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Birthday break

Good morning, folks.

You won’t be receiving an email from me for a bit. I’m taking the next six days off. Partly to celebrate my 60th birthday on Saturday. Plus, you need the extra rest at my age, right?

As I mentioned in an earlier mailing, my plan was to head off for a few days in a travel trailer, do some biking and enjoy Manitoba’s fall colours.

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I appreciate all the suggestions you sent me and I had settled on Riding Mountain National Park.

But… um, have you checked the forecast for the rest of the week?

Daytime highs of 5, 7, and 7 over the next three days in Wasagaming have resulted in me changing my plans. No, not to Falcon Lake where the forecasted highs are also 5, 7 and 7.

That’s right — I am a fair-weather camper, my friends.

Perhaps a day trip or three as it warms up Sunday and Monday, but the camping is out. Nope, you will not convince me!

I’l be checking my email while away, so day trip suggestion are more than welcome.

A special shout out to Tamara at Travel Manitoba and Todd at Roll With It Rentals, who had made arrangements for the trip but also agreed there was no way they would be camping at less than double digits. We wil do it in the spring.

Chat next week, folks. In the meantime — stay warm, stay safe and mask up. 

As always, you can reach me by replying to this mailing or sending me an email here.

 

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Our coverage

On ice decision still on ice: If you were hoping for clarity on the future of the varsity boys high school hockey season in Winnipeg, you would have been disappointed Wednesday. With Hockey Manitoba poised to push ahead with Phase 3 of its return to play protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic, indecision at the school division level has thrown the season into turmoil. Westman High School Hockey League commissioner Dana Gordon has given schools until Friday to make their intentions known. She was unwilling to predict what will happen.

No red flags: Canada Soccer announced on Wednesday that 10 clubs in Manitoba have been verified as Quality Soccer Providers. It means those clubs have met the criteria set forth by Canada Soccer to ensure they’re providing players a safe, welcoming and developmentally-appropriate training environment. Manitoba Soccer Association executive director Hector Vergara spoke with the our Taylor Allen on Wednesday to break down what it means for the local soccer scene.

 

What we’re reading

• 31 Thoughts: With Stanley Cup awarded, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman says NHL faces new questions;

Christmas in September: Oh, what a night to be an L.A. sports fan, LZ Granderson of the Los Angeles Times writes;

• ‘You’re not alone’: Vancouver Canucks’ Tyler Motte hopes to inspire others to discuss their mental health;

No blame game: Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel says it’s a “very unfortunate situation” but he wouldn’t point any fingers over COVID cases on team.

 
 

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