Yes, it’s cold, but if you’ve got some layers and a dark place to lie in the snow, it promises to be an exciting night tonight with the peak of the Geminid meteor shower emanating from asteroid dust particles entering our atmosphere. It’s supposed to be epic. Happy star gazing! https://winnipeg.citynews.ca/2023/12/13/geminids-meteor-shower/

While Manitoba lakes and rivers are sealed over tight, if you put your ear to the ice, it is riotous below. The creaking and whooshing reminds us that open water awaits us. It’s just time for a rest now. If you are stuck for a gift idea for a friend or family member, I am issuing gift cards for the upcoming 2026 PSKA season. Reach out to prairieseakayak@gmail.com for additional information! Happy Holidays!

The Province is accepting applications for presenters for the Public Hearing regarding the proposed sewage treatment plant that will discharge into Willow Creek. Applications must be submitted four weeks before the hearing, but the date for the hearing has not been publicized, so the time is now. While not all individuals will be allowed to voice their concerns, we can all speak through our presence at this hearing and by sharing our concerns with approved presenters. I’ll share the date for the hearing when I hear something! The NDP have just announced their Path to Net Zero Plan to lower emissions, fight climate change, and protect our air, land, and water! Now is a chance for them to show their mettle. Thanks for your concern for this important water body and its natural inhabitants. Willow Creek and Lake Winnipeg, we have your back! @ndpmanitoba

At the end of another kayaking season, I am grateful for all the folks who came out to enjoy some time together on the water. To those couples looking to spend time together, the groups of friends out for a good time, the working team looking to boost morale, the Hygge group, the irreplaceable Nifty Nine, the family groups, my family, my friends, colleagues, those who came out for the first time, and those who came back for yet another trip, I appreciate you all. Thanks to Joel and Leanne who help me out every year. And my partner Rocio, who is always there to support in whatever way she can. Next year will be year 10 of PSKA. I am looking to bring you some new opportunities to experience the amazing rivers and lakes that Manitoba has to offer. Until we see each other on the water!

For those of us who have spent some time on Willow Creek, including many of you, we have finally received the news we've been advocating for. While at first sidestepped, it has been announced that there will in fact be a public hearing on the proposed sewage treatment lagoon up river that would dispatch directly into Willow Creek. The Creek has been taking care of us and the Lake for so long. Now it's time for us to take care of her. When the date for the hearing is announced, I'll share that here. Every voice matters on this one.

That wraps up an amazing August on the water with adventurous folks on the many breathtaking waterways that Manitoba has to offer. It may be the start of September, but that only means that as the leaves start turning, it only gets more beautiful out there. Are you into a relaxed and gentle paddle? The September 7th Willow Creek Tour is awaiting you. Are you up for a celestial paddling adventure? That same night, the Harvest moon Kayak tour is yours. Turned on by the rugged beauty of limestone cliffs? The Hecla Island Day Tour on the 13th will fill your bucket. Into Yoga? The September 14th Yoga kayak Tour will have you on the beach, the water lapping nearby, and wind caressing your skin. Extend your summer…you can book your spot at prairieseakayak.ca. See you on the water!

Two spots just opened up for the full day Matheson Island Kayak Tour on Saturday, August 30th. Looks to be a beautiful day in a very unique, rugged, gorgeous, and historically rich part of Manitoba. Reach out to prairieseakayak@gmail.com to find out more. Previous lake paddling experience required. See you on the water!

After an overcast day, the clouds dissipated to reveal a canopy of stars sparkling over a placid Lake. A single meteor streaks through the sky from Perseus and moments later the northern lights show up. The windless day results in a gentle lapping of the waves against the sand. This is what happens when we leave the artificial lights behind and happen to be in the right place at the right time. While summer is winding down, there are still a few opportunities to get out on the water and paddle into these unpredictable moments. There is one celestial tour left in the PSKA season. The Harvest Full Moon takes place on September 7. A couple other tours will run in September, including the Whiteshell Tour on the 6th, the Hecla Island tour on the 13th and the Yoga Tour on the 14th. Hoping to see you on the water!

PSKA is creating an impromptu Sunrise Paddling Kayak Tour on August 24th on Lake Winnipeg near Gimli. Reach out if you're interested!