And away we go…

Posted on May 3, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

Yes, yes I know I have been falling down on the job. The last couple weeks seem to have flown by and I realized today that is has been too long since I have updated my blog.  The last week or so has been a whirlwind of activity finally getting ready for camping. The spring cleanup is now done and ironically thanks to the snow, the grass is now green. The propane filling area is ready to go.   The pool has been drained, cleaned, tuned up and is now refilled and heating. If all goes well we will be swimming this weekend! (Check for details on Friday) Our to-do list started at 2 pages and is now down to only one or two things left. Phew.

After a slow start to the season it finally is starting to feel like camping time. I was surprised at how many die hard campers we actually had out last weekend.  There were a number of seasonals and a group of 3 families together. The snow and rain didn’t stop the boys from fishing all day. The group set up a dining tent around the hot tub and were still able to splish splash around. After seeing some pictures and talking to people in other areas of Manitoba, we can’t really complain too much here. Sure the snow sucked, but at least it was only an inch or so, not a foot. Once again we are hoping that Mother Nature is done and we can get on with summer. I have this feeling of deja vu like I have thought that before.

This weekend is the annual Meadow Lea ATV Derby. If you like to get dirty and play in the mud then apparently this is the derby for you. From what I hear it is normally a wet ride and this year should be especially mucky. I heard reports that if you have a 2WD you may not even make it through some portions. It sounds like there is a group of riders making plans to head out from here on Saturday morning. Rubber Ducky will be manning the BBQ’s along the route again this year.  There is usually one set up at the registration area and one at a midway point. There will be smokies, hot dogs and drinks at both locations.

Our early bird special this weekend is Duck the Tax. You will get a discount equal to the taxes on all campsites this Friday and Saturday nights. Even though it is the offseason we have started our scheduled activities already. Last weekend was our first Saturday afternoon Ice Cream Social and it will also be Movie Night inside the Rec Building this Saturday. I will be firing up the waffle maker just in time for Mother’s Day. Why not treat Mom to a tasty waffle on Sunday morning or better yet, let her stay in bed and everybody else come for waffles 😉

It’s just a busy, busy weekend around the area. Scrapyard Paintball is opening for the season on Saturday. For the opening weekend specials they are offering 25% off regular rates.

Only 17 more sleeps and the May Long Weekend will be here. I still have a camping cabin and tenting sites left for anyone still making plans. If you are already planning on coming to the Duck I still have a hot tub available to rent at your campsite.

Part of my job description includes checking out other campground’s websites and Facebook pages to, yes I admit it,  steal ideas. I do find lots of good ideas this way.  But, sometimes I come across something that strikes me as odd and today was one of those times. Now I am not trying to bash this campground. I have never been there personally and it is not even in Canada. From all accounts it looks like a nice place to camp however this is the line that I found funny. “No walking (or carrying) of pets through the campground. Please visit our Pet Park located …. (pets must be transported in vehicle to …)” I am sure they have their reasons for putting this in their rules but I can’t imagine loading a dog up in a car to take it to a pet park in the same campground for a walk. Has anyone ever heard of a campground that wouldn’t let you walk your dog?

Everyone cross your fingers for better camping weather this weekend.

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Dealing with Mosquitos

Posted on April 22, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

Mosquitos are an unfortunate  fact of life for those of us that choose to live and visit Manitoba. But that doesn’t mean we have to like them or ever stop fighting them. I am always looking for a good way to get rid of them so that we can enjoy more camping time.  As I was strolling the net the other day  I came across a story that almost sounds too good to be true. Some of you may have heard this before, but it was new to me. Apparently Listerine will chase the mosquitos away. They say that if you put it in a spray bottle and spray the grass, doorways, tables, chairs etc it will keep them away for a couple days. I did a google seach and if you believe what you read on the internet it sounds as if it actually works. I am definately going to have to give it a whirl this summer and find out for myself. If  anyone has already tried this let me know your thoughts – did it actually work or just make things smell minty fresh? The story has even made it onto Ehow.com (http://www.ehow.com/how_5096300_repel-mosquitoes-listerine.html) where they tell you the super complicated directions.

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Wacky Quacks

Posted on April 16, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

Our ducks have developed a mischievious streak this spring. We think they have been led astray by their ‘wild’ friends. There is a drainage ditch beside the campground that is full of water in the spring, but empty for the rest of the year. Well, one day last week I go driving out the lane and don’t see any sign of the ducks, until I get to the drainage ditch where I find our ducks, two wild ducks and two wild Canada Geese. ??? So, now we start thinking about just how do you get ducks to stay in their own pond. They don’t really take well to leashes and an electric fence would likely cause a lawsuit. We spent the next couple days just watching them enjoy their freedom and doing regular beak counts, hoping that once the big pond melted and the ditch dried up they would come back. When Mother Nature through us the curve ball of -15C overnight it was apparently not much fun out in the field. We woke up to find them huddled in the small pond wondering what happened. So this was a good sign, at least they still knew where home was. In the last couple days the ditch has opened up and the water level has dropped significantly which seems to be spoiling their fun. This snow last night has also dampened their wandering spirits. We were sitting in the Rec Building last night and look outside to see the ducks come waddling back to home (literally all in a row which makes it even more amusing). I haven’t ventured out yet this morning, but I suspect they will be spending the weekend in their home pond. I would like to ground them for their mischeviousness, but they don’t seem to obey a curfew. Oh well, maybe the snow is enough of a punishment for them anyway.

Needless to say it is not a very lively opening weekend around here. It is just downright depressing. If we can believe the weather forecast the snow is supposed to stop and the sun possibly peak it’s nose out this afternoon. But, the way it looks right now I am not holding out much hope.  Global warming, ya right.

Thursday afternoon the power to all the campsites went on. Yesterday we opened all the roads up and were officially ready for camping. Now, we wait. On the upside there have at least been a lot of bookings coming for the summertime.  It has been a busy couple weeks of people planning their summer vacations. I have optimistically booked our pool opening inspection for May 2, so am now going on record as saying our tentative pool opening weekend will be May 6. It might be a lot of work to hit that deadline, but will be worth it in the end. The day of the first swim in the pool is one of the best of the whole year. Historically the latest we have opened was May 8 and that was a situation similiar to today. We had the pool ready to go on the 3rd, then we got snow and the inspection was pushed back a couple days. So, now we need positive, ice melting thoughts and at least a little bit of cooperation from that crazy Mother Nature. Once we get past this little blurb, the 14 day trend looks like the weather will get back on track.

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Oh Happy Day

Posted on April 6, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

It was a good day to be a duck around here. They were released to their summer home today and have spent the afternoon primping and frollicking.  They don’t seem to mind the nud puddles and are happy to be back at their pond. (Everytime I mention puddles and ducks it always brings to mind the joke about being in and out of puddles all day and I chuckle to myself. It is an oldie but a goody and I imagine most people have probably have it pass through their inbox. If not, you’ll have  to search on your own since it is not really one I can share here.)

Ducks in pond

Although it hasn’t seemed super warm the last few days, the sun has sure been doing a good job on the snow. I noticed lots of open ground today that wasn’t there yesterday.  I am looking forward to our first double digit day. Let’s hope the forecast is right and it is almost here. There is just over a week until I turn the power on to the campsites so Mother Nature had better light a fire and get things warming up. What a difference a year makes???!!!

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Yogi Bear is coming to the Duck.

Posted on March 31, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

Hang on to your pic n ic baskets. Yogi Bear and Boo boo will be here on Saturday April 2nd at 4:30pm Yogi and the gang will be our Free Afternoon Movie. This is a must see for anyone that grew up watching the original Yogi Bear.   One look at the Movie Trailer http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2698381593/ and you know that it is going to be a very funny movie. You just can’t go wrong with Dan Aykroyd as Yogi.

As always everyone is welcome to come out and watch the movie and enjoy a few laughs.  With any luck we will actually see the sunny 7C weather they are predicting and it will be a great day for a drive.

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Hmmmm

Posted on March 25, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

They say that if you start a blog it is very important that you post regularly. Not sure who ‘they’ are but ok. So this creates a dilema – Since there is not much going on this time of year do I post about nothing or do I not post at all. You have probably already guessed that I have decided to post about not much of anything. hmm The weather is always a good topic. Noooooooooo, not a good topic in Manitoba right now because it really sucks. Sure the sunshine is nice to finally see but I for one am really tired of being cold. I keep waiting to wake up one day and have plus double digits instead of minus double digits. 

Today is the last day of school before spring break starts. I imagine there are a few people heading out to somewhere warm for the week. We have some people coming here for their spring break getaway and I suspect that there will be a few people just out for a drive and dropping by.  This weekend is also World of Wheels at the Convention Centre.  Local racing team Mcrae Motorsports will be at the show with their Super Truck. We got a sneak peak at the new paint scheme a couple weeks ago. It was looking good then, and should be pretty spiffy once it is all done and decalled. If you are at the show be sure to check them out and tell them that Rubber Ducky sent you.

I am in full hiring mode right now. So if you or anyone you know is looking for a summer job check out the website for details. I have also been adding in some new spring specials and have been working on my next newsletter to let everyone know what is going on. Slowly but surely the snow will go and the campers will come.

Well I think that is all the rambling I can do for today. Now time for a little humour.

Q. When do monkeys fall from the sky?
A. During Ape-ril showers!

Spring Fever

Four high school boys afflicted with spring fever skipped morning classes. After lunch they reported to the teacher that they had a flat tire.

Much to their relief she smiled and said, “Well, you missed a test today so take seats apart from one another and take out a piece of paper.”

Still smiling, she waited for them to sit down. Then she said: “First Question: Which tire was flat?”

Q. Can Bees fly in the rain?

A. Not without their yellow jackets.

Q. What do you get when you pour hot water down a rabbit hole?

A. A hot, cross bunny.

If you think these jokes are bad, you should see the ones that I didn’t share.

 Happy Spring Break Everyone. 20 days till the power goes on to the campsites.

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The Coffee’s On

Posted on March 14, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

It’ s getting to be that time of year when spring fever hits and everyone wants to get out after a long winter. With our campground being close to Winnipeg it makes an ideal drive to come and check us out if you have never stayed here before.  Each spring we always have quite a few people do just that and you are most welcome to come on out. But, we just have a couple small requests:

#1 – Please keep in mind that we are not looking our best right now.  After hibernating under ALL that snow this winter it will take us a little while to get spiffed up again. The puddles and mud will disappear soon; the grass will turn green and the leaves will come out; and the flowers will bloom. Don’t hate us cause we’re ugly.

#2 – Stop in for a free coffee. While you are there, we’ll tell you which areas of the campground are snowbank free and open for traffic. We’ll even give you a map and show you which sites are seasonal, which are for weekend camping and what services are at each site. If you are looking to book for a specific weekend I can even let you know which sites are open so you can pick the one that you like best. 

#3 – Don’t be afraid, we won’t bite.  Each year we see some people that drive in the yard presumably to have a look around the campground, but once they see that someone is here they turn around and immediately drive out 😦  We really aren’t that scary and we won’t chase you away.

#4 – Don’t forget to bring your entries for our kids contest

The Office/Concession/RDR Grill is open weekends starting now and ending in October!!!!! 

Goodbye Snow and Hello Camping. Only one more month until the power goes on.

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RV Trends

Posted on March 4, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

I was browsing through an RV magazine the other day and saw some interesting new trends for this year’s RV world.  If you are heading to the Manitoba RV Show next weekend you may be able to see some things up close and personal.

First up is the Reese Revolution fifth wheel hitch. This seems to solve a couple common problems: breaking the back window of your truck and running into the hitch while at the campsite. The hitch on the trailer rotates up to 90 degrees so that you are able to turn sharply while backing up. Then once the truck is unhooked the hitch rotates to fold out of the way. http://www.goevergreenrv.com/page/107/Reese-Revolution-5th-Wheel-Hitch 

One of last year’shot  trends was the outdoor kitchen which appears to still be going strong this year. The Forest River R-Pod has kicked it up a notch. (Note the TV)

Unfortunately I couldn’t find a picture to post and there is not even anything on their website but Monaco is making a motorhome with a slideout in a slideout. ?? There was a picture in the magazine so it appears to be for real. But considering their website lists the starting price of their Diplomat model at $3o4,350 it should probably have lots of bells and whistles.

I am always a litte amazed that Airstreams are still so popular and really have not changed much in the last few decades. They even have an Eddie Bauer model http://www.airstream.com/products/travel-trailers/eddie-bauer-airstream.html . I think that this is the type of camper that you either love it or you hate it. If you are looking for unique this is definately the way to go.

How about this one.. http://www.openrangerv.com/whats-new.aspx. You can bring your own deck to the campground.

Another trend that I hear will soon become standard is a remote control to operate the slideouts and jacks. The theory is that you can stand outside and watch as the slide goes out to make sure that there is enough clearance etc. Sounds like a great idea to me and we all know how much men like to play with their remotes. lol

I can’t believe some of the options that are available in campers nowadays – dishwashers, big screen tv’s and even central vac. I am looking forward to touring the RV’s at the convention centre. Of course I have absolutely no intention of actually buying, but it is always fun to look. Now keep in mind that I am not endorsing anything here, but just suggesting that there might be something interesting to look into further.

If you are coming to the RV Show on Saturday, feel free to stop by and say Hi. We will be on the 3rd floor in the Interlake Tourism  and Manitoba Association of Campgrounds and Parks booths.

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Our Mexican Experience

Posted on February 19, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

If you have been watching the news in the last few months I’m sure you have heard all the warnings about travelling to Mexico.  We have recently returned from Mexico ourselves and I thought that I would share our experience.  First, have a look at what they did to our truck. 

Rubber Ducky Truck

Well, I never said it was a bad experience. We actually had all good experiences down there  and let me tell you the weather there is a lot nicer than here right now. This  year we were lucky enough to literally stumble upon a very talented airbrush painter named Antonio. We were driving into town and he pulled out of a campground in front of us. We took one look at the pictures on his truck and knew that we had to talk to him.

We showed him our logo on our brochure and asked if he could put it on our truck. Then we asked him how much and were blown away when he said only $100 per duck. (gotta love Mexico)  He came the next day and we got to sit and watch the truck be transformed into a  work of art. We can’t say enough about his talent and what an amazing job he did. We never dreamed it would turn out as good as it did.  These pictures just don’t do it justice, you really do have to see it in person.

On some weekends in the summer our truck is used by a local drag racer to travel to the Speedway in Gimli so we thought it would be good to somehow get a picture of his car on the truck as well. We had Dean email some pictures which we forwarded to Antonio and he was able to create this on the tailgate.

 

You can’t miss our truck coming down the highway now and it is really easy to find in a parking lot.

These are a few shots of the airbrush process.

Mexico is not really as scary as it is made out to be by the media. Yes, I admit that there are some parts of the country that I would not really want to venture into, but keep in mind that it is a big area. That would be like someone saying that they weren’t going to come to Warren because there is violence in Toronto. The town that we go to is located South of Phoenix, about a one hour drive into Mexico. The town is called Rocky Point or Puerto Penasco.  We have been here a couple times and have always had a relaxing vacation. I won’t go off topic into too much detail but if you are interesting in learning more about the area and about travelling in Mexico just feel free to ask. We will gladly share our experiences and answer any questions.

Quite often during the busy summer months I get asked when we get to relax and take a break. These pictures answer some of that question. We take a couple weeks in the winter fly south like the ducks where we can enjoy some camping ourselves.

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Everybody loves a good deal…..

Posted on February 10, 2011 by rubberduckyblog

And we now have a new place to find some.  GoDeals.ca is a website that was launched last week where you can find some deals on all sorts of things in and around Winnipeg. We are currently trying it out with a couple coupons already posted online. I will be adding some more as we get closer to the camping swing of things.  Being a coupon seeker  myself I  will be bookmarking the site so that I can see what kind of new deals are coming up.  With the website just having been launched at the beginning of the month, the coupon offerings are still growing quickly.

PS. Only 63 more days till camping season.

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