|
Saturday, February 28th 2004
Riverwalk Gallery - 20 pictures (new)
From trail to riverbed
On a beautiful, sunny Saturday, over 100 people
participated in an 11-kilometer walk along the Seine River from
Fermor Avenue to the Forks Market. The winter walk was organized
by Save Our Seine and Prairie
Pathfinders, in conjunction with Snowman
City.
At 10 a.m., the walkers gathered at the Forks Market
where they boarded Winnipeg transit shuttle buses arranged to
transport them to the beginning of the hiking trail. They arrived
at the Windsor Park Golf Course at Fermor Ave. around 10:20 a.m.,
and began their walk north along the frozen river (well, mostly
frozen!).
Thanks for the ride but we'll walk from
here!
Headed to the Seine River
Due to some water on the ice, the hikers had to
blaze a path (as Prairie Pathfinders are apt to do) and avoid
wet areas by walking on the snow-covered shoreline.
Katimavik, the
national youth program, and who is also a partner with SOS, came
out to walk and assist with ensuring that the walkers had a pleasant
and safe hike along the river.
At the Heather Curling Club (120 rue Youville),
walkers were able to use the facilities, and visit the cafeteria
while watching some indoor curling. For any hikers who had enough
of the slush, SOS volunteers were on hand to transport people
back to the Forks for the afternoon reception. After this short
break, the hikers headed north again and made their way to The
Seine River Trail at the north end of rue Youville.
Deep in the forest - in the heart of Winnipeg
On the trail near Westeal
This trail went up and down as it followed the
meandering river. After a few more kilometers, the long train
of walkers made its way to Provencher Blvd. and stopped at the
Franco Manitoban Cultural Centre for a chance to warm up.
The walk then turned due west and went through the
boutique district of St. Boniface along Provencher to Esplanade
Riel, the new pedestrian bridge over the Red River.
Leaving the trail and onto Provencher
Blvd
Crossing the Riel Esplanade to the Forks
Market
At the Forks, the walkers used discount coupons
(courtesy of the Forks Market) for the various restaurants at
the Forks. SOS hosted a display and information booth, and visitors
were able to learn more about the Seine River corridor, and purchase
merchandise to support SOS initiatives. There was also two door
prizes for a basket of body lotions, and a unique walking stick
which was handcarved and donated by Walter Mirosh of Les Gens
de Bois Carving Club.
Bev welcomes hikers at the forks
Walter Mirosh spoke about Les Gens de Bois Carving
Club, as well as the meaning of some of the unique features carved
into the walking stick. Katimavik had an opportunity to provide
the participants with more information about their program - and
declare how much they enjoyed walking along the river…in Winter!
Katimavik speakers in French and English
Save Our Seine and Prairie Pathfinders are already
looking forward to another future event along the Seine River!
Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who made the day possible
from the planning in early Fall, 2003 to all the volunteers on
event day who helped with transportation or making the trail:
Marie Ohta, Kathleen, Leone and Wendy of Prairie Pathfinders,
Jane Conly of Katimavik (and the over 30 Katimavik volunteers!),
Peter Jordan at the Forks Market, Walter and Isabel Mirosh, as
well as SOS volunteers Denis DePape, Bev Sawchuk, Jules Legal,
David Watson, JP Brunet, and Jim Gyselinck,
Checking out the prozes and T-shirts
A very special thank-you to all who participated
and enjoyed discovering the Seine River...in Winter!
Please enjoy the Seine River trails and we hope
to see you and your friends & family again next year!
 Back
to News
Back
to Main
|
