Monday September 4, 2017

Virginia, Mn. Timber Industry

It is Labor Day but it doesn’t feel like it. When you are traveling for as long as we are, holidays do not have much meaning other than a day to try and avoid crowds. I do not expect that will be a problem for todays drive into Canada. We are not near any busy metropolitan areas and will be even less so as we drive north into the lakes district of Ontario. We drive north towards Canada and the road is very empty. The surrounding area is hilly with wooded areas and not a lot of signs of civilization.

One Big Bluegill

We pass signs for roads that apparently lead to recreation areas although we do not know what type of recreation they may entail. We do pass one sign that points towards Voyageurs National Park which we will save for another trip. It is mostly a water based park with islands and lakes mostly suited to kayak, and canoes. We reach International Falls by the border in time to have lunch and buy a couple of bottles of United States priced wine. We choose the Barajas Mexican grill for lunch and the food is very good with lunch specials running around 7-8 dollars. With food in our bellies and bootleg wine in our vehicle we head towards the border crossing. I am dismayed by the booth at the U.S. border that extorts 7 dollars from us to cross the very tiny bridge over the Rainy River into Canada. It is a New York bridge toll price and I can only imagine who is profiting from this ridiculously overpriced toll. We enter Canada with a simple when was the last time you were in Canada Q & A and a friendly wave through. As soon as we turn west a heavy rainstorm consumes us and we get a free car wash. After 25 miles the rain stops and we head north.

Ontario Lake

Another 30 miles and we enter the watery wonderland of northwestern Ontario. The area is known for its fishing and most civilization we pass consists of fishing lodges and sporadic cabins along the lake shores. The sun is showing but there is a breeze and the temperature is brisk. We know this as we stop at a small wayside to check out a tiny waterfall and the lake beyond it. We wind our way past lake after lake until turning west again towards our destination for tonight, the town of Kenora.

Good Ol’ Husky

Its claim to fame is Husky the Musky which we will go find after we check in. The clouds have rediscovered us and it may rain so we check in at the Natures Inn and unload before we head out. We were going to eat at the local brew pub but we find out it is closed as apparently Labor Day is a holiday in Canada also. We find Husky the Musky and visit him before it rains. Husky is one of those giant road side attractions that I am not sure anyone understands why people are fascinated by it. None the less, we take pictures and then find some food to eat as it starts to rain. The evening is spent relaxing and planning our drive to Winnipeg tomorrow. See you then.