Falcon Trails

Last week Jonell and I went up to southern Manitoba for a two night stay at Falcon Trails Resort. Family members from Falcon came to Maplelag in January and after they were here, I really wanted to go up there and check their place out. We found a 3 day window so we made plans back in February to head up. On the way up we were talking how it was probably the first time since October, maybe August we didn't have to be at a destination by a certain time. We were looking forward to a short break after another busy winter season!

All three days were different with a snow storm on the second day than beautiful sunshine on the last day with temps in the teens making it feel like mid winter!

Greeter at the gas station in the small town of Falcon Lake. There isn't much to write about Falcon Lake in the winter time. Gas station, lumber yard that also serves as a liquor store and small grocery is about it and where we stocked up on supplies for the stay. 

 They have a number of cabins right on the shore of Falcon Lake and building new "eco cabins" on the shore of High Lake which we skied up to.

On the slopes of Falcon Ridge Ski with Falcon Lake in the background on the way to High Lake.

 Was great to have fresh snow. Carving fresh turns.

 Heading out to High Lake.

On the deck of one of the eco cabins

The last morning we were there was incredible. Doug, one of the owners had groomed all three days I was there. Didn't expect that with the timing of the year but a family run operation attention to personal service. It was hard to get off the trail.

 They also had a small alpine area with a terrain park serviced by tow ropes. Not big air but having fun! It was a good way to knock out three days as part of 30 days of skiing. No, we didn't not specifally go up there just to ski but obvisously it worked out well.

After we checked out, we went towards Ontario but didn't quite cross the border to visit our friends the Bensons in West Hawk Lake. Maplelag visitors might recocognize the Bensons from Laddies Loppet and they have also come in the winter and one of their daughters was married at Maplelag. Good friends, great people.

To get to their house you either have to take a boat, drive on the lake when the ice is good or walk through the woods. They stock up for at least a months supply of groceries. 

 The Bensons love to keep active, shredding hard on skis, bikes, snowmobiles etc.  Chris showing off the big powder sled with the fat skis.

 Bill making one of his awesome espressos before we hit the road.

You would think Raisin Bran would be Raisin Bran whether it was in US or Canada but the Raisin Bran or deux pelletees I should say, tasted better. Same for apple juice. Fresh from the Okanagon valley. Maybe it tasted better because it was different but good enough to stock up and bring some home.

 The border crossing we used on the way up was closed on the way down because of the time of day so we had to go more west and ultimately through Karlstad. A good place to stop for a birthday dinner and enjoy home made meatballs, Swedish pancakes with imported lingonberries. Great stuff, awesome trip!