Happy Monday

Today has been a  good day for small talk topics.  The Superbowl will provide a lot of options from the commercials to the half time show to the blackout.  Thanks to the internet we can skip the football and just watch the commercials here and the half time show here.  As far as the blackout footage – there really wasn’t much to see.

Today is also the official end of the penny – sort of. The mint is no longer producing the penny but some businesses seem to be still using them but others have stopped. It is hard to say how long it will be until they completely disappear.  According to this National Post article there are 35 billion pennies still in circulation. One of the most debated topics is just what to do with the penny. Do you donate them, hoard them, or get crafty and creative with them.  I think that I might just save some so that our campers can continue to find ‘lucky’ pennies this summer.  They may just show up on my scavenger hunt lists too, hint, hint.

Whew feels like a heat wave out there today

Posted in travel | Leave a comment

I got in trouble today

Some of our campers came out to visit and check on their camper today and they gave me heck for not having updated my countdown lately 😦  So here it is….

there are now 6,825,600 seconds until camping season 2013 kicks off.

OK probably a bad joke but it made me smile. I don’t suppose he has been wondering how many seconds but he wasn’t specific.  Hey who knows maybe someone was just asking themselves how many minutes it would be. Well I can tell you that it is 113,760 minutes. Oops make that 113,759.

OK likely still not funny. How about 1896 hours. Is that what everyone is wondering?

All right I’ll save you the math. We are now down to only 78 days until we start the fun again. 6 million seconds doesn’t really sound that long when you say it like that.

So now we need to have a talk with Mother Nature and Old Man Winter. If you see them please be sure to tell them that we have enough snow and they need to turn up the thermostat.

2009-12-25-Old-Man-Winter

Posted in travel | Tagged , | Leave a comment

We are finally at the midpoint of the bleary camping withdrawal season also known as winter. In less than 90 days we will be flipping the switches and enjoying bonfires again. With the new calendar year it seems that I am not the only person already looking forward to camping season 2013.  In the last couple weeks I have gotten quite a few reservations for campsites as well as  inquiries and questions about seasonal campsites. So I thought it would be a good time to share this information with all of our blog readers in case anyone else was also wondering.

The answer to the most asked question at this time of the year – yes we do still have some seasonal campsites available.  If you are a regular reader you of course know that last year we did an expansion to the campground.  If you are one of our new readers be sure to scroll down through the previous posts for details. We have been fortunate during the last six months to welcome over 40 new seasonal families to our campground. But, we do still have room for a few more.

All of our seasonal campsites are fully serviced with 30 amp electrical, water, and sewer. Picnic tables and firepits are also included with each site. The seasonal rate also includes winter storage, so your camper can stay setup on the campsite year round. Electricity to the campsites is provided from April 15 to October 15 offering 6 months of camping. Each seasonal campsite includes 6 reusable wristbands which allow access to the Pool Area (open early May until late September), Ducky Express, Mini Golf and scheduled weekend activities. Our seasonal agreements run for a full one year term based on your occupancy date. For example start your agreement in Sept 2012 and camp as much as you want until Oct 2013 for one inclusive rate. The following year you have first option to renew your site so you can keep the same site from year to year.

Seasonal camping offers you the opportunity to spend more time relaxing and enjoying the amenities. No more hassle of hooking up, fighting the lineups at registration and setting up once you arrive.  You can just park your car and be relaxing in minutes instead of hours. You will never have to worry if there is a site available since you will always have your own special spot ready and waiting.

Regular campsites are $1750/year; Waterfront campsites are $1950/year. A damage deposit is required with all new seasonal agreements. It is refundable when you leave the campsite (assuming there has been no issues). The deposit is $400.

If you have any questions or are ready to book your site, you can call me at 204-322-5286 or toll free at 1-866-254-7636. You can also contact me by email at rducky2@mts.net.

We are also taking reservations for non seasonal camping.  You can book online http://www.rubberduckyresort.com/Reservations.page or call the above numbers.

Sherlock Holmes and Matthew Watson were on a camping and hiking trip. They had gone to bed and were lying there looking up at the sky.

Holmes said, “Watson, look up. What do you see?”

“Well, I see thousands of stars.”

“And what does that mean to you?”

“Well, I guess it means we will have another nice day tomorrow. What does it mean to you, Holmes?”

“To me, it means someone has stolen our tent.”

Posted on by rubberduckyblog | Leave a comment

Black Friday Deals – Win 4 nights free camping

Black Friday hot camping deals

Take advantage of any of the Black Friday Deals and your name will automatically be entered into the draw to win your choice of 4 nights of FREE Camping or 2 nights in a Motel Room.

Purchase a minimum of $50 in gift certificates and get a $10 gift certificate for FREE Available in $5, $10 and $20 Ducky Bucks. Purchase in person or by phone with free shipping.

$10 off Fleece Jackets.  Available in size S-XXL (while quantities last). 
$22.32 each $5 shipping available.

Fleece jacket

– Book for 2013 and receive $10 Ducky Bucks. Make a reservation for a minimum 2 night stay in 2013 and receive $10 Ducky Bucks when you check in.

– Family Winter Access Pass  $75    Save $25. Enjoy unlimited sledding and winter activities for the family (max 5 persons).

– 2 for 1 camping  May 3-5 and May 10-12, 2013.  Book 1 campsite at regular rates and receive a second campsite for a friend for FREE. (minimum 2 night stay required)

Ducky Bucks can be redeemed for virtually anything at Rubber Ducky including – campsites, motel room, camping cabin, RDR Grill & Concession, firewood, fishing licenses, slushes, twisters etc.

These deals are over Monday November 26, so get all your ducks in row and call today.  Only 143 Days Till Camping Season 2013.

Phone toll free 1-866-254-7636 or 204-322-5286 to place an order or book your campsite. Check our website for information.

Posted in travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Winter Fun on the Way

As we turn the calendar to November and see all the Christmas stuff going out in the stores that can only mean one thing…. another Manitoba Winter is just around the corner. There were a few changes done around here this past summer that are going to mean a lot more fun this winter.  I can’t wait to hear lots of laughs and screams coming from throughout the campground. And you can bet I will be one of the first three sledders down this hill!!

Very soon kids of all ages will be racing down the Toboggan Hill.

Toboggan Hill

Looks a little barren and depressing right now. But just wait for the updated snowy picture soon to come.

The View from the Top
(Don’t worry you’ll stop before you splash)

The lakes will soon turn to ice ready for skating, sponge hockey, broomball or whatever other games you like to play.

Lots of space for frozen water adventures

We have snow play areas where you can build snowmen, make snow angels, start up a snowball fight or just basically have fun in the snow.

There are of course lots of wide open spaces for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. If you like your winter fun at a faster pace, the Northern Lites Snowmobile Club grooms a snowmobile trail right to the campground. With so many options there truly is something for everyone.

When it is time to unwind after a day of fun, enjoy a cozy bonfire at the community firepit area. Don’t forget to bring the marshmallows.

winter bonfire

Our Rec Building is always open when you need to take a break and head inside for a warmup.

More info and winter pass rates on our website.

Posted in travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The answers to some FAQ….

Q. When can I book for next year?

Now. We accept reservations for all types of camping year round – daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal sites.

Q.  Are you open in the winter?

The Office  and RDR Grill are open year round but operate an off season schedule. You can call or email for more details and current hours. The Rec Building stays open year round as it is a warm up shelter on the Snoman snowmobile trail. Don’t forget to watch for updates this winter. We will have some interesting new activities happening on the hill and pond in the new area 😉

Q.  Can I come out to check on my camper?

Yes, by all means if you have a seasonal camper here (or a camper in storage) and would like to come out and check on it or pick up a forgotten item that is not a problem.

Q.  Are the campground roads open in the winter?

The road to the Rec Building area is cleared and open all year. However, be prepared to walk in as some roads may be closed or impassable due to snow.

Q. When do you open in the spring?

As soon as Mother Nature allows us. The overnight campsites will open as soon as the snow clears and the roadways are dry.  As part of the seasonal agreements the power to the seasonal campsites is turned on April 15. If we are fortunate enough to get another early spring, we do allow campers to come out before that date. (If you do want your power turned on there is an additional fee of $5-10/night)

Q. Is there still time to bring my camper for storage?

Absolutely. As long as there is no snow on the ground, we can get you in.

Q. I am not camping this weekend. What am I going to do?

There are tons of activities around here this fine, fall weekend

– An A-Maze-ing adventure at Boonstra Farms

– A Ghoulish Get together at Six Pines

– Ghost Hunting at Lower Fort Garry

– Howl at the Moon on the Prairie Dog Halloween Express

– It’s Halloween on the High Seas at the Marine Museum of Manitoba

Or if you are looking for something a little more laid back and down to earth. When was the last time you jumped in a pile of leaves? I will even supply the leaves and the rake.

Posted in travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A smile to start your Sunday morning

A couple go for a meal at a Chinese restaurant and

order the ‘Chicken Surprise’, The waiter brings the meal,

served in a lidded cast iron pot.

Just as the wife is about to serve herself, the lid of the

pot rises slightly and she briefly sees two beady little

eyes looking around before the lid slamsback down.

‘Good grief, did you see that?’ she asks her husband.

He hadn’t, so she asks him to look in the pot.

He reaches for it and again the lid rises, and he sees

two little eyes looking around before it slams down..

Rather perturbed, he calls the waiter over, explains

what is happening, and demands an explanation.

‘Please sir,’ says the waiter, ‘what you order?’

The husband replies, ‘Chicken Surprise’.

(You’re going to love this, and you’re going to

hate yourself for loving it!…)

‘Ah! So sorry,’ says the waiter, ‘I bring you Peeking Duck.

Posted in travel | Leave a comment

Bring a Friend

If you have friends that you enjoy spending camping time with, this is the weekend to bring them out. Coming up is our ‘bring a friend weekend’.  That means you will get two campsites for the price of one. The forecast is looking like it will be a nice fall weekend so it should be perfect bonfire evenings.

We are looking forward to a few more sunny camping weekends. However if you are ready to put away the camper for the winter, we do still have some storage spaces available.

There are also still a few seasonal campsites available for 2013. Contact me by phone (1-866-254-7636) or email rducky2@mts.net for more information or to reserve your site.

Posted in travel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Fall Superstitions

This is one of those  “you learn something new everyday” type of days. I had no idea there were so many superstitions associated with Fall. OK, I never said that I learned anything important. But for a Friday afternoon it is a good way to kill some time. I was strolling through the internet and noticed this comment posted:

“It’s said that if you catch a falling leaf on the first day of Autumn you will not catch a cold all winter. Good luck tomorrow!”

Which of course got me googling around. There are a couple different versions of this belief. Some don’t specify that it is the first day of Autumn, but just anytime in Autumn. And others are very specific in that you must keep the leaf until spring when the new buds appear.

Apparently it is not just leaves that are good luck. If you carry around an acorn it is said to bring good luck. An acorn sounds easier to carry than a rabbit’s foot anyway. If you have every been worried about your house being stuck by lightning, simply put an acorn on your window sill. This lonely acorn will surely keep the lightning away. Forget that plastic surgery ladies, according to British legend if you carry an acorn with you it will delay the aging process.  It will keep you feeling young forever.

So, in conclusion what does this all really mean. Not much.  But if anyone else is interested in catching leaves and picking acorns tomorrow meet me at 11am.

In celebration of the arrival of the Fall season we will be having a Scarecrow building contest this weekend. Here’s an idea to get you started

It is also our Cozy Campfire Special this weekend. Get a free bundle of firewood and a Campfire FX when you stay for 2 nights. (Be sure to mention the special when booking or registering)

Posted in travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Open Farm Day 2012

If you are looking for an excuse to get out for a Sunday Drive this weekend you may want to check out Open Farm Day. In this area you can learn about cows, pigs, sheep and alpacas among other things. The full listing of participating farms is available here.  We will be offering self guided tours throughout the day that will details our transformation from family farm to family campground. If your timing is right, you will be able to climb aboard the Ducky Express for the tour. If you have been watching my blog and website through our expansion updates, this is now the perfect excuse to come out and see the changes in person.

After a day of touring around you can stop by the Warren Hall for the annual Warren Fall Supper hosted by the Warren United Church. There is no shortage of fall suppers around the area. Pretty much one a weekend from now until Thanksgiving.

 

Posted in travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment