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January 26, 2008
I arrived at the Hindu Temple to find a room of frenzied activity. Dennis Depape, like a honeybee in a field of flowers, was busily working the room. He put it best when he told me "This is great stuff. We've got a state of organized chaos right now and we're going to let loose out there pretty soon". A nametag was slapped on my chest and I was now the official SOS reporter. People were beginning to pour in and pretty soon the meeting room in the temple was filled with anxious and overheating hikers. A mixture of the Prairie Pathfinders walking club and supporters of the Save Our Seine River organization had congregated to share a lovely day with nature. We were joined by Christine Melnick; Minister of Water Stewardship, Kerri Irvin-Ross; Minister of Healthy Living, Erin Selby; MLA for Southdale, as well as Dr. Jon Gerrard; leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party. Following a short speech from Kathleen Leathers of the Prairie Pathfinders, we were off!
Blessed with a reprieve from the biting wind and cold that had gripped us for the past weeks, over 150 hikers set out across the parking lot and were transported into a marvellous winter scene. Although not all of the participants were equally as enthusiastic about the warmer spell. "I almost wish it was colder" said Janice Lukes, coordinator for the Winnipeg Trails Association "There's an added dimension when it's really, really cold out there, to say I'm going out there!" Christine Melnick seemed to have her own reasons for enjoying winter. "As Minister of Water Stewardship, I've never enjoyed a cold January so much now that the ice is three feet thick!"
Once the shelter of the river banks had enfolded our procession of hikers and the many pairs of boots had trampled the remains of snowmobile tracks marking our path, we were transported into a beautiful wilderness scene. The occasional house which was visible through the winter-bare trees and a pair of bridges crossing our paths were the only reminder that we were indeed still within the limits of civilization. Deer trails routinely crossed the river path, marking the locations where the animals had forayed into more open territory. Rabbit and small animal trails meandered in, out and around our trail where the critters had skittered, no doubt in search of scarce winter sustenance. As Janice put it "It is amazing the amount of wildlife tracks. Something is out there!" This truly was an extraordinary place, and we were lucky enough to be right in the middle of it.
Approximately forty-five minutes in, the rear of the group had reached our southern marker; the Perimeter Highway Bridge. The brave (and flexible) group hunched over and shuffled under the low bridge, receiving a "close up" view of the bare river ice beneath. (This stuff is 3 feet thick, right?!) Those feeling particularly energetic this particular morning trudged on, while others took the opportunity to rest, enjoy the scenery and take advantage of the more open plane to snap some group pictures. Once even the most ambitious had turned back and begun their return journey, the group once again shuffle-walked under the bridge and began their own quest for sustenance.
The return trip gave all of us the opportunity to enjoy what we may have missed or may have wanted a better look at on the way out. It also gave us an opportunity to fully develop our hunger. In fact by the time the Hindu Temple appeared on the horizon I'm sure I wasn't the only one fighting thoughts of following the animal trails in hopes of some twigs or acorns to eat. Luckily, Charisma of India had us covered with a delicious feast awaiting us in the temple meeting room. Depending on where one sat in the room you could enjoy a presentation and a silent auction draw before, during or after your meal.
During the break in activity before lunch I had the opportunity to solicit opinions of the walk from the participants. There were smiles around the room! "This is great! Walking is my thing!" exclaimed one pleased Prairie Pathfinder Member. Another participant remarked "What a beautiful day. The Seine River is lovely!" Yet another satisfied hiker stated "The Seine is wonderful! Beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife!" Judging by the feedback the 2008 Seine River Walk was a huge success! A big thanks goes out to everyone involved in organizing and running the event! Hope to see you next year!
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