Northern Ontario to Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada

We’ve had another tremendous week in Old and Mobile-our new home. I think we are slowly adjusting to life in the trailer, although we do keep adjusting the organization of our belongings still. My goal is to keep getting rid of things as I know we overpacked. It would be good if we can keep the weight down for the sake of the transmission.

After leaving Wawa, we headed to Thunder Bay. Just east of the city, we stopped at Eagle Canyon and walked across the longest suspension bridge in Canada. They also have the longest zip line, but it was unfortunately closed due to Covid. Shortly before entering the city, we stopped at the Terry Fox Memorial. It was a gentle reminder of the good work that Terry has done for this country. Being in schools all of our lives, we have participated in the Terry Fox Run for at least 25 years, if not more. I think we will have to find an event in September.

The purpose of going to the city was to complete a whole bunch of errands like getting our hair done, going to the Optomitrist (broken glasses) and getting an oil change. We stayed at the Courthouse Hotel and parked the trailer in a private spot in their parking lot. I have to tell you, even though the rooms were really nice and the sheets so cuddly, I missed the trailer. I really like the convenience of the small space. Also, I was a bit worried about it all by itself in the city! Fortunately, everything was still present when we packed to leave.

We managed to get most of our errands completed in the city before moving on, but Brent’s hair. Mine looks fabulous - magically- no more grey! Visit our You Tube channel (left tab) for more information on the city and the people that we met.

Just outside of Thunder Bay, we stopped in at Kakabeka Falls. The highest waterfall in Ontario measuring in at 40 m high. It was pretty spectacular. This is my third time crossing Canada, and I can honestly say, I really do not like the drive from Thunder Bay to the Manitoba Boarder. I find it boring; highway and trees. I know there are plenty of lakes beyond those trees and some spectacular fishing I’m sure, but considering I don’t fish a lot, it’s not for me.

We were a little hesitant about getting into Manitoba due to the Covid constrictions. We kept checking the provincial/territory websites on a regular basis and everyone seemed to have lifted their travel bans, except Manitoba was late in the opening. Up until a couple of weeks ago, they were allowing travellers to come through, with the caveat of self-isolating for 14 days. Shortly after, they lifted the self-isolation, but opened up only to travellers from the Western provinces and those coming west of Terrace Bay, Ontario. We thought we’d be okay because we were coming in from that region. To say the least, the crossing was easy and the people have been nothing but gracious. I think people are being pretty good at social distancing and following our new Covid life regardless of where we come from.

The day in Winnipeg was well spent. Brent ran around with Jill doing a couple more errands and I got to go to the Canadian Human Rights Museum. A must stop for all of us. I wanted to see the museum as I know its architecture is world renowned. It did not disappoint. It is so thoughtful in its approach reflecting the historical significance of the Forks area of Winnepeg and the significance of the human experience that many Canadians have endured in the journey of achieving basic rights for all. Some of you may know that I pretty well show my emotions, and I was no different at the museum. I had a good cry with an attendant who directed me to the peace garden located within the museum; a place of reflection and contemplation. I thoroughly appreciate the time I had at the museum. It was very emotional.

On that note, before I end the week, I do encourage you to read The Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga. It is a true story about the death of 7 Indigenous young people in a very short time frame after arriving in Thunder Bay to complete their education. It has many themes including racism and addiction among a very vulnerable community, but as an educator in Ontario, it demonstrated a lack of educational opportunities for our Indigenous Communities that still exist today. It is heart wrenching and mind boggling at the same time.

Now, I find myself at the end of the week in Riding Mountain National Park - more on this next week.

I will finish my week with a nice glass of Malbec and a homemade pizza over a wood campfire.

Till next time, have a good weekend.

A little Crown Royal anyone?