LaFleche Bench Dedication

Approximately 50 family and friends of Martial LaFleche, gathered for a celebration on August 21, 2014, to dedicate a bench on the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail.

The bench is a tribute to the LaFleche family who are long time residents of Headingley, dating back to farming the area since 1885. The year 2015 will make it the 130th Anniversary.

Four generations of family members were present for the dedication.

Installing the Bench

A lot of hard backbreaking work went into preparing the foundation for the bench. Here Karl Gompf, of the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association, mixes the concrete, assisted by Cecil and Roger Foidart and Mom feeling the pain.

The Weather

The weather was rainy, to say the least.  Or better said, “it was brutal”.  It poured and poured and then poured some more.  But, in the tradition of the LaFleche family, the party must go on. 

A supper was held in the original farm house, with the usual trimmings and celebration. Then there was a break in the weather (as if planned) and everyone headed down to the Trail. 

 

The geese loved the weather and showed up for the event "in flocks"

LaFleche Road

The bench is located where the LaFleche Road intersects the Trail just west of the perimeter trail head.

The LaFleche Road is so named, but during the middle of a rain storm, it is not advisable to drive down the road (Farm Road).  Everyone was warned, but someone must not have received the text, as we watched the on-coming lights that seemed to stop in the middle of nowhere, and were still there when we left the dedication.

Opening Remarks

Jean Robson, representing the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association, welcomed those in attendance on such a dreary night, and how proud the Association was to have the bench complement the many users of the Trail.

Family Dedication

Cecile Foidart and other family members made presentations on behalf of the family to commemorate and recognize the families many years of enjoyment on this land.

Family members get pictures of this memorable event that will be cherished for many generations to come

Years from now they can tell their grand kids stories of the family farm and take the out to this special bench.

Over Heard in the Crowd

As I looked south from the bench, I overheard someone say, they remembered the days when the forefather’s used to head out during harvest on Monday morning with 40 men and 40 horses and stayed all week, coming back on Sunday or when rations ran out (food or drink??).

I could vividly imagine this tonight, as I looked off into the clouds, mist and fog and saw the the horses disappear into thin air.

The Wild Ride West

The Wild Ride West in celebration of National Trails Day and the 100th anniversary of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Line was held on the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail on Sunday June 8, 2014.

The celebration was attended by approximately 90 bike riders, geocache participants, and friends of the trail who came to "hang-out" and enjoy the sights on the trail.

The west  wind provided a challenging ride, not to mention the threats of rain with large back clouds circling around the riders and a few sprinkles.

The Wizard did some magic thing that diverted the clouds away from the ride.



The Start

Thirty five bike riders started at the perimeter and made their way west to Wescana a distance of 6 kilometers of the 10 kilometer trail.  The official start was heralded by the sound of a train whistle signifying the 100th anniversary of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad.

Wow !!!

What a sight as the riders started off and began to spread out along the trail.

Wescana is just beyond that clearing in the tree line (but 6 km. further).

 



Check out the Dandelion's and Sow-Thistle along the side of the trail.

Some say the young shoots and leaves of this common weed provide one of the best wild salads, rich in vitamins and minerals and can be added to pancakes or made into wine. The Wizard told me he uses the leaves as a medicinal tea. What Ever!!
















Resting at Hall Road

It was a long ride from the Perimeter to Hall Road, where the riders took a break. I think I heard "Are we there yet" ???














 

The Trail is a Treasure for all Ages

The trail is used daily by people of all ages whether it be biking, running, walking or just sitting on a bench taking in the sights and sound of the trail.

Three generations of the Gompf family and Robson family participated in the Wild Ride West and had a great memorable experience. 

That's what it's all about family, fun and life on the trail.  It doesn't get any better than this.






 


 


 

 

The Hornby Bench

Frank and Shan Hornby are interviewed and are pleased with the restoration of their bench that over looks the Taillieu Field.  Shan indicates it is a great place to go and see the flowing fields, birds, deer and listen to the sounds of the birds and frogs.

 

Crossing the Taillieu Field

The Taillieu Field is an awesome site in all the fours seasons.  The riders seem to be hanging in the middle of nowhere as they cross the field.  As a matter of fact, they are in the middle of "freaking nowhere" and it feels great.



  
100th Anniversary of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad

In case you are wondering, the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail runs along the original railway bed of the Grand Trunk Railway System.

That's how the trail was named, The Headingley Grand Trunk Trail. Go figure!!!!



















The Blue Bird Boxes
We checked the boxes for nests and bird families, but we didn't see any blue birds. However, most of the boxes are inhabited.








There are Lots of Bike Riders in Denmark

There are lots of bike riders in Denmark and we were pleased to have Helle Wilson, Honorary Consul of Denmark on the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail (now internationally known).  Karl presented her with the "Next to Last Spike" hammered into the last rail laid 100 years ago (at least that is what Karl claims!!!).



Geocaching on the Trail

The trail is not only for bike riders, there is a large number of geocaches along the trail.  Twenty five students from Beaver Lodge School attended the Wild Ride and headed West to test their geocaching equipment and techniques.

Comments on their blog indicated the following:


Found with the Beaverlodge School crew caching the trail in celebration of the HGTT Trails Day... lots of fun! A HUGE thank you to the people who put on the event. We really enjoyed being a part of it! This was one of our first finds... thanks for the fun! We had a great day!


Here they are coming back, being chased by a big black rain cloud (luckily it missed us).





  









Wet Your Whistle

Just like in the old days after a trail ride, there is nothing better than a cold drink and a hot dog. That really hit the spot.

 

Was the Wizard on the Trail

Someone told me the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Wizard was out on the trail for a walk.  I seem to have missed him. Did you see him?

He performed a Wizard trick with one of the kids and turned her into a frog. The frog hopped away.  So if you see a frog on your next walk on the trail, tell the frog the Wizard is working on a fix to undo the magic trick, "hold on".

This Blog was presented by the Wizard

THE WILD RIDE WEST - video

June 8 2014

Walking with the Wizard on the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail - March 8, 2014 - video

Headingley Grand Trunk Trail sights

Getting to Know the Trail

The Headingley Grand Trunk Trail (HGTT), located in Headingley, Manitoba, covers approximately 10 kms along the abandoned CN railway bed, from the Perimeter Highway west to Beaudry Provincial Park.

History of the Trail

The railway bed, originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, was used from 1894 to 1972, when the CN abandoned the line. In 2005, it was converted to the active transportation corridor it is today.

The Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association

The Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association was founded in 2005 and is managed by a volunteer board of directors.

The purpose of the organization is to develop, maintain, and promote its use for recreational and educational purposes for the benefit of present and future generations. 

Conserving and Appreciating the Environment

Along the trail you will experience three of the major ecosystems of the Prairie region - prairie, wetlands and forest, each with their associated plants, animals, birds, insects and other wonders of nature.

Being in close proximity to the Assiniboine River and Beaudry Provincial Park results in rich potential for wildlife viewing. Watch eagles, hawks, shrikes, coyote, fox and deer; cattails, golden rod and wild licorice; oak, aspen and a variety of willows. All are present at various points on the trail.

  

The Trail Supports an Active Lifestyle

Whether you bike, walk, run, ski, snowshoe, dogsled or horseback, the trail is the perfect setting to get outdoors and get active! 

Have a rest or just take in the beauty of the trail, on the strategically located benches.

The Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Blog

We will continue to update the Blog with highlights of the four seasons on the trail.

This Blog was brought to you by:

Marley Robson and the Wizard