On the Move to Fort Frances.

It seems Ontario is having a very late summer or a very short one. Through the grape vine we are hearing that they have been seeing allot of rain. Very unusual for the area from what I am told.

Luck has been on our side all summer as we have encountered lots of sun most of our trip- more sun than any other summer since being on the road researching Canada.  But again.. we have traveled from Kelowna, British Columbia to Thunder Bay, Ontario this year. And the prairies were smoking hot – remember the big bugs.

Since the weather is looking good we have decided to extend my research season. While Bro finishes up in Thunder Bay I have been sent on the road again to research the Northwest Ontario region.  And why not I say. This morning I was up early, itching to go. I had a quick meet and greet with Bro and said my goodbyes to the gang at Chippewa Park. Good people at Chippewa Park. It was a pleasure to have met them. Look forward to hooking up with them on the return trip!

The sun was coming out. It was going to be a sunshine travel day. No doubt the best type of travel day. Shorts weather is always good weather. Unfortunately my sunglasses will not be joining me on this trip as I lost them in the bush hiking a couple of days ago.

On my way out of Thunder Bay I had one more park on my list – Kakabeka Falls (main photo). So I zigged zagged my way to the parks entrance. The falls were roaring. It was a good day. People were everywhere.  The falls were a popular destination and it should be as it is very well marketed – blasted on signs, brochures and magazines everywhere. Must be the killing they make on the parking fees.

The park had set up a nice boardwalk path system leading to various lookout points fronting the falls. At the top of the falls was a walking bridge crossing the river to the opposite side of the canyon where there were more lookouts and a visitor centre. I spent too long at the falls. But the sound of the crashing water does something to a person. It draws you in. I found my self staring at the falls but my mind was somewhere else in some far off land exploring. No matter how loud the falls are – it somehow calms you down. I believe nature does that to you. It must be the spectacle of it all.

Next destination was Atikokan, Ontario. To get there I wanted to connect to the MOMs Hwy. “Huh”,  that is what I thought. What is this MOMs Hwy? Just the name of it  conjured up images of my wonderful mother. She is very special to us both. But no..  the highway is not about Moms. A sign finally spelled it out for me – Manitoba-Ontario-Minnesota Hwy.

Wildlife Radar on MOMs Hwy near Quetico Park

Atikokan is the Canoe Capital of Canada. The small community is right next door to a very large park – Quetico Provincial Park. The park is a large network of  many lakes connected by portage routes, creeks, wetlands and rivers.  The beauty of the park is that no motorized boats are permitted on most of the lakes. It is all about paddling baby!

It was here, while driving MOMs Hwy near Quetico Park, that my wildlife radar kicked in and I spotted a wolf.  Yah.. no kidding a wolf. I have learned from my travels to always have your camara ready with the right telephoto lens for these exact moments.  I sprung into action. I slowed down, pulled over and grabbed my camara and.. um.. stumbled once.. and then click, click .. photo moment.. got em!

My final destination was Fort Frances. I pulled into town under nightfall. Not big on pulling into a new community when it is dark out because finding roads and campgrounds can be a bit troublesome. So what I usually do is pick the first one I can find. So that is exactly what I did. Nestled in for the night waking up with Fort Frances tomorrow. Should be a good one!