Dave!

Just a stone’s throw north of Thornhill Manitoba lives a gentleman, who, since the day he was born, resides on a little piece of Paradise. He and his wife, Donna, are willing to share their Paradise with others, whether they are local people, or from far away. He calls this "Shannondale".
Dave was born, raised, educated, farmed, and raised a family, all within about an 8 mile radius of his yard site. In 1959, he took over the family farm from his parents , who had acquired it in the dirty 30’s. Dave never left this locale, except for one winter when, as a young man he was away. As was the norm in the 60’s and 70’s, Dave expanded his farm and seed operations. Then in 1997, after some 38 years of tilling the soil, Dave rented out his acreage.
I recall resettling in Morden at the time, and attending Dave and Donna’s farm auction sale with my brother Walter. Unlike the rest of the farm retirees rushing to town, Dave and Donna chose to remain on the farm. And why not? They had constructed a comfortable semi-chalet type home back in 1976, on the very edge of the ravine with a creek running some 150 ft below. They overlook boundless mature trees and a view of the valley that must encompass all of 40 acres or more. They are able to walk directly out into the natural woods from both the upper and lower levels of their home. From the front doorstep and stretching to the southeast is typical prairie landscape. A setting hard to match in any urban area!
After a bit of a respite, a few years later Dave rekindled his boyhood affection for recreation, only now with an emphasis on fitness and well being. Many a winter Friday, years back, the Thornhill school students entertained themselves on the Lumgair hills.

(Ski Run)

Dave, never accustomed to being idle, began the arduous task of creating an all season natural trail system for skiing, cycling, and hiking. The result, 20K of classic trails with a warming shack at the trail head. A Yellow trail that even beginners will enjoy, the Blue trail that is a moderate 10K workout, the Orange trail which is a 5K circuit with an option to go to 6K. The Orange tail also has 5 major slopes, along with many smaller slopes in the escarpment.

(Welcome Shack)

(Ski Trail Map)

Dave was courteous enough to take Terry Tichkosky and myself on a Ski doo and sled ride to view the scenic valley. It was like a roller coaster ride and we needed high speeds to get my weighty body to the top of the hills.

(Weighty Harold!)

Terry and I conceded that the whole area was just impressively breathtaking. I can only imagine what it would be like in the summer or fall, with a trickling creek running below. We also had the privilege of watching deer run across an opening. Many local skiers are regular attendants here, and individuals have come to visit from as far away as New Brunswick and Victoria B.C. Many groups, large and small, such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, come here for fund raising purposes.

(All Photos Courtesy Terry Titchkosky)

If you were ever going to apply the term “one tough old Scot" to anyone, then Dave, with his full head of white hair, a beard, and one knee replacement, with another to be scheduled, would definitely qualify. His lifestyle stresses the importance of being fit and doing exercises before knee surgery in order to have a faster post-surgery recovery.
Despite this, Dave continues to maintain these recreational trails mostly by himself. As Dave has stated, “Everyone should have fun and gain skills. "Fresh air is health care, Help yourself!"
So come on out to Shannondale.