June 21st

Today was my shortest travel day yet—and honestly, a welcome change of pace. I’d been pushing it pretty hard the first few days to make sure I’d arrive at Transcona Trailer Sales in Winnipeg on time for their Open House, and today gave me a chance to breathe, connect, and enjoy the ride.

The day started with breakfast with Mike, owner of Cripple Creek Campground, at a spot he lovingly called “The Cat’s Ass.” (Officially, it’s The Cat Sass Tavern, but let’s be honest—Mike’s version has more flair.) Great company, great food, and a great way to start the morning.

After saying goodbye to Mike, my next stop was Lilac Resort in Ste. Anne, Manitoba, where I got to see my friend Dan and his campground, which I had always heard so much about. And let me tell you—this place really is the Cat’s Ass of campgrounds. Tiki bars, a band shell, waterslides, hot tubs, pools… It’s an absolute destination. Dan gave me the full tour on—you guessed it—a golf cart. (I’m sensing a theme here.) With around 300 sites for seasonal, transient, and tent campers, and with the large pool area, the resort can see a few thousand guests on a hot day. It’s a blast, and it was really something to see it in person.

Like Mike, Dan is actively involved with the Manitoba Association of Campgrounds and Parks, and was quick to offer his full support to the Industry’s Care Camps campaign. Manitoba is lucky to have folks like Mike and Dan leading the charge.

As I approached Winnipeg, I immediately caught notice: gone were the trees and rolling hills, and suddenly the landscape opened up into a wide, flat stretch of prairie. It’s a striking shift—big sky, open land, and a different kind of beauty that reminds you just how vast and varied Canada really is.

I wrapped up the day in Winnipeg with a visit with Jim from Classic Trailers, a longtime RV industry friend and the current Chairman of RVDA of Canada. Jim and his former partner Kevin were awarded RV Lifestyle Magazine’s Dealer of the Year in 2018, and Jim’s steady leadership in the industry has made a lasting impact on many committees and associations over the years. It was fantastic to meet him and his Salesman Doug at his dealership.

Being in the heart of town, it was hard to find anywhere, so I am going to “boondock” for the night. I’m set outside Transcona Trailer Sales, where we’ll be tomorrow with our CRVA 50th Anniversary RV. Transcona has gone above and beyond in supporting Care Camps, and I’m truly overflowing with gratitude, not just for them, but for every RV and Camping business across Canada that has been stepping up to support this cause.

This trip has consistently reminded me that the RV lifestyle is about far more than just travel—it’s about people, partnerships, and purpose, and I am forever grateful.

So if you have been following my journey, and if you can find a way, please:
✅ Donate or buy a ticket if you can to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/care-camps-of-canada/events/purchaseticketstowin2024generalcoach/
✅ Share this on your social media

100% of everything you donate (CRVA is covering ALL Costs) goes toward giving kids with cancer the chance to experience the healing power of nature and camp. That’s the true reason I’m out here. That’s the road we’re really on.

#CRVAOnTheRoad #50YearsOfCRVA #CareCamps #ManitobaCamping #LilacResort #ClassicTrailers #TransconaTrailerSales #CampingConnections #RVDAofCanada #CampinCanada #GoRVingCanada