June 15-20  We've only been away from home for 12 days, yet it seems like a lifetime.  We so quickly adapted to life on the road.  We try to keep to 300 km a day or less so that we are relaxed and enjoy the journey.  But it isn't always easy.

Over the past few days we have travelled from Renfrew, near Ottawa north west to Thunder Bay. We will be following Rte 17 right into Manitoba.  Along the way we have stopped frequently to enjoy the scenery, and stretch our legs.  The guys have fished from time to time, we have stopped at interesting trading posts, the home of the bear, Winnie, that inspired Winnie the Pooh.

We drove into North Bay to explore the waterfront and picnic.  Lovely spot. Took a bypass around Sudbury and were amazed at how the trees have taken root on the slag piles left from the mines.  Pretty impressive, but kind of miss the impressive black rock that looked like lava flow.  At Sault St. Marie we fulfilled one of our plans and overnighted in a Walmart parking lot.  It was OK.  Could happily do it again if we so desire.  There were 12 rigs with out little on looking a bit like a midget among football players.  Also a few smaller van campers.  

Weather turned interesting coming out of “The Sou” - fog descended on us.  We are now in Lake Superior country and can’t see it.  We have fog on and off all the way to Thunder Bay.  Better than rain.  And it does give a mystical feel to everything.  This is truly spectacular country, stunning rock outcroppings, lakes, rivers, forests.

We visited WaWa and several small towns along the way, taking time to stop and explore or visit their parks, waterfronts or shops.

We visited two open pit amethyst mines and now have a small box of treasures in the rig.  Great experience especially as it was so foggy we could hardly see in front of us.

Our only disappointment is the lack of wildlife.  We are told over and over that we will see deer, moose and bear.  So far we glimpsed one bear.  We think its just too hot.  Strange weather.  Foggy in the mornings, b lue skies bringing hot, hot days.  Summer solstice was a wonderful day.

Have had a few minor breaks or problems - mostly with our refrigeration.  Will get that fixed in Edmonton. Carol and Russ had a squeak that required a labour intensive fix.  Nothing major

I spent the day with a friend in Thunder Bay, and the next day another friend visited us at the campsite.  Nice.  

I have been in touch with Mom every couple of days, She has now seen her new apartment and is quite pleased with it.

Now I have to hit the hay.  More and better posting next time.

Till next time,

Remember if you want to get in touch email me at julie@seacroftpei.com

Julie