10/1/2014

We enjoyed having a shorter drive today about 280k. Overcast with some light mist. More northern granite visible as we drove northwest. It was quite hilly again today. 14 Deg C. Not sure we will dip our toe in Lake Superior….

We are staying the night in Fort William Historical Park just outside of the “inland headquarters” of the North West Co. It’s a reconstructed fort beside the Kaministiquia River. ( www.fwhp.ca) Our site is great compared to yesterdays. Last night was basically a roadside camp with 14 sites with the feel of redneck and hunters. Couldn’t get the Wi Fi to work, only 15 amp service, so we considerably drained the house batteries as they weren’t being charged by the lower amperage as normal is 30 amps. Tripped the power in the morning with too much power being used, public washrooms/showers were less than desirable and on it went. For under $20 (1/2 price as we joined a travel club) – you get what you pay for. Websites and books don’t tell the whole story. Live and learn…..which we are!

Visited the Terry Fox monument where his run across Canada ended over 33 years ago. It overlooks Thunder Bay and The Sleeping Giant (see pic). Off to Kakabeka Falls tomorrow about 20-30k then over to Dryden area.

Fins up!

Kathy thinking about going in one of the big canoes.

Jazz and her buddy with the Sleeping Giant in the background

09/30/14   

OK, we’ll stop counting the days after today.

Today was a superb day, with bright sunshine and colours all around. The strongest mix of colours (orange/yellow/red/green) was near the Soo and soon after there were varied shades of green from evergreens with rich gold colours from the deciduous trees intermingled. Trees continued to become more sparse and shorter as we headed north to Wawa then on to Marathon, were we are spending the night 20 km’s north of it. We are 270 km’s east of Thunder Bay. 20 deg C when we arrived late afternoon.

We both shared driving duties again today, and for those that know us best, Kathy’s “passenger” mannerisms subsided a bit, but she prefers the control feel with the steering wheel in HER hand. We continue to “adjust” to life on the road.

Today, was quite windy and full of fairly steep roads to ascend and descend, and we went with the flow of the steady stream of truckers using this only northern route. Thank goodness there are extra passing lanes every 10 km’s or so, so the slower traffic can keep right.

Jazz thinks she has died and gone to heaven as she was given a doggie treat at a gas station and also given one when we checked into the camp grounds. She is adjusting to the RV as well, preferring to by right up with us between the cab seats.

Speaking of gas, and I’m not going to speak about it again, we got close to empty today and put in 175 litres at 1.41 per. You do the math; I left my calculator at home! CPC Pumps (my former employer) needs to ramp up production on a couple more petroleum pumps to keep up with this new demand on gasoline. Paul, start ordering the components!!

The first few days have been busy, but we have a goal to be in Banff next Wednesday, October 8^th to spend about 6 nights in that area. We’re just trying to keep ahead of ‘ol man winter. The trek will be broken up by a 3 night stay this weekend in Grenfell, SK with good friends (from Burlington) that will be back visiting their home town as we pass through. Supposedly, we are going to learn a bit about life in the Prairies. Clearly, time will tell!

Off to Thunder Bay tomorrow where we’ll spend the night. It will be a much shorter driving day to allow some exploring time.

That’s it from the perch today.

A good first day on the road. 600 km’s (it will be one of our biggest distance days for the next 7 months) Arrived at Lake Lauzon Resort at about 4:30 pm which is 160 km’s east of Sault Ste Marie.
Parked right beside the lake, but cool and raining a bit. The 10 deg weather now is a far cry from the mid 20’s we had the past week.

We took “the rig” out for a two night practice session staying at Rockwood Conservation Area. Located at the north end of Guelph line and Hwy 7. For those that have never been there, it is a local gem with a beautiful lake on the Eramosa River. Once in the park, you would think that you are in Algonquin Park. about 40 minutes from Burlington, check it out sometime.

It was a good couple of days learning about all the “house on wheels”. It’s quite amazing how they pack so many features into it from generator, water pump, HW heater, furnace, A/C, TV’s, 12 speaker stereo (throughout), clip on BBQ,  and plenty of storage nooks.

Everything went well and we’re ready to hit the road full time!

PS: We enjoyed having a campfire one night (on our anniversary eve).