Day 21 August 13, 2026 Arborg Manitoba to Vermillion Bay Ontario 278 miles
The skies look mostly sunny this morning. Only guessing what the skies will be by evening.
We went to the Bakery to get something for breakfast. It is a very busy place. Oh the goodies they had inside. Pastries of all kinds, cookies, and bars. Then they had sausage rolls and bread. They also had a large assortment of drinks both hot and cold. We bought cheese sausage rolls, an apple fritter and a cinnamon bun. The sausage rolls were delicious. The cheese was in the sausage. Dough was wrapped all around the sausage to include one end. The Bakery is considered one of the town’s main attractions.
We then went to see the other main attraction which is the world’s largest curling rock. Coincidently it is located next to the curling rink. It is the color and shape of the curling stones but its not made of granite.
We thought the start of our drive today would be along a lake. We are sure the lake is over there but further away than we thought. Trees line the shore preventing the view. Large farm fields are between the trees and the road. Same crops in very large fields. Sunflowers were a new crop to see. At least two large fields of them.
At our first gas stop the car would not start after the fill up. The store clerk came out and helped rock the car. Then it did start. Still have not figured out what is causing the starter to occasionally stick.
We are in the town of Selkirk Manitoba which happens to be the catfish capital of North America. They have Chuck the Channel Cat statue. It was built in 1986 and stands 33 feet tall. We found it by Smitty’s Restaurant and yes, catfish is on the menu.. He is quite unique.
Once again the starter was stuck. This time the two of us were able to get it going.
We pulled off the road in some shade for lunch. We ate in the car to avoid the bugs. Also no picnic table.
Had to drive on about 20 miles of gravel. Sea gulls were lined up most of the way down that road. They flew as we got there but amazing how many there were.
Up until about now the terrain has been farmland. Now the terrain is rolling hills covered with rock and forest. In between the trees are lakes. All different sizes of lakes. Very few have any water craft on them. The shorelines don’t have houses either.
We ended our trip on Highway 17 which was carrying lots of traffic in both directions. Rob had to pull off several times to let the traffic clear.
At one point nearly 100 motorcycles were going in the opposite direction. Wonder what it is Ike when they stop for gas.
Our luck held out as we found a motel room for the night. It looks like we may have stayed here four years ago. Looks very familiar.
Spoffords Travel 