Off to Ontario - June 24

So, last night Gord did make it out the campsite but his little girl did not want to stay over - all she wanted to do was go home so that was the end of that!  It was a good try.  But, really all that work to open up the whole trailer did not go to waste.  Shanti LOVED  having the bunk all to herself!  It was quite funny.  This morning, we had another visitor to our campsite.  An aunt and uncle who live in Winnipeg drove out to the campsite to visit and bring breakfast.  WOOHOO. No cooking!   We hitched up the trailer and drove away to go the The Forks.  The Forks is where the Assiniboine River and the Red River meet.  It's a very important part of Canadian history as it is where Louis Riel started his Red River Rebellion and it was an important seeway for fur trade.  We all touched the river and walked across the bridge.  It is quite pretty and is a place where many city events are held.  Then it was off again.  Highway 1 is certainly not like the highways we are used to in AB - it goes through the city proper - through city centres, residential areas, park areas, whatever.  It's certainly one way to see the city!  But, as we were driving, we saw a nice looking building. 

The sign said it was the Royal Canadian Mint so we decided to stop. I did warn the kids that with it being Sunday the chances of it being open were slim to none.  But, we were in luck.  Not only was the mint open but there was a guided tour (the only way to see the mint) starting in 1/2 hour.  Justin, our tour guide, was great - he offered to fill the truck with toonies if we would take him with us but, alas, he couldn't leave the city!  The Mint was amazing to see.  They make 20 million coins a day and make coins for 75 different countries using an unique plating technology.  WOW!  I really only wanted a few of the coins - I wasn't asking for them all!  We all also got to hold a huge bar of gold - with a security guard standing close by.  The kids thought it was hilarious when he warned me it was heavy and I said, "I'm Indian. I am used to wearing lots of gold!"  Arjun couldn't lift it and Shanti said she could do it easily since she was practiced by lifting the kids she babysits!  We finally left Winnipeg around 3.  About 1/2 hr outside the city was a little place called Walkers - a bait shop, turtle pond and great burger stop all in one!  Holly had told us about this and we decided to stop.  The turtles had just had babies so we got to hold the baby turtles.  What a neat thing to find on the side of the highway.  And, later today, we took advantage of another of Holly's suggestions and pulled into the Crystal Lake campground.  Beautiful spot for sure.  The people are great, the lake was crystal clear and the beach was fun for the kids to play on.  The water was cold but they still enjoyed jumping in for a bit.  Shanti did get scared at one point when she said she saw an alligator.  I laughed but it turns out there are snapping turtles in the lake and that is likely what she saw.  While the kids played I made supper - pulao.  Navras laughed and said we are having traditional Indian camping food!  But, it's almost 11 - time for bed.  We just played a great game of Mille Bornes and are very thankful to have a working furnace.  It's chilly by the lake after the sun goes down.