We spent the morning traveling east along a mix of gravel and rough black-top backroads through picturesque farming and grass lands. Late in the morning we took a detour to Grasslands National Park an area set aside to be restored to pre-farming conditions with natural grass and indigenous animals.

At an overlook called 70 mile mesa we took a short hiking trail and then followed a self guided driving trail through French River valley. Along the drive we found an extensive prairie dog colony and spent some time trying to catch the guards standing on their posts.

The afternoon was devoted to covering some miles so that we are within striking distance of Winnipeg for our Wednesday appointment.