Overnight Adventure in Clear Lake

​As we slowly pull up to the curb, both girls napping in the back, Sheena and I breath a sign of relief, we're here. I head inside to check in with Kelly, the happy bartender/receptionist. We then headed through the lodge style lobby/cafe out under the rows of hanging light to our room.
After working most of the day, the 3 hour drive from our house to Clear Lake, in Riding Mountain National Park seemed long but was a good chance to decompress a little. We had decided to take an overnight adventure for some fat tire biking and possibly cross country skiing! But for this evening we wandered into the lake house ready for a glass wine and a relaxing dip in the hot tub.

---

As we opened the door to the room we are greeted with a happy mix of modern and rustic. Ikea furniture mixed in with barn wood bed surrounds and accent wall. A simple kitchen, perfect to give us a place to make some soup and s'mores later and store a few snacks and beverages. Two comfy queen beds sit on the left with a large TV mounted on the wall across. Lucy instantly darts in to explore the bathroom and is thrilled to find some lipstick (actually lip chap but  its all the same to her) sitting next to the handmade lavender soap beside the sink. She obviously tries it out immediately and after which we all, jump into our swim costumes and headed down to the hot tub. What a great way to start our little overnighter.

---

Next morning we're up at the crack of 9 and down for breakfast at 9:30. Lucy and Tilley chomped their way through fresh raspberries and strawberries, toast and muffins. Then wash it down with some orange juice. After a morning walk along the lake front to kick a ball around the skating rink on the lake, we are off to rent fat tire bikes from the Friends of Riding Mountain Learning Center. Forms filled out and waivers signed we get fitted for our bikes and with Tilly and Lucy riding high in their carry back packs we set off for the south lake trail. 

---

As a side note. Although using a child carrier while biking its not the most efficient way to ride, it is, for us, the easiest way to know that we can for sure bike if we are renting. Usually its 50/50 if the rental shop has kids seats and the carriers have been our savior more than once. Just make sure you have a little practice at home before you go off-roading, it does change up your balance a little. 

We peddle beside the cross country ski trail, up and down, through the trees. Lucy lets out excited laughs at the speedy down hills and Tilley is singing away in mumble and shouts like only a one and half year old can. The fresh winter air sweeps past all our faces giving us rosey pink cheeks but no-one is complaining. The riding is fairly easy, meandering left and right, up and down in a relaxed fashion. We stop every so often to snap a picture or to change up the leader until we pop out of the trail. Sheena and I warm from the ride, and both girls asleep from the morning walk and the fresh air. 

---

Late check outs are a god send every time we get them. Today was no different. We had asked to check out at 1 instead of 11 and after riding on a cool winter day, the chance to change cloths and make a warm bowl of soup was amazing. With 1 o'clock around the corner we grab our gear, load into the car and head home. But not before stopping in at the Lake house ice cream shop for a sweet treat and delicious coffee for the drive home. What a great little adventure!

---