“Komid Aftur” or “Come Again” in Icelandic, is the farewell greeting as you leave Hecla Island Provincial Park. The Island was settled by Icelandic immigrants in 1876. The population thrived for a number of years until faced with the hardships of winters, disease and poor economic outlook for commercial fishing and farming. The only school on the island closed in 1970. The Government of Manitoba designated Hecla Island a provincial park in 1969. The Village of Hecla still has a few permanent residents and tourists are attracted to several heritage houses and museums. It is a wonderful step backwards in time in many ways. Of course everything was closed up tight for winter when we were there so I can’t show you any of the historic buildings. Maybe next time! 11/11/20 www.jmcqueenphoto.com
Before the causeway was built, connecting Hecla Island in Lake Winnipeg to the mainland, there was a ferry that ran once a day, every day. These old posts, still firmly rooted in the ground, are the remains of the old dock used by the ferry. 11/10/20 www.jmcqueenphoto.com
I took so many photos of the dance of water and ice, I just have to share another one…. 11/08/20 www.jmcqueenphoto.com