselves.Now that’s more like it … off to the middle of the lake! 🙂Here’s Chris Black (our CASARA Coordinator & Camp ‘QuarterMaster’) and me heading out.You are all going to want to get your picture taken by these ice chunks we pass by enroute to camp. I only have this iPhone picture of myself, but I am sure Gregory will capture better ones!Setting up our campsite – just as we practiced on the frozen Red River a few weeks ago.It was a real team effort! 🙂Voila! Camp Barr is all set up with a few flags flying (RCAF flag to be signed by all and Canadian of course) already. Tomorrow we will be adding a UK ‘Union Jack’ for Steven and an American for Thomas! 🙂Our Xtreme Sport Medics (Natasha, Kas and Robert) Safety Team are happy to join us! 🙂Dave MacDonald (President of ICSOS – Survival Instructor and former RCAF 435 Squadron mate of mine) and Chris Black discussing plans for tomorrow. What a Leaders Team we have!Dave MacDonald’s snowmobiles and sled came in very handy today – thanks bud!Having time to settle in before sunset was a bonus!A priceless view from the middle of Lake Winnipeg!Nothing better than a rip roaring bonfire at any campsite!Mind you our cozy main double-tent (insulated, lit and hot drinks on) was a nice refuge! 🙂Did I mention the Birthday Gal? Leela found a great way to celebrate 50 years of adventure! 🙂Yes, there will be some cold KFC leftovers for tomorrow!Thanks Gregory ‘G-Mac’ McNeill for capturing this beautiful scene as we tucked into our cozy sleeping bags for the night!
Thats all for tonight!
See you tomorrow at the Sand Bar Inn at 9:00 AM for breakfast and then our large group ride out to camp (should be 35+ of us)!
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