Day 15 - We R in Wawa

Before getting underway today, there was something special we wanted to see in Thunder Bay.   It was Norma Jean Cafe.  This was the location of the Big Dog bonus location in Canada from the 2009 Iron Butt Rally.

Our drive today was to take us for the most beside Lake Superior.  Our first stop was at the Terry Fox lookout.  This was dedicated to the runner who set himself the challenge to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research.  Unfortunately his cancer had spread to his lungs and he was forced to cease the Marathon of Hope near Thunder Bay.  Terry's desire to raise funds saw over $24 million raised.





We found a diner for breakfast.  Initially it looked closed but we saw people inside.  Our host was welcoming and very friendly.  Soon there was a a small crowd in the diner.  It seemed that whoever picked up the coffee pot to top up their own coffee, also offered it all around to the other diners.  We got the iPad out to discuss the route once we reach Sault Ste Marie.  One of the others noticed and struck up a conversation about the mapping tools we were using.  We chatted in for some time and exchanged blog addresses.  As we were leaving, we were given some hints for the drive ahead.  All good tips.

View from the Terry Fox Memorial lookout

A turn off at Red Rock looking for a 1,000+ ft boardwalk.  We found it but not what we were looking for - it was only along the foreshore, not out into the lake.  It was here that I offered to drive for a while.  It was my first real drive in Canada.

A break by the lake

On approach to one town, the local police were standing in the middle of the road.  Better pull up.  The officer asked if I had had any alcohol this morning.  Easy - I hadn't.

The road wound it's way beside the lake and over hills.  It was difficult not to take pictures as each vista appeared.  We called into a few of the hamlets to get a feel for the lifestyle.  It became obvious that the winter months were filled with activities of skiing, snowboarding and dog sledding.

Aguasabon Gorge

Clint drove for the last hour and into our stop for the night - Wawa.  There were several motels to choose from.  The one we chose has hanging baskets of petunias and looked very tidy, not the one with the huge goose on the roof.  At ours the room has been recently renovated and has as a quaint feel.