The hardest part of the trip is conquered.
Barely. But let’s start from the beginning.
After leaving Killbear intact and no bear attacks, we headed on to Sudbury to find the “Big Nickel”. I’ll leave out the details of just how hard the ground is. But it’s really hard. Harder than I remember.
Anyway, as we entered the area, my partners-in-crime succumbed to slumber and I had no one to take any pictures of this really neat-o bridge that apparently was built just for the animals.
Stock photo as such:
I think there is even a Starbucks for deer on there. Swank.
From the approach, this neat little thing showed up on the skyline:
Dubbed the Inco Superstack, its supposedly one of the tallest chimneys in the western hemisphere. Apparently it is built so big to help the environment. Bigger equals safer when pouring gallons of toxins into the atmosphere I surmise.
We arrived at Tim Horton’s for a morning snack. Those who know me, know that I do not enjoy the service or pretty much anything about Timmie’s. However, when travelling to various parts of Canada it is indeed a necessary evil. More evil than tall chimneys.
After waiting 15 minutes for 3 burnt and buttered bagels, we trekked up the hill to find our goal. The Big Nickel, built to represent the Nickel Mining Industry of the North.
It was legitimately pretty neat. Of course, I’m kinda nerdy like that. It is supported by Science North, an interactive science museum not unlike the Ontario Science Centre in T.O. We didn’t go. Why? It’s a hive for germy germs. Maybe not as bad as the one in Toronto, but still. Ew.
After which, we started travelling westish and decided to stop in at one of the many local outposts to support our neighbouring aboriginals.
First one appeared to be an authentic trading post with a Wendy’s and Tim Horton’s partnered up in the same plaza. Lots of white people running it though and lots of stuff made in India. That’s close to Canada right? Maybe not so authentic.
The second one had a teepee out front. That’s better.
After disappointing the First Nations with our lack of souvenir budget, we were back on the road.
Many long hours and we arrived at a number of majestic lookouts, proving that Canada is the most beautiful place on earth.
On the edge of the largest of the great lakes where we dipped our feet. (Clearly by the picture you can tell we were upside down).
From the minute we left Sudbury to the minute we got to Thunder Bay, the drive was a glorious dream. Words can’t describe. Also, I didn’t realize that Ontario hosted so many rolling mountains along the top coast of Lake Superior. It really made the long drive this far worth it.
While Kathy was disappointed in the lack of wildlife, Starbucks and Pokémon, I was praying for no wildlife, Starbucks or Pokémon.
What didn’t make it worth it was the length of time. Especially with a sore back and hip (see previous mention of hard ground). We arrived in Thunder Bay at our sketchbag motel after 16 hours.
The same sketch bag motel that told us it would be $69 for the night and ended up being $100. The crackheads and hookers 2 doors down seemed nice though. We were too tired to care and there were no bedbugs.
Our van Sylvia wasn’t plundered in the night, so I guess it wasn’t too bad.
See you tomorrow… maybe.
Notes:
- Remember to bring a sweater in July when travelling in Northern Ontario
- Once you leave civilization (ie. the 401) Ontario is gorgeous.
- Ontario has mountains.
- Ontario is frickin’ huge.
- Our kids are pretty good. 16 hours and no real blowouts.
- A&W and Tim Horton’s servers are no better in the north. Ugh.
- Ontarians aren’t particularly friendly.