Bonnie here:

     Steve and I revisited the International Friendship Garden in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I love the idea, the flowers, and the monuments which are dedicated to peace and friendship.

From Steve -
Saturday, August 1, 2015

In a Tim Horton's in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Haven't had much luck with Internet at our campgrounds thus far.
Brakes on the camper adjusted before we hit the mountains.
More information and photos to come.
Bonnie's still cute!

     Bonnie here:

     

     Steve and I had an inspiring visit today when we stopped to see the Terry Fox monument  here in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Although Terry Fox already had lost his right leg to cancer, he was determined to complete a 5,300 mile run to raise money for cancer research. He left Newfoundland, Canada on April 12, 1980 and ran 26 miles A DAY through five Canadian provinces. He reached Ontario in June of 1980 completing 3,339 miles when tragically he was forced to give up his run. His cancer had returned.

     This wasn’t the end of the story. People were so inspired by his courage and determination that people donated 24 million dollars in his name for cancer research. Terry Fox was an inspiration in life and continues to be in death. His monument stands near the place he was forced to end his epic run.

     The monument is quite a sight. It depicts all the Canadian provinces and territories and their coats-arms as well as the maple leaf and beaver which are emblems of Canada. It’s beautiful.

     His story is the story of many whom I have known and loved — obviously not the running part, but the story of hope in the face of tough odds. I obviously am not alone in my thoughts. I am glad that Steve and I had the opportunity to see this amazing monument and learn more about this incredible man.

I''m not sure which Steve and I enjoyed more -- listening to this lovely river running by our camper's door last night or seeing a bear lumbering in front (way in front -- no problem!)  of our truck yesterday! Today we are in Thunder Bay, Ontario!

The Golden Highway

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

We were up and on the road by 9:00, sort of back in a routine.

The issue today was road construction.  We had AAA prepare a Trip Tik for us in hopes that they would mark construction sites so we could avoid them.  I guess the process has changed.
We were still able to get in nearly 400 miles, but it took until 6:30 to get it done.

The interesting item today was Val d'Or, which Bonnie thinks must mean Valley of Gold.  There were several huge mines we could see just from the road.  Mines where they have piled up mountains of rock and left holes in the ground.  It would be interesting to return in fifty years to see what the owners had done to correct or replace/replant things!

Bonnie could find no campgrounds on our planned route - at least not fitting our time frame, so we headed for an area where she did find some.  We are still in Quebec, on a nice lake, in a dated campground, with many "happy campers"!

Tomorrow we should spend all day in Ontario.

Granby, Quebec

Tuesday, July 28 -
     Woke up this morning in our beautiful campground in Granby.  Waiting to hear from the local garage about our brake repairs.  More to follow.

We had to move our camper by 1:00, as they had the site booked for this night.   AAA to the rescue, again.  The same poor driver who hauled the camper to the campground yesterday had to move it again, but the garage owner was kind enough to let us park it there until the truck was finished.
At 3:30 it was done and we hit the road to get in as many miles as possible.  Obviously we are behind schedule.

We arrived it St. Jerome, Que. at about 7:00.  Only put in about 150 miles, but we were moving west!

Last Preparation Day - 2015

July 26, 2015 - Waterford, Maine
     Drizzly morning.  We hope to visit family a bit today and then hitch up for an early departure tomorrow for our 2015 return to Alaska.