Preparing for Phase 2

It was good news that we didn't need the black clothes we had packed. But now our temporary medical insurance is running out, and it's time to go back to Canada. The time seems to have gone so fast. We have been visiting family and helping out where we could. And eating way too much. One of our favourite desserts from the Philippines is called "halo-halo". It means "mix, mix" and consists of shaved ice layered with sweet jellies and beans and fruits, all topped with ice cream.

We found a place nearby that sells an amazing one and we've been back most days this last week. The weather has been warm and sunny enough to make the cold treat delightful. I don't know what the weather is like anywhere else right now, but it's still summer in New Jersey.

We also made friends with the family dog. A young black lab with a unique spotted tongue. He kept us from gaining too much weight with the daily walks we gave him. And going with my niece to Zhumba helped with that, too!







So now it's back to the regularly scheduled program, folks. A little bit of time with each of the girls, appointments to be made (and kept this time), and preparing the trailer - and us - for the next phase of our journey: south to New Orleans before the weather gets too wintery.

W

Change in Plans

After 5 flat tires this trip, I figured everyone must be tired of all these pics of hubby changing the flats. So this picture is of the tire we took off the truck east of Marathon, ON. Our last spare is on now, so our fingers are crossed that nothing more happens to our tires before we get back to where the winter tires are kept. Buying new tires is at the top of our "to do" list. On the plus side, we have become very proficient in changing tires! We debated calling Roadside Assistance for this one, now that we are back in civilized country with cell service, but decided that the 45 minute wait for the tow truck wasn't worth it. We changed it ourselves and were back on the road in 30 minutes.

We've always heard the fall colours viewed from the Agawa Canyon Train were lovely. The colours on the way down haven't shown themselves, yet, but the price is right, so we booked the tour. A 7:30 boarding in Sault Ste Marie allowed for a stop at Tim Hortons. Cups in hand, we got on a newly refurbished train car with other folks willing to save a little to see green instead of reds and oranges. We passed many beautiful, good fishing lakes and rugged cliffs and boulders. There was indeed, a little red showing on the tops of some of the trees, so we didn't miss out entirely.
In the canyon itself, we had a 90 minute stop. Hiking trails led out from the train stop, with varying degrees of difficulty. Of course, we started with the 312 step staircase climb to the lookout. Then continued with the treks to 3 waterfalls before finishing with a saunter by the river.

We were lucky to have a lovely day for the view on the train and the trails. Back in the Soo we walked over to the Casino to spend the $30 in slot money we were given as part of the train package. It won us $18.40 - just enough to cover our drinks. Good thing we don't gamble on a regular basis.


We had planned to meander down the road and fit in visits with friends and family before settling down to the job of preparing for the next, southern, portion of our trip. However, we have had bad news from family and are blessed to have the ability at this time in our life to change plans and routes at a moment's notice. So instead of continuing east, when we hit Sudbury we drove south. Quick stops to shed equipment and pick up things we need (like a spare tire and clothes) and we are on our way to New Jersey.

Family comes first, after all.

W

Southern Manitoba

Our visit to northern Manitoba was short, but sweet. Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg are very big, long and narrow. What a difference going to the south! We drove through the Narrows of Lake Manitoba, where the large north lake narrows down to the size of a two lane highway (literally) before widening back out to the south part of the lake. It was a windy day (and with the flat land we drove through - no wonder) and the water even at the narrows was a grey-green colour with whitecaps. Almost immediately, you could see the signs of flooding. We camped on Dauphin Lake, just to the south of Lake Manitoba. The campsite had just opened up the last couple of weeks of August because they had been flooded out 3 times this summer. There was driftwood everywhere.

On the way to the eastern border, we passed an "Historic Site", according to the sign on the highway. Not ones to let such things pass by unnoticed, we pulled into this long, one lane gravel driveway. Thinking of the trailer in back of us, I had suggested we walk in, but after 1.5k down this "road" I was glad hubby just drove in. We eventually came to a wide spot, beside a path. The signs along the path described a "Thunderbird Nest". Another 400 meters down the path there was a sign that asked us to leave a "gift" of cloth or tobacco.

Having nothing with us closer than 400 meters, hubby offered up a pocket from his shirt. Because we were camping, the clothes we brought weren't our best and newest. And obviously, the shirt was sewn on pretty tight. And the rest of the shirt was thin.

The Thunderbird Nest, when we stopped laughing and moved on, was a large circle of stones, built to encourage the good spirit, Thunderbird, to take up residence. If nothing else, it was a good walk for us, and a good reason to get rid of an old shirt.

We camped at Whiteshell Provincial Park on the Labour Day Monday. The campgrounds were quiet, and the gatehouses closed. But it was a nice place to stay for a couple of days. We have friends from the Town of Pinawa, so we wanted to tour the area and, of course, do some fishing.

Coming into Ontario, we decided to aim for the Sleeping Giant provincial park outside of Thunderbay. We were surprised by how far off the main highway we had to drive to get to the park. The peninsula didn't look that big from the mainland! And once on the peninsula, there were so many lakes that we drove around even before we got to the one we were camping on! Again, the campgrounds were quiet. We met a deer going in, who wasn't inclined to move off the road, and a couple of ducks came up from the water to nose around our campsite as we were unloading. These animals are obviously used to people.

This is a shot from our campsite to the end of the peninsula, where the Sleeping Giant lays. With all these tall, rocky cliffs, we must be back to the Canadian Shield. In the morning, we could hear wolves howling and a family of mergansers swam right off shore.

Isn't life beautiful?
W

Northern Saskatchewan

After a great visit with our daughter, haircuts, and an essential re-organization of our trailer, it is time to get back on the road. It is becoming too easy to sit on the couch and watch TV again. We didn't miss it for 4 months, and now that's all we want to do! Addiction comes in many forms.

This was a picture I couldn't resist - our shadow on the fields of Saskatchewan.



We headed north, aiming for Candle Lake Provincial Park. When we got there, it was windy and we camped right on the edge of the lake. The next morning was calm and clear, so the canoe went in and the fishing rods came out. We had supper with what is known up here as "jackfish" - northern pike. After supper we walked down the long, sandy beach and then around by the park roads back to the campsite. The park was mostly empty, the long weekend is still 2 days away. A doe skittered across the road right in front of us, followed by a fawn and then another small deer. A red fox crossed farther up.

The blueberries up here are just coming ripe now. We had blueberry pancakes, and saved a few for another breakfast. Hard to believe we are picking fresh blueberries on the first days of September.

Flin Flon, Manitoba was our next objective. It just sounded like a fun place to go! This was the only picture I could get to prove we actually made it to Flin Flon. I had the camera out and was waiting to see the city limits and city sign to take a picture of it. But I guess we came in the back way, because there was no city sign. Not even a sign to indicate we crossed from Saskatchewan to Manitoba! Just all of a sudden we were driving down main street Flin Flon. We stopped for lunch and to get on the internet at the library - except the library is closed on Saturdays. Obviously, we didn't stay long.

We headed south to The Pas, looking for a campground. Clearwater Provincial Park is just a little north of The Pas, so that is where we stayed. Just an overnight - we have more of Manitoba to see.

W