2023 Canuck Capers: Day 3 of the Trans Canadian

Morning view from the train - no worries

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3: Happy Father's Day

Crossed the Prairies of Saskatchewan (only province with all manmade borders) today of course under the shroud of smoke which meant that visibility was limited. Got the general impression of wide expanses of open farmland. Square after square of crops with very little evidence of grazing animals. And impressively, plenty of water everywhere.

Dining room boycott - just took up another window view for apple and orange - did find an #Oreo

Known as the "Bread Basket of Canada" it is also a significant mining area with extensive reserves of potash (handy for the agricultural base) and uranium.

Lots and lots of this - endless flat fields

When the smoke is thick and settled, might be playing a game or writing a blog. Definitely NO RECEPTION.

Got an up close and personal experience with the agricultural nature of the province when a crop duster buzzed the train at about 10 in the morning. We were set up on the lower level of the #Skyline Car enjoying some fruit (and an #Oreo) for a late breakfast when this small plane seemed to swoop out of nowhere and head straight for our window. We spoke to people in the dome above us and they said the plane was that close, they ducked.

BIG infrastructure and loads of equipment

And for brother @Phillip and cousins @Jeffrey and @Ross you would be in "farmer heaven" - there was soooo much equipment - I don't even ha e the words to name the stuff that they had ready for managing these crops. It almost seemed as if the main feature of every property was an impressive array of silos - perched right beside the rail line.

We did cross from #Saskatchewan after brief stops at #Saskatoon and #Melville (smallest Canadian city), into #Manitoba. Although also an intensive agricultural belt the land as we headed further east was more undulating. #Manitoba was greener and had a gentle series of rolling hills with a more varied landscape.

Some variation to landscape in #Manitoba

We had made a long crossing through the Prairies during the night and believe it or not, at speeds of 85 MILES per hour, this train was flying and rocking and rolling and made up the deficit trip time of four hours. When we woke this morning we were back on schedule.

Same rhythm to the day - with #Skyline Car- lots of eating, although we did miss breakfast - new people to meet, some games, a walk out at Winnipeg (it was very late at night) and some information lectures and games. For the first time we went back to our "snug" for two hours in the day - enjoyed a rum and a bit of quiet before attacking the social scene again.

Talk time with JP

Lunch today - unbeatable - shrimp and scallop skewers followed by "death by chocolate"

Meals have been fabulous, plenty of choice and great t8me in small group situation to get to know more of each person's story. Great stories from Aussie friends @Santa Steve and @Christine, lots of cruising tips from travel advisor @Marion and joker husband @Terry and some insights into the #Prestige experience with @Lou and @Greg.

Smiling because he has ut all - a rum AND room to stretch out

Train had late night departure from #Winnipeg and we celebrated with #rum AND #Amarula nightcap before calling it quits on the day.

Late night breath of fresh air at #Winnipeg

Have to comment that the landscape changes lots and keeps us entertained but negligible sighting of animals - perhaps some ducks and a long horned sheep is the sum total to date.

Meanwhile in Europe with @M&I

They had planned the tour, planned what to wear to fit in with the "dress code" and had planned for tour arrival to coincide with sweeping views of the valley below during a Mediterranean sunset. What they hadn't planned - nor could they control - was the weather. The only thing to do was embrace it, done the wet weather gear, smile and dance in the rain. They nailed it.