Dreary forecast prompts Manitobans to cancel weekend camping plans

The soggy,wet weather forecastfor Manitoba's May long weekend has resulted in over100 campsite cancellations.

Earlier in the weekthe numbers looked more promising. Reservations wereup almost 20 per cent for campgrounds in the province for the holiday weekend compared to last year.

Butmost people booked before they learned about the wind and rain expected to hit on Sunday, saidTracy Elbourne of Manitoba Conservation.

• Gloomy weather on the way for May long weekend

"I was wondering if they were going to be down, but actually compared to last year they're up," Elbournesaidof the numbers Friday morning.

We actually have camped in the snow before and we just make the most of it.- Tiffany Klassen

"People are always anxious to get out on that first weekend."

But asof Friday afternoon,140 reservations had been cancelled.

This weekend campers can expect temperatures in the single digits.Monday could see morning showers andsnow.

"They know that May long weekend is often very iffy, in terms of wet or cold," Elbournesaidof Manitoba campers.

"And they are really hard core campers. They love getting out there. This thefirst big weekend of the season and they want to be out there in provincial parks."

Hardcore campers brace for rain, snow

The forecast hasn't deterred the Coombs familyfrom setting up shop at Birds Hill Provincial Park over the weekend.

"We have a big double sleeping bag for me and the boys and my daughter has two mummy bags and my husband has all the sleeping bags in the house on his bed," said Jill Coombs.

The Klassens are also taking their chances in Birds Hill this weekend.

Elbourne saidthose who do want to cancel may face a fee, Peoplewho haven't booked yet still have plenty of opportunity to get out thereas a number of sites still have openings.