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.
The beginning of a beautiful March day greeted bombardier enthusiasts who met on Lake Athapapuskow, at Cranberry Portage shores and BakerÕs NarrowÕs shores. The Cranberry Portage cavalcade was lengthened with bombardiers from Winnipeg, The Pas, Prince Albert, Big River, St. Brieux, Regina, and Beaver Lake. The event was an historic one, marking 10 years of coming together to celebrate the comradeship of bombardiering. Research has indicated that this is the only rally in the world for bombardier owners and devoted to the recreation of bombardiering. Since the first rally took place it has become a popular winter event. When all were accounted for, the two processions made their way to Millwater where the dayÕs activities took place. The parking was haphazard and as soon as the machines stopped, out spilled its contents. The Rally is a family orientated event so there were participants of all sizes and all prepared to enjoy the day. They were not disappointed. Les Oystryk, a cabin owner at Millwater, had provided a fish fry for the group. When we arrived there was Les and his father, John, a young 83, to greet us with all the paraphernalia ready to go. I think even Les, who had experience in fish frying for a large group, was amazed at how much fish was consumed during the day. It was like popcorn, you just couldnÕt quit until the pan was empty! It certainly proved to be an excellent addition to the rally. There are no planned afternoon activities for these rallies as we have learned that the adults are interested in renewing acquaintances, swapping stories, admiring machines and catching up on news. As for the younger generation, they find no end of things to amuse themselves, rocks to jump from and of course pester the teens who, as good sports, join in the chase and tumble of the games. All told there were 30 bombardiers and approximately 150 people, some of whom came on snowmobiles to see the bombardiers. Before heading back to Cranberry, the bombardiers lined up across the bay. It was an impressive sight with the Bombardier flag adding a finishing touch. Next stop was the Cranberry Portage Curling rink, where we were treated to a delicious catered supper by a group of ladies from Flin Flon. Following the supper were presentations to volunteers that had given freely of their time to make the rally a success. Last, but certainly not least, were the door prizes. There was an impressive collection. There were a number of even larger smiles by the lucky ones whose name had been drawn. The raffle draw was made and the lucky winners were; Shirley Evans - the bombardier quilt, Roger Ellenberger Ð the jacket and Garry Long Ð the model bombardier. Sunday was another remarkable and beautiful day! After a pancake breakfast at the Legion Hall, those that chose to take in the day of touring, met on First Cranberry Lake. From there we set forth for Peterson Lake. This is a trip that takes us over five lakes with four land portages. Lake number six was Peterson Lake and to get to PlayfordÕs cabin where a chili lunch awaited, one had to travel the length of the lake. Until then the trip had proceeded without incident. However, the fun began when the second bombardier in line was not able to make it through the slush hole(s). But like true adventurers, it was taken in stride and would provide an interesting story once they got back home. One helped the other and the cabin was reached. After chili and a visit it was time to head back. A few dropped off to get in some pickerel fishing and the rest carried on to Cranberry where machines were loaded up, good-byes said, and promises made that they would be back next year. Joseph Armand Bombardier would be exceedingly proud of how his dream has been resurrected to become a family leisure winter vehicle.
