Ontario Goes On and On

When I finished writing to you on May 11, I had taken Morgan for a walk as planned.  What I didn’t know is that we would be hit with a thunderstorm and a bit of lightening and some rain off and on.  Secretly, I was hoping for a whopping big show, but no luck.  I am guessing that by the time I leave 

Flooded road east of Kenora.

Eastern Canada and the Maritimes I will have experienced at least on big thunder storm.  

May 13

As you know, I have been watching the weather forecasts, radar images, warnings, and an app called Windy.com.  There was a storm brewing and it was supposed to hit Kenora in the afternoon.  I also knew that my biggest winds yet would be heading to Thunder Bay.  I decided to get up at 0530 and head out at 0630.  I am glad that I did.  

I tuned into the local radio and there were rain warnings for north of Kenora, 

Slate River Dairy 

which is where I just left from.  People had been put on alert.  I felt disheartened for Don my host because his field is going to take a lot longer to dry out before he can put any guests there.  

I was lucky with fuel prices.  It was still $1.959 at Vermillion Bay.  I was expecting the prices to be over $2 once I hit Ontario but not today.  

My purchase from the dairy.

I didn’t take too many pictures because all the picnic areas ares till closed.  All the provincial campgrounds are still closed.  I could only stop at little turnouts with no views.  I did luck into one spot that was by a lake and I could take Morgan for a longer walk.  I was also lucky to watch a train thundering down the tracks.  And did I mention how foggy it was today.  It wasn’t until I was more than half way to Thunder Bay did it clear up and warm up. 

For all the flooding I heard about in Manitoba, I did not see the effects of it.  I did however, see what was happening in Western Ontario.  The rivers were raging and the lakes were over flowing.  There are numerous indications of flooded roads by the caution markers and the debris piled on the side.  At one point we had to slowly make our way through a flooded road.  Thank goodness for the transport truck in front of me.  He parted the water so I 

Sunset at Slate River Dairy.

could at least see the center line to follow it.  

I was worried about the Mini behind me but she made it and zoomed past me as soon as she was clear of the water and we had two lanes to use.  

The highway speed in Ontario is 90 kph.  I like it better than 100 or 110.  I get better fuel economy.  

As I neared Thunder Bay and my little side district of Neebing, I witnessed more flooding.  I had to cross a couple of bridges and to be honest, I sped over them because it looked like the water was going to wash out the posts holding them up.  In addition, I felt if it rained again soon, the water would be on the bridge.  There were areas where houses were partially under water.  I felt so bad for the displaced people.  

I arrived at my host place for the night - Slate River Dairy.  It’s a big farm that has their own retail outlet.  The cost to stay was to purchase goods from the store.  I had no problem picking up some farm-fresh eggs, local cheese, kefir, and chocolate milk.  The kefir and milk came in glass bottles so I now have a couple souvenirs.  

I admit, when I arrived I was very tired.  Plus it was 22 degrees Celsius.  It felt 

A lady on the tower at Nipigon.

way too hot for me and for Morgan.  We had a nap in the trailer with the windows open for the breeze to flow through.  One other motor home came in to stay.  

In the evening I planned to take Morgan for a walk and to play fetch with her.  The farm dog showed up and changed the plans.  The two dogs 

Morgan looking up at the lady on the tower.

played in the field until they could hardly walk.  And talking about walking, Morgan was walking very strangely and biting at her but and her paws and rolling.  I thought what the HECK!  I went over to her and realized she was covered in burrs.  Geeeeeez.  I had just groomed her in the afternoon and now had to groom the burrs out of her hair.   Luckily they came out fairly easy with her slicker brush. 

That, folks, is one reason I did not update the blog last night.  

May 14

Neebing to where should I go today?  I couldn’t make up my mind and 

The bridge as seen from part way up the tower..

partly because there was not a lot of places to stay.  We drove the Lake Superior route.  I was told it was the most scenic. As I mentioned earlier the Provincial Parks are closed.  We set out towards Wawa and decided I would drive until I was tired and stay at a private campground or somewhere.  I was not worried.  I knew it would work out.  I also decided to have a leisure day of driving.  I wasn’t driving to keep ahead of weather.  In fact, the weather and wind reports were favourable. 

Morgan and I stopped at Nipigon for a break and to enjoy the view of the bridge.  There was a tower to climb.  I felt confident but I was wondering 

Burrs in Morgan’s feet.

how Morgan would like climbing up and up.  Only one way to find out so we headed up.  Funny thing, Morgan didn’t mind it.  I on the other hand felt weak in the knees.  And when you look at the picture, I could not stand on the over hang part.  I just felt like it was going to fall away.  We did make it to the top but I quickly decided to turn and head back down.

I stopped in Marathon and I was going to treat myself to an iced coffee from Tim Horton’s.  The Universe had a different idea.  Some guy pulling a utility trailer stole my parking spot. I called him a name which I will not repeat here.  Hahahahah.  When we left the town I found a nice little picnic area to have lunch and let Morgan have a play.  It was very relaxing and quiet. Probably much better than Timmy’s.

Driving yesterday and today, all I see is dead grass, deciduous trees with no 

leaves, and very short evergreens.  I try to imagine what it might look like in the fall with all the glorious colours in the trees.  

So here I sit at Wawa RV Resort and Campground.  Next to me is a couple from Calgary pulling a much larger Grand Design with a Ford Pick up truck.  I drive a Ford and I pull a Grand Design too.  There’s is much bigger.  I could fit my trailer inside theirs :) As we got talking I discovered that they stayed at the Cape Lazo Campground in Comox last year.  That’s just 6 kms from 

where I live.  

And here’s something even funnier.  The people camping behind me, Sharon and Steve, they live in Wasaga which is a very short distance from 

where I am headed to pick up my friend Karen.  During the on-season, Karen works at Blue Mountain.  Steve use to work at Blue Mountain.  I will have to introduce them via text so they can meet.  It’s a very small world.

All the people I have been meeting and talking to is the reason why I didn’t cross Canada last year.  For me, crossing Canada meant seeing the country but more importantly meeting the people.  I highly doubt that I would have met so many people last year.  I know from camping in Kelowna that people kept to their space and spoke to you from the edge of the campsite.  This year is much better.  

And yes, it is true.  Ontario goes on and on.  I’ve got another two or three days to get to Karen’s place and then we have a couple days to get to Quebec and then head to Labrador City. 

Wishing you all lots of yummy dark chocolate, great company, and even greater conversation with friends and new friends.  Hugs and Licks from me and Morgan.  

Videos:  Thundering Train

                Morgan Meets Cow

                Driving through flooded highway.