oTENTik-ing we will go!

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/08/2022 (1376 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

My daughters and I have started a tradition of ladies-only camping trips during the summer. To be fair to hardcore campers, I suppose sleeping in an oTENTik would be considered glamping.

An oTENTik (yes, that’s how Parks Canada stylizes the name) is set on a base, with vinyl flaps securely attached to a wooden frame. It includes mattresses, a wood stove, table and chairs, fire pit, picnic table, and a solar-powered USB to charge small devices. As someone who survived the brutal rainstorm near Dauphin on August long weekend, I can tell you — that structure is solid.

My earliest memory of camping as a child was in our family’s canvas tent, gobbling down crackers with jam and Squeeze-a-Snack cheese while waiting for dinner over the campfire or Coleman stove. Some not-so-fun memories would be sleeping all night on a rock or waking up in a rain puddle. Which is why I prefer glamping.

Riding Mountain National Park’s oTENTiks are only available from May to October. They book online quickly in April, but cancellations will appear, so be sure to check.

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On a more local note, artist extraordinaire Jen Mosienko has just completed the latest of her 31 creations. Her newest mural graces our neighbourhood at 1741 Portage Ave.

The historical design gives the viewer a visual stroll through some heritage aspects unique to St. James, in celebration of our 100th anniversary as a municipality.

I stopped briefly to visit with Jen while she was working atop the scaffold.

After spending almost 30 hours developing the design concept, it took Jen and her mentee, Morgan Biggs, an additional five weeks to complete the painting. She credits Take Pride Winnipeg, the Assiniboine Chamber of Commerce and St. James BIZ for supplying the location.

“Projects like these would not be possible without the support of the non-for-profit organizations and local businesses,” Jen said, when I asked about receiving local support.

Jen would also like to give shout-outs to: Herc Rentals, Blind Masters, Living Prairie Museum, Sargent Sundae, Stewart Trophies & Engraving, St. James 55-plus Centre, Timberland Tree Service, Zeid’s Food Fare, the St. James-Assiniboia Pioneer Association, Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage, and several local politicians.

Jen’s next project will be the Winnipeg Rowing Club near the Riverview Health Centre. We can’t wait to see her creation.