The Burger Family and a Red Paper Clip

From Souris, we took PTH #21 to the Trans-Canada Highway. We had intended to eat at the “Elegant Moose” in Virden, MB, but no moose leaped to the eye, let alone an elegant one. Instead, we found ourselves at an A&W restaurant, where we attracted attention even though we weren’t (for a wonder) doing ANYTHING odd. I can never decide whether passing through really small towns is more like being famous or more like resembling an infamous escaped convict. I mean, sure, heads turn, but no one’s asking for autographs. On the other hand, no one points and then nonchalantly runs for the telephone to call the police, either.



Lunch was tasty but unremarkable, except for the fact that Steven was so hungry he almost ate the poster. Good thing that warning was there!



We left Virden on Provincial Road #257, which crossed into Saskatchewan (Naturally!) and became Provincial Highway #48.





As we only had about 3 gallons of gas in the car, we thought it wise to stop and fill up. Fortunately, we found a Co-Op in Maryfield, SK, which had one pump and full service. The gentleman who helped us was very nice.





As we approached Wawota, we found ourselves in for more road construction: 20 km of dirt and mud. After that, it was smooth sailing into Kipling, SK and its paperclip-lined streets.



Kipling actually has three claims to fame, two of them related: it is the home of bodice-ripper-author Mary Balogh. It is also home to the big Red Paperclip, which is emblematic of its third attraction, the Red Paperclip House.



In 14 trades on the Internet, Kyle MacDonald was able to trade a red paperclip up to a house located in Kipling, SK. The house sits on Main Street and has a little plaque telling the back story.







The Red Paperclip is in nearby Bell Park. Experiments failed to prove whether it is functional as well as attractive.