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