Okay. I’m back. I haven’t been blogging – but I have been
running. And it’s getting close to the end of the year, so I figured I’d take a
look at where my yearly mileage has me in my virtual cross-Canada run. Last
time, I was really close to the Manitoba border after an endless time in
Ontario. So have I finally made it out of the big O and into the first prairie
province?
Well, my total after today’s recovery run along the
Dartmouth waterfront was 4110.5km. Yes, I’ve broken 4000km! I’m over 2500
miles. That’s a fair bit of distance – but is it enough?
Yes! Not only am I in Manitoba – I’ve almost run clear
across it already!
My total has brought me to Griswold, Manitoba. Here’s how
the village’s website describes the place: “The village of Griswold is located in Southwestern Manitoba,
approximately 25 miles west of Brandon at the junction of highways #1 and #21. Griswold
has approximately 30 people. The village has a post office, garage, curling
rink and the school is now used as a community center.”
With a population of
only 30 – my condo building has more! – it’s easy to forgive the fact that
nothing much is going on there. Apparently, there were five grain elevators
back in the early 1900s, but they’re all gone. There is, however, a mini one to
show the tourists – as they zoom through on their way to Brandon or Regina.
I did find this pic
of a Sioux encampment in the area back in the day. The Sioux sought refuge here
following the Minnesota Massacres of 1861 and the Indian War of 1876. Griswold
was a temporary sanctuary.
I must admit,
though, grain elevators and tepees weren’t my first thoughts when I saw
the name Griswold. All I could think was, how appropriate to end up in a place
named Griswold just before Christmas. I’m sure Clark and family won’t mind
another guest!
Happy running – and happy
holidays!!
