Dreary forecast prompts Manitobans to cancel weekend camping plans
CBC News | Posted: May 15, 2015 12:05 PM | Last Updated: May 16, 2015
Over 100 people who booked before learning forecast call off May long weekend camping plans
The soggy, wet weather forecast for Manitoba's May long weekend has resulted in over 100 campsite cancellations.
Earlier in the week the numbers looked more promising. Reservations were up almost 20 per cent for campgrounds in the province for the holiday weekend compared to last year.
But most people booked before they learned about the wind and rain expected to hit on Sunday, said Tracy Elbourne of Manitoba Conservation.
"I was wondering if they were going to be down, but actually compared to last year they're up," Elbourne said of the numbers Friday morning.
We actually have camped in the snow before and we just make the most of it. - Tiffany Klassen
"People are always anxious to get out on that first weekend."
But as of Friday afternoon, 140 reservations had been cancelled.
This weekend campers can expect temperatures in the single digits. Monday could see morning showers and snow.
"They know that May long weekend is often very iffy, in terms of wet or cold," Elbourne said of Manitoba campers.
"And they are really hard core campers. They love getting out there. This the first big weekend of the season and they want to be out there in provincial parks."
Hardcore campers brace for rain, snow
The forecast hasn't deterred the Coombs family from setting up shop at Birds Hill Provincial Park over the weekend.
"We have a big double sleeping bag for me and the boys and my daughter has two mummy bags and my husband has all the sleeping bags in the house on his bed," said Jill Coombs.
The Klassens are also taking their chances in Birds Hill this weekend.
"We actually have camped in the snow before and we just make the most of it and we love camping so we have a lot of fun," said Tiffany Klassen, adding they couldn't convince their friends to join them.
Elbourne said those who do want to cancel may face a fee, People who haven't booked yet still have plenty of opportunity to get out there as a number of sites still have openings.