
Cheeky little chippers,

stand their ground when you come close!

Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba Canada has a ‘Red Chair Program,’ where two red Adirondack chairs are placed at random, often remote locations throughout the park, encouraging you sit for a spell and soak up the scenery.

The park consists of 1,146 mi² of mostly remote, scenic forest.

It is filled with pristine lakes,

and endless opportunities to soak up the solitary scenery.

Unfortunately we were a bit too early to see the birch leaves turn.

Cheers to you from Riding Mountain National Park~
It looks beautiful! Did you do any swimming in the lake?
My son did and I have photos of him seemingly walking forever into the lake. The water is incredibly clear and he walked out for what seemed like a mile before the water started to get deep. It had extensive shallows but an incredibly deep center. Beautiful park.
Beautiful photos and the chipmunks are adorable! 😊
Thanks much Felicia. I have always had a soft spot for 🐿️🐿️!
Beautiful wilderness shots, Cindy. I love the ‘red chair’ program, it’s brilliant! (pun!) 😉
It is a brilliant program and we found several in quite remote places.
Really awesome!
Thank you!
🙂
Gorgeous! I love chipmunks and squirrels. We have both here in the pacific northwest, but mostly squirrels. A couple of years ago, a chipmunk climbed up the stairs to our second floor landing and stared at us just a few feet away. My lady friend thought it was so cute, and I was laughing at its audacity. We both thought it was begging for food, but now I’m not so sure after reading this post.
They are pretty territorial, but it is really hard to take a territorial chipmunk too seriously 😉
Thanks for those lovely photos, Cindy. I looked up the Riding Mountain National Park and was amazed by its rich history. Grey Owl, a white man adopting native dress and customs lived in this park, which also served as a camp for German POWs during World War II. It is a very beautiful place and offers the kind of recreation that other crowded parks don’t have. Greetings from Fauquier, BC!
I have seen these historical POW/internment camp markers in several places in Canada. It was a history I had never heard of until I came upon the markers. It wasn’t just WWII either. Check this out: https://cdnhistorybits.wordpress.com/2014/08/24/canadian-concentration-camps/
I think we came upon a camp marker in BC and Alberta but I may be mistaken.
Riding Mountain park is simply understated loveliness and one can get far away from the hustle and bustle there. Next year we head back to woods of Quebec! Canada is stunning. And now I am making my own poutine!
There were several internment camps in BC and Alberta, which were for Canadian citizens of Japenese descent. They were robbed of all their possessions and deported from the coast to the Interior out of fear they would join forces with the Japanese invasion forces. A very sad story!
Yes, this was similar to what the US did. The confiscation of property was particularly heinous. There were also internment camps in Canada during WWI for Eastern Europeans. “During Canada’s first national internment operations of 1914–20, 8,579 men, and some women and children, were interned by the Canadian government acting under the authority of the War Measures Act. While most were recent immigrants from the multinational Austro-Hungarian, German and Ottoman empires, some were Canadian-born or naturalized British subjects — most of the civilian internees came from the western Ukrainian regions of Galicia and Bukovyna. Held in 24 receiving stations and internment camps across the country — from Nanaimo, BC to Halifax, NS — these “second class” prisoners of war (POWs) were generally separated from “first class” German and Austrian POWs. Many were transported into the country’s frontier wildernesses and obliged to work for the profit of their jailers. Personal wealth and property was confiscated, not all of which was returned on parole or following the end of the internment operations.” (Canadian Encyclopedia)
I knew nothing about this until I saw the markers in Canada. There were photos of the brutal winters.
Nice pics Cindy. The park looks so peaceful except of course for the Chipmunks!
They don’t actually sing like in the cartoons of yesteryear 😉
Ha!Ha!
Aww! Chip & Dale!😁 Seriously though, how beautiful and serene everything looks.
I also especially loved Simon because he was an intellectual chipmunk and good singer too:
That’s right! How could I forget Simon, Alvin and Theodore! Thanks for the link Cindy!😁
Now the song is in my head!! 😉
Beautiful AND adorable gallery, Cindy! ❤
Awww, thanks much Donna 🐿️
Looks like a delightful place!
It is peaceful and serene.
wonderful, fresh air, love the pictures
So happy you do & cheers to you 🐿️
🙂 Nice photos, and to think I used to shoot those vermin yrs ago for knawing on my well wiring ❗️
They are the personification of cute! Wonderful photos. 🙂
The never cease to utterly charm me!
Too bad they don’t want their portraits …. these are wonderful shots!
I think they know how adorable they are!
😂
Awww… They are absolutely beautiful little creatures. 🙂
I <3 people who <3 🐿️🐿️!
How lovely, Cindy. Love the cute chipmunks. 😍
They are hard to resist aren’t they and have so much attitude for such dinky little dudes! 🐿️
As always, the photos are extraordinary. The Park is really cozy and has a very special history that keeps the memories of a part of the history. Everything is complemented to make your article an exciting story. Regards.
Ahhhhh, meeting people like you is why blogging is such a gift in my life. Thank you.
Beautiful, peaceful country where one can be alone with one’s thoughts and not have to listen to anyone else’s. Thank you.
Amen! You just probably just summed up why I love nature and photograph,y with the added benefit that being in nature and taking photographs shuts down the most annoying thoughts of all, my own. Thank you for your perceptive comment.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to get to spend time in such splendor! I love chipmunks and squirrels and everything else. Nature has all the answers. How kind of them to offer chairs at random to sit a spell and enjoy the view. Just, WOW!!
Nature does have all the answers even if we don’t completely understand, it’s okay, because look around at all the beauty. Red Adirondack chairs supplied for just this purpose and chattering chipmunks tell me what I need to know. Love to you Marlene.
Fabulous photos, Cindy, and I love the chipmunks, especially.
I <3 my friends who <3 🐿️🐿️!
So so beautiful and peaceful! And that chipmunk is very cute 🐿
You know the day is a very good one when a chipmunk decides to hang out with you <3 🐿️
Definitely 😉🐿
<3
How amusing to hear The Chipmunks again – thank you for including that in one of your reponses. I think the Red Chair project sounds marvellous.
I can just imagine how nuts that chipmunk song must have made our parents, but as a kid, it was perfect! <3 😉
Beautiful place! And, of course, I adore the chipmonks! 😉
I <3 my friends who <3 🐿️🐿️!
Very beautiful country Cindy, and the chairs are a great idea, no excuse for not stopping now 😀
Exactly. Sit for awhile. You may even doze off. I did 😉
Love to find those red chairs and sit and enjoy in peace this beautiful surroundings!
Yes, me too! It is so wonderful to find them and they are placed in the most scenic places <3
Stunning scenery and cute chipmunks 💚 I love the idea of the chairs!
It is so clever and so attractive. Canadian parks are just ethereal <3
The chipmunk stripes are so beautiful!
Aren’t they beautiful little creatures! Brave too 🐿️
liebe Cindy, wieder schöne Bilder, danke dafür, möge es dir auch heute gut gehen, Klaus
Du bist ein nachdenklicher und freundlicher Freund Klaus. Danke und Prost!
ich danke sehr
Beautifully photographed critters and landscapes
Thank you Derrick & cheers my friend 🐿️
Hurrah to Canada for setting aside these square miles as a park. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos with all of us. I often encounter chipmunks during the summer months (both on Cape Cod and in upstate New York), but I don’t ever get the closeup view that your photos capture so well. And I enjoyed the comments following your post almost as much as he post itself. I agree that “Nature does have all the answers even if we don’t completely understand…” Now let’s sit down in one of those red chairs! Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
Exactly, those chairs are red so you’ll find them, set in serene and beautiful spots, and they definitely lower your blood pressure when you sit, and even nap, in them! Your comment was thoughtful, kind and most appreciated. Be well & thank you 🐿️
Gosh, Cindy, I had never even heard of this park in Manitoba, and it is now on my bucket list. We must go to Canada if at all possible. How wonderful for the red chairs – they must know how much I’ll need to stop and rest! Thank you as always for your awe-inspiring pictures.
The red chairs idea is clever isn’t it. They are so fun to find and they stand out and look lovely the the lush forests. I do hope you and Pretty go to Canada <3
What a beautiful, serene park. Love your little chipmunk pictures. We have them running around our house and they’re so adorable!
Oh lucky you! We don’t have them at The Holler, but there are in the local mountains. It is always a treat to see them. They make me smile. Cheers to you Linda <3
Really enjoyed these crisp photos and learning about Riding Mountain NP, Cindy. This is a NP of which I am not familiar, so I looked it up and it sounds wonderful. Thanks so much.
Riding Mountain is unique and lovely. It was full of flowers which I will post next. Happy you enjoyed my friend and thank you <3
Gorgeous scenery – I’d never heard of this park, but it’s a place to be visited!
It is beautiful and spacious, open and unpopulated, meaning room to breathe & relax. The people are welcoming and nice too.
Thank you! It is truly a lovely place for a relaxing vacation <3
Manitoba often gets overlooked in our country as a destination to visit. Love that you have highlighted a bit of this beautiful province!
It really is special and wonderful isn’t it. Canada just is overflowing with natural beauty <3
Why thank you! We Canadians certainly think so!
I have had for years a chipmunk and was a wonderful animal.
How wonderful! We don’t have them at The Holler so I love seeing them 🐿️
Wonderful place and so cute chipmunks! 🙂 Bye a have a great autumn. K
Happy Autumn to you Kamila & thank you 🐿️
Aww, I love the first two pictures! Nice job Cindy.
Thank you Charlotte & have a wonderful day my friend 🐿️
Beautiful pictures !
Merci beaucoup.
Cindy, thank you for these lovely photographs!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here are more lovely photographs from Cindy Knoke!
Thank you for your kindness Charles & be well my friend 🐿️
What a beautiful setting Cindy! And I love how the park places the chairs to encourage savoring the experience. Cheers to cheeky chipmunks! 🙂
“Cheers to the cheeky chipmunks!” Perfect Brad & cheers to you my friend 🐿️
Thank you Cindy. Your cheeky adventures give me vicarious thrills and joy.
I remember drinking water directly from the lake during my childhood living in Northern Manitoba. The lakes were pristine at that time! The water was very cold! I remember swimming when there was still ice on the lakes! We were brave souls! Couldn’t imagine doing that now! Yikes!
How wonderful those days must have been. My son swam in the lakes but it was warm and there was no ice. They still seem pristine to me compared to the lower 48, so crystal clear and beautiful.
Incredible scenery one can soak up in those red chairs. It is quite a lovely area and those chipmunks, wow! So little and so beautiful! Lovely post Cindy and amazing photographs!
You are a thoughtful and much appreciated Francisco. Thank you 🐿️
Thank you Cindy so much! I truly appreciate words
<3
Are those white birches in your last photo, Cindy? We had one when I was a kid, but it’s long gone (and I miss it). So much beauty here. The chipmunks are all over one of our golf courses — they’re fast little critters!!
I thought they were Aspen. Are they birches? Whatever they are, they are beautiful.
You’re probably right. It’s just that its white bark reminds me so much of a white birch. Might they be related??
Actually, I think you are the one who is right. I googled it. Apparently birch trunks peel and aspens don’t. These trunks look like are peeling so I think you are right and they are birch. Maybe someone who knows trees better will confirm this for us. Thank you pointing this out.
Whatever they are, they’re stunning, and I loved seeing them thru your lens, Cindy!
Those chipmunks are so cute and I think they know it. We use to have one in our backyard and we named him Napoleon.
Leslie xoxo
That is such a good name for a dinky dude with ‘tude 😉
He had “tude” alright Cindy, but very cute.
Leslie xoxo
<3
Love those red chairs. They have me wanting to plop down and just admire the view.
Exactly and they are so pretty too.
I love that “Red Chair Program.” What a great idea and sweet rest for visitors. 🙂
Yes, it is a great idea and it’s lots of fun when you are in some random pretty place hiking and you find them.
Love the chippers, Cindy, and I adore the idea of the red chairs made available for those who want to contemplate in a leisure setting.
The red chair idea is great isn’t it, and it makes photos look nice too! Cheers to you Terri~
Wonderful photos
Grazie mille 🐿️
Paradise found! What a beautiful place to visit! 🙂
It has a serene and peaceful quality <3
What a beautiful place to visit and the chipmunks look so cute, Cindy 😀
I think chipmunks might sense that lots of humans find them charming 🐿️
The chipmunks are delightful and beautifully photographed. Glad they are at ease near people. Have heard that Siberian chipmunks are also mellow. My only experience is with the high-strung chipmunks in NE US. They chirp loudly and run away, but they are cute while still in sight, which is not for long.
Your comment makes me smile my friend. I love your high strung NE chipmunks. I actually can relate to them <3
Beautiful and I love chipmunks.
Of course you do, which is one of the reasons I love you.
Very cute pictures of chipmunk. The view of the lake is so nice too.
Honestly, considering all the years we have known each other here in blogdom, it is an honor to be your friend.
Be well.
<3
I love how you are still taking these beautiful pictures. I hope all is well on your side of the world.
It is such a joy reconnect with you Annette. <3
Yes!
<3
A beautiful place & love the chipmunk close up!
Just seeing the forest of birch might be enough! The red chair placements are a grand idea, too. I wonder if the chipmunks ever have a go at them…
I wonder the exact same thing. I bet they they do 🐿️
The chipmunks look so cute. 🙂
They are beautiful little critters aren’t they! 🐿️
🙂
Your photography skills are fantastic Cindy, so colourful and beautifully photographed, not only that but the background is vibrant and shows a wonderful panorama, a beautiful post.
So thoughtful and so appreciated. Thank you my friend & cheers to you!
☺
So sweet, it looks lovely there, Cindy.
Have a good weekend! xx
You too Ally & thanks my friend <3
Thank you, Cindy!
<3
So relaxing to step into these pictures and just be.
I love the chipmunks. They are so inquisitive, and
so busy, yet they always have time to stop and
chitter for a minute. Your photos are just spectacular
and your comments enhance even the perfect.
Awwww, this is such a lovely comment. Thank you! And I agree with you completely about chipmunks. They are incredibly entertaining to watch <3 🐿️
Even though chipmunks can be invasive, they are the cutest little things.
They are cute little critters! 🐿️
This looks really like paradise, Cindy. Beside the Chipmunks. LoL i think they are good for some trouble. Thank you for sharing another wonderful images, and have a beautiful weekend! Michael
Laughing…..Thanks much Michael and have a wonderful weekend my friend!
You too Cindy! 🙂
<3
Beautiful pics
Grazie mille Lisa <3
OH, that red chair program is the best idea….with such arms, there’s room for both chipper chipies and humans taking time to chat with the natural world
Beautiful post
I was kinda bummed I didn’t see any chippers on the chairs. That would have made a great shot and title. I once photographed chickenz on Adirondack chairs in Rarotonga. Loved the shot. People said, “Oh, nice chickens. Do you just let them wander all over your yard?” Laughing…..If I had chickens I probably would.
Smiling? C’mon. That second one is deep in introspective thought. Thank goodness we have pikas here in Colorado.
Laughing…. Pikas are soo cute! I have only seen them a couple of time.
What a beautiful place. Lovely captures of the chipmunks! So cute!
Alison
You live in a gorgeous place Alison <3
Yes I do 🙂
also einfach nur genießen, ok? Klaus von der Müritz
Ich werde dir danken. Prost Klaus!
vielen dank
<3 <3
vielen dank
<3
Beautiful place, Cindy, and I LOVE the red chair idea. Definitely a place you would want to sit.
Thanks Mary. I love the concept too <3
Stunning parkland, and a wonderful home for those sweet as sugar chipmunks.
Cindy, I’ve never see a chipmunk in person. Squirrels aplenty, chipmunks, not.
Raccoons… well I do live in the Raccoon Capitol of the World (dubious honour)
Now skunks, there’s a cute animal …… to avoid. LOL!
We need to go glamping Resa and introduce you to some chippers! You are sure to love them 🐿️ <3
Nice shots and words 👍
Thank you!
There is an amazing similarity to the marshes in the Canadian Maritimes! Love the “chippers” too 😊.
Yes. I saw that clearly in your photos. They are beautiful.
The Red Chair Program – what a great idea to encourage visitors to just stop for a while and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the park! And I didn’t know the name of the chairs is Adirondack even though I’ve always liked the design. Thanks for that as well as the gorgeous photographs as always, Cindy!
It always makes me happy to hear from you Halim. Hope all well with you my friend.
I like the red chair, randomly placed, concept. – Oscar
I do too. Finding them is quite fun.
I enjoyed seeing the chipmunks up close and personal. Of course I was reminded of naughty Alvin and his sidekicks. Nature’s color palette is spectacular in the park photos. I also like the Red Chair program.
Thank you Liz! Canada does so many things so well and their parks are some of the best examples of this.
From your photographs, the park looks undisturbed by the human activities that take place in it.
It is so big and so much of it is remote. I remember Canadian campgrounds as a kid and how surprised I was by the difference from the US. The campsites were set up so you couldn’t see the next door campsite. What a concept!
Now, that’s a concept I fully embrace!
<3
Seeing my first ever chipmunks in New England about… er… 3 decades ago was one of those significant wildlife experiences that stays in the mind. Sad but true!
Seeing any species that is not endemic to where you live is always a thrill. Did I tell you about the lady in S. Africa who was rather dismissive of my thrill at seeing the crocodiles? She sniffed, “Well, they are quite common.”
I replied, “Not in California,” and proceeded to takes tons of photos of them in the river.
The memory is still a thrill.
What a fabulous place to soak up nature and study those dear little creatures! Cheers. x
They are pretty darn cute aren’t they. I think they know it!
We took a train ride in Jim Thorpe, PA. A little early for the leaves too, but we did see a couple of ‘red’ ones. It used to be coal country with most of the trees gone. A gal on the train said most of the trees we were seeing were new growth of about forty/ fifty years at least on either side of the train.
Lots of mountains and lakes, but we didn’t get to the lakes.
I’ve got some chipmunks or (smaller) voles in my yard. I can’t get up near close enough for a photo they are quick!
That train ride sounds like a fun adventure. I will miss the leaves turning this year which is sad, except for a couple in my yard. Cheers & Happy Fall to you Jules <3
I’ve got relative who have different seasons… they never see the fall leaves change. Palm trees just shed and the city has to come and collect the dead fronds.
This is why I wouldn’t want to live in the tropics.
It is all in what one is used too. 🙂
This is true about so many things.
Your photography never disappoints Cindy. I couldn’t help but smile at the pictures of the chipmunks, they’re so darn cute! The scenery is spectacular. I hope you are doing well. ~Steph
Thank you Steph. Much appreciated. All is well here. Thanks so much for stopping by <3
You’re welcome Cindy. This summer I traveled a bit and couldn’t help but think of you while I was hiking a mountain out in Utah. I was on a retreat for blind and visually impaired women and as I soaked in the environment around me I felt so free and lighthearted. The scenery was so beautiful and memories of your adventures flitted through my mind. You are so fortunate to be an adventurer and now that I’ve got a small sampling of what it’s like I hope to expand beyond my comfort zone.
Oh your makes me happy! How wonderful you did this and I am so so pleased you will continue it. I have been aware that I calmest when I am in the wilderness and happiest when I am around wild creatures. It makes me very feel wonderful to think of your hiking in gorgeous Utah and I do hope you continue to explore. Love to you & happy wandering <3
Let’s hear it for the red chair program and for Cindy’s photos! Fabulous!
Smiling…I love my blogging buddies <3
The feeling is mutual. ❤️
<3
So adorable Cindy ☺️🐿 🏞 and beautiful have another creative day ~ smiles Hedy ☺️
So kind of you Hedy & cheers my friend <3
oh, wie schön, hab eine gute Woche mit schönen Momenten, Klaus
Danke mein Freund. Du auch ~
vielen Dank
<3
ist ja nett, mache es gut
<3 <3
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Pictures by Cindy Knoke of Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba.
You are the most thoughtful friend. Thank you & cheers to you <3
We lived in Dauphin, Manitoba for a few years. It’s just a few kilometers from Riding Mountain Park. We loved the hiking trails, and having picnics surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. I’m glad you got to visit it, and post some great pictures. I love the Red Chair project!
Lucky you! I was just at your blog admiring your gorgeous photos of Nova Scotia.
The red chair program is a wonderful idea. I wish that other parks would implement it.
I agree. It made finding them a joy. Cheers to you Sheryl <3
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
At the end of the day, I do enjoy sitting quietly and my preference is to have a beautiful view in front of me.. not always possible. However, you only have to pop over to Cindy Knoke’s blog to enjoy a wonderful collection of images, including these from Riding Mountain National Park.. with some adorable chipmunks. “Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba Canada has a ‘Red Chair Program,’ where two red Adirondack chairs are placed at random, often remote locations throughout the park, encouraging you sit for a spell and soak up the scenery” perfect
I hope you do know, the greatest thing about blogging for me, is getting to interact with creative talents like yourself. I wouldn’t likely be able to meet you Sally, in the grocery line.
Thanks Cindy.. and I certainly would not be able to see half the wonders in the world without your photography… ♥
I love traveling with you Sally.
Loved the photo story and the ‘red chairs’. Thanks for spotlighting my beautiful country. <3
Beautiful country, beautiful people. I’m coming back next year Canada!
Do let me know if you’re passing by my parts! Toronto, Ontario <3
I will and I would love to meet you <3
Ditto my friend!!!!! I’d love it! <3
<3 <3
Oh, how beautiful, Cindy. I love the Chipmunks. xxx
Thank you. They are adorable aren’t they.
I always love to see chairs and benches situated in natural areas to give us the hint to hey, take a few minutes to soak in the beauty.
Exactly. Sit down and feel your cares melt away….
Those little guys are so cute, Cindy! And the park is marvelous! Such solitude of beauty in nature, wonderful! 😊
Thank you Felipe and have a peaceful week my friend.
You too, Cindy, all the best 😊
<3 <3
Ah love the cheeky fellas! Beautiful pictures.
Thanks much my friend & cheers to you <3
Reblogged this on Echoes in the Mist.
I am lucky to know you Sharon. Thank you.
Looks like a fascinating forest and place to explore and what a wonderful clever idea to put the two red chairs in remote locations. After a long hike or walk they would be a most welcomed addition for seniors like me. 🙂
Cindy, the above comment is mine also. As I explained before in your most recent post I had some trouble with my log in profile not working right and had to update or correct it. Sorry for the confusion. 🙂
No worries and sorry you are experiences glitches with your log in.
Yes, the red chair program in creative and clever. Thanks for stopping by & be well.
I’d love to sit in one of those red chairs! Lovely post, Cindy.
I wish we could beam over now and sit together!
Great chipmunk shots!
Thank you, they are ridiculously photogenic.
So many comments! I like the chair idea also, beautiful park, and your pics were so clear ! Well done
Thank you very much & lovely to meet you!
Chipmunks are the cutes. Lovely photos
They are “the cutes,” and I love this phrase.
Bonjour mon Amie CINDY IL EST BEAU CE PETIT ECUREUIL
https://i.postimg.cc/j2jPjJKb/bonne-journee-181.jpg
S’il existe un sentiment
Qui n’est pas toujours perçu a sa juste valeur
C’est bien de s’être connu par les liens du net
Sur WordPress
Ce sentiment est sincère et profond
Nos écris nous redonnent souvent de l’espoir quand la vie est difficile
Quand tout est dans un climat de respect et d’honnêteté
Voila donc pourquoi
Jouir d’une personne comme toi
Et un très beau cadeau et un immense privilège
Que rien au monde ne serait remplacer
Je te souhaite une belle et agréable journée ou soirée
Amitiés de la Franche-Comté
Bisous.
Bernard
Merci beaucoup mon ami Bernard.
They are so cute😍
They are adorable creatures aren’t they, and not above telling a big human off for sitting too near their nest!
Pingback: The Smiling Chipmunks of Riding Mountain~ — – Rexton digital
Grazie mille~
I love it 🙂 😎
Thank you ♡´・ᴗ・`♡