The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Lake Athapapuskow (Athapap), Cranberry Portage and Mill Water was the scene of the 12th Annual Northern Manitoba Bombardier Rally on Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14. Our rally has gained international recognition and we are honoured to extend a warm Canadian welcome to 12 gentlemen from Valdres, Norway: Osvald Hermundstad, Svein Hydle, Kristoffer Kvame, Magnus Kvame, Andris Opdal, Ivar Opdal, Torkjell Rye and Roar Skaugen. They arrived Friday evening and were whisked off to Caribou Lodge where they met Randy Denny's gang from Prince Albert, who have been regular attendees of the rally for a number of years. We very much appreciate that they were there to make sure the group felt at home and didn't get lost navigating the trails of Athapap. Ted Playford and Cameron McLean loaned the group bombardiers so their mode of travel was in the fashion of the weekend. Saturday dawned a beautiful warm and sunny day with 23 bombardiers and more than 100 people, ranging in age from eight months to over 80 years, gathered in front of the Playford home on the shores of Lake Athapap. As occurs each rally, this year we welcomed three bombardier newcomers: Tim Long from Creighton, Kyle Martinson and Peter Dunlop from The Pas. Once all were accounted for, we set off for Mill Water, where Les and Karen Oystryk, with the assistance of their nephew Mark, hosted a pickerel fish fry with a side order of Anne's special bannock. It is my opinion that you can't get it any better than that! The steady stream to the fish fry location was a testament that I was not the only that one that shared that thought. There is no set agenda for the afternoon. The children tackle the hill across the bay, tear about chasing each other, and manage to cram in a great deal of enjoyment in the few hours they are out there. Meanwhile, the adult groups resemble ever changing amoebas as people wander from one group to another admiring bombardiers, catching up on the news, renewing acquaintances, trading anecdotes and initiating the newcomers into the fraternity of bombardier enthusiasts. One lady remarked that she had never been to a function where everyone was a stranger to her. She and her husband had received such a warm welcome and met so many friendly people. I do believe that our friends from Norway could certainly second that! Late afternoon, the procession made its way back to Cranberry Portage and the curling rink Ð where a scrumptious supper awaited. Following the supper, first on the agenda was the official welcome and introductions to the newcomers and honoured guests. LUD Cranberry Portage and participants of the rally presented our Norway guests with a token of our appreciation Ð a toque with the rally logo and "Cranberry Portage" on each Ð as well as the town pin. The lucky winners of the Poker Derby were given their prize money and the evening moved on to the door prizes. It was a tired but happy group that headed home Saturday evening and prepared for day two of the rally. Once again, Mother Nature smiled on us and it was a cheerful group that headed to Windmill Island to try their luck at fishing. There was a bit of a breeze, but nothing to deter the good spirits of the occasion. Holes drilled, lines in and the pursuit of the fish began. Unfortunately the fish proved to be illusive on Sunday, not never the mind, there was other fare. As the fish jigging progressed, the sleigh with the barbecue was pulled into pace and preparations made the afternoon lunch Ð hamburgers, smokies and a special treat provided by Jim and Donna Russell, pan fried moose meat. The hours marched on and all too soon it was time to head back to Cranberry. There was a plane to catch. Did our new friends from Norway have an excellent time? You bet they did. Their smiles said it all. Their comments expressed so. Their good-byes were accompanied with remarks that they would be back. We sincerely hope so as they also added a great deal to that rally that made this year special as it has been each year in the past. This rally was a success as have been the ones before it.
