Center of Canada plus Winnipeg on a smoky day

The plan for today was to head to Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg but the smoke is thick and air quality is bad so we opt for less outdoor time.

Screen shot of our air index

Trans-Canada Highway #1 East

Yesterday at the Mint Museum we learned about the Longitudinal Center of Canada and since we will be passing north of it as we head east with the RV, we decide to visit it today. 

We end up on the Trans-Canada Highway, the same one passing right by our home town. It spans across all 10 Canadian provinces, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. 

Very unique stop on our trip

Half way across this great county of Canada :)

It really is an amazing feeling to be standing here at the half-way across Canada point. 

Monstrous Iconic Red Chairs

We take a couple more fun pictures and honestly just enjoy the numerous other people, many clearly new Canadians, experiencing the same fun we are. 

We write our names on the big Center of Canada board...along with 1000's of others. 

Our names on the sign

Sheila points to our names

Directional pointer - even Fort Edmonton

Next we try to get groceries and fuel. We start at Costco but the line ups are out of this world so we abort. Then we head to the Real Canadian Super Store but google has it in the wrong location and we end up on a road where there is no turning back. We try another Super Store but oddly the door has a big Closed sign on it. We are not prepared to stand around outside like many others are doing so we decide we'll stop at a smaller store on our way home. 

We head to Kilter Brewing Co in the heart of the French District in Winnipeg. To beat the smoke we sit indoors and play cards while we nurse a couple cool drinks. It's a very nicely decorated place with tons of vines and comfy seating options. 

Poison Ivy - ouch

Back at Birds Hill Campground, the smoke has cleared a bit so we go for a walk. This place is huge with tons of hiking and biking trails. Chris looks up Poison Ivy and we learn the saying 'Leaves of Three - Let it Be".  Turns out the bushes are filled with it so time to start being super careful :) We don't really have this in Alberta.

We spend the night indoors and make a nice dinner.