Maple Leaf Mailbag rock'N roadshow

It's a bit of a drive to Winnipeg. but nothing compared to what awaits in Ontario. Boys in the back watch Guy Maddin's "My Winnipeg." Maybe they will get inspired. I am worried that everyone is tired, snowmobiling is tough on the body. We have also been on the road for 16 straight days with no rest. No days off. Long days between work and travel. Martin is of particular concern because he shoots constantly and he feels the cold. If this project works it will be because Martin has done his job. As with the others, the daily motivation is food. So I am trying to make sure that they eat when they want.

Day 15:
Winnipeg. The guys love it. Despite the crippling cold. I could talk about the weather, the famous "forks," the hotel which everyone loved, the karaoke, Portage and Main, the Exchange District, the theaters, the history, the friendliness and so on. But it is the one day when i feel like the team should have done more. We shot some beautiful pictures at the Graffiti Gallery. We eventually shot some beautiful pictures of Winnipeg, but the fatigue was obvious. Sometimes you need a break, I am responsible for not giving the team one. I still think that we captured something quite beautiful .... if we are lucky and if Winnipeg is generous.

Am, still in Regina. This is a driving day. We need to make some miles. Winnipeg is our destination. Prior to departing the queen city, we grab some food at a place called Mr. Breakfast... a landmark on Albert St. north of the downtown. The food is basic but service is fast. I witness one of the patrons pouring ketchup into his soup. A local delicacy perhaps? It's -28 C today, a good day to be driving. If the temp had been like this on Sunday, the ski-dooing would have being canceled. It's 2:15, we're still in Regina, trying to up-load pictures to the web site. Tom has been struggling with the internet connections at every stop. It's our achilles heel when it comes to leaving early. Finally on the road at 3:00. The drive between Regina and the Peg is around 600 km of straight weather-beaten black top. The wind howls as we motor along the Trans Canada highway. The bald prairie has a certain type of beauty; difficult to understand unless you have spent some time here. The all encompassing sky is the most noticeable feature. The horizon stretches ad infinitum. When coupled with the prostrate plain, it gives one a sense of the interminable universe we inhabit.

Day 17:
Winnipeg, wonderful Winnipeg. The heart of the heart of the continent This is the first place on the journey I haven't been before. Winnipeg, it a modern City. A city on the grow. The future is here; it's now. Signs of growth are noticeable all over town, particularly in the exchange district. Reminds me of Chicago; a sister to this modern metropolis. Change is the name of the game around here. Winnipeg, it's a cool city. Make that a cold city. People embrace the winter here. They love it; can't get enough. Winnipeg, it's a friendly city. Folks pride themselves on their innocuous behavior. They always have time to stop and say hello. Winnipeg, it's a historic city. The forks and the forks beneath the forks. Portage and Main. The Winnipeg general strike 1919. Winnipeg, it's an artsy city. The real scene is down at the Graffiti gallery. The gallery is housed in an impressive space in the industrial part of town. Walls are covered in colorful creations of every sort. Even the restroom is aesthetically pleasing. We meet some of the young artisans... commission a work for the MLMB. They generously apply their talent. Winnipeg! Have I mentioned the motel? It could be the nicest motel in Canada, for the money. Despite the lengthy, awkward title, the "Assiniboine Gordon Inn on the Park" turned out to be a oasis in the wasteland of budget motels. Fully equipped with a restaurant, bar, VLTs and a Chicken Delight within delivery distance. (room 84 please). Winnipeg, it's a musical city. Tuesday night karaoke at the 'A' was one of the highwater marks of our visit. Local crooners showcase their vocal abilities to a full house. I break in with a classic, "Take it Easy" by the Eagles, one of Ian's all time favorites. Man he loves that song. Then,Tom and I perform a few lovely duets. Martin captures the precious moments for future generations. Soon there's a choir of troubadours on the stage destroying the "Guess Who". The back up vocals are sung by the lovely and gifted host named Jen. The lights go down at 1 am. All and all it's a total eclipse of the heart...

Breakfast at Mr. Breakfast. Leave Regina for Winnipeg. It's time to log some kilometres. I don't even have any photographs from this day. Someone must have some. Watch Guy Maddin's "My Winnipeg" on the van's DVD player while Blake drives. Inspired to check out this town, but we don't have an angle yet. No way in. Should we call Guy Maddin? I think we should call Guy Maddin. Ian wants to do a graffiti story. How do you do a graffiti story when graffiti artists work undercover? How do you get a graffiti artist to show you around? Why is Winnipeg the graffiti destination? Stop in Brandon for dinner at the Keg. We're all showing some road wear. Find a great hotel in Winnipeg.

Day 17:
I can't believe this hotel. Great bed, flatscreen TV, complimentary coffee, free breakfast, for $75. I think we're going to stay here again tonight before moving on. We had planned to go to Kenora, Ont. but we might as well make the drive in the morning, because this hotel is so NICE! The Assiniboine Inn. Seriously. Nice place. Wow! The air is even good. Not too dry, not too hot. Rejuvenating. It's even got one of those environmental toilets where you flush a bit or a lot depending on your needs. Amazing. And the best shower yet, too. Not too much pressure, just enough. The kind of shower you want to stay in all day...But I can't. Because we have to go down to the Winnipeg Graffiti Art Gallery for breakdancing lessons with Bob!

(Just a travel day from Regina to Winnipeg. We watch the movie "My Winnipeg, it's good but I can't help it: I fall asleep (again!). Sleeping at Assiniboine Inn. So cheap but cumfy. best quality/price of the trip...We have all the services we need near, love Winnipeg!

Day 17:
(Shooting in a graffiti gallery...Tom and Blake try to do breakdancing...Watch out for your backs, old guys!