Retired Teachers of Winnipeg 

in the same league as noted food critic Marion Warhaft of the Winnipeg Free Press, I would have to conclude that the so called “world famous hot dog” is badly overrated. I will admit, however, that the ambiance of an old time diner was worth the visit . . . life sized photo of Don Cherry included!! Our main destination was Lower Fort Garry, a truly Manitoba Historic Site, which traces its origins to the early 1800s. In 1830, construction began on this fort located 32 kms (20 miles) downriver from Fort Garry (destroyed in 1826 by an unforgiving flood). Lower Fort Garry’s main buildings were completed by the early 1840’s using limestone and wood from the surrounding area. Today, these buildings stand as one of the finest collections of early stone buildings in Western Canada.

We had ample time to tour all aspects of the fort guided by very capable, friendly, young tourist guides who were, obviously, not only well informed but also very enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with us “tourists.” After our leisurely visit to Lower Fort Garry we journeyed on to Portage la Prairie taking the opportunity to view a “Prairie Castle,” Left: Ed James, tour participant from Elkhorn, poses with an just north of Winnipeg, on unusually silent Don Cherry of National Hockey Fame at Skinner's our way home. We enjoyed Restaurant-Lockport. Right: Margaret Elder (L) and Alice Olive (R) an equally leisurely supper/ at the Lower Fort Garry "Grog Storage Area" Bottles are empty. . . dinner (Smorgasbord style) only some 200 year old fumes left! at the Canad Inns, Portage La Prairie. We arrived at Virden promptly at the scheduled time of 2137 hours following a very fulfilling and satisfying day.

By doreen Pruden

A group from RTW wrapped up the season’s activities with a guided tour of the Sport Manitoba building at 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, on June 12. The historic building has been carefully renovated, “repurposed,” and the project is in itself interesting architecturally. It houses the Sports Hall of Fame, sport governing bodies, a resource centre, a fitness centre and a sport medicine centre that is open to the public. The aches and pains don’t have to originate on a playing field! The photo was taken in the climatecontrolled storage area for artifacts. Among the group were Vailla Hoggan and Vic Pruden, both in the Hall of Fame; Ted Poulter, with a close family connection to the Hall. Ted brought along his wife and grandson. The others: Pat Holbrow, Joanne Irving, Anne Monk, Dick Marshall, Gemma Gay and Doreen Pruden. We were escorted by Rick Brownlee, Sport Heritage Manager. The tour was very well-received. Rick has told us other groups would be made welcome. The web site is: www.sportmanitoba.ca