Visit of the Manitoba Legislative building. It should be empty at
this
time of the year.
We parked at the back of the Legislature.
Between the Legislature
and the Assiniboine river there is this nice park with many cement
polar bears that were painted by local artist. Here are a few of
those
bears.
Louis Riel was a major player in the creation of the province of
Manitoba.
The Assiniboine river, again you cannot use the riverbank trail system.
The Manitoba Legislature.
Notice the statue at the top?
The guide who gave us the tour explained the story behind this
statue. The building is famous for
the Golden Boy, a gold covered bronze statue based on the style of the
Roman god Mercury or the Greek god Hermes at the top of the cupola,
or domed ceiling. The Legislature
was built between 1913 and 1920. It took that long to built
because of the war. The
statue was build in Europe and on the way to North America, the boat
that was carrying it was used by the Navy to carry supplies between
North America and Europe. The statue was left in the cargo hold
as
ballast. The statue went four or five times across the
ocean. It
still made it to Winnipeg after the war. Lucky statue!
Taken from Wikipedia...
"Manitoba's Legislative chamber is
unique amongst Provincial Legislatures in that the members' benches are
grouped in a horseshoe shape".
Again, from Wikipedia...
"The Pool of the Black Star is the
room
below the Rotunda with four entrances and marked by 3 steps forming a
circumference of the room. The room is a perfect circle with a radius
of 27 feet (8.2 m), and the number 27 is the cube of 3 in
geometry. Carved in marble on the floor is an 8 pointed star. Directly
above in alignment with the Pool of the Black Star is the dome of the
building on which the Golden Boy is mounted. The alignment of the two
markers is one degree off the longitudinal center of Canada (N 49°
46.054 W 096° 48.583)".
The design of the building allows sounds
and harmonics from all over the building to be caught, distorted, and
magnified in the circular room at the star. The design of the
Pool is
so perfect that when you stand at the center of the star and speak, you
can hear your own echo returning to you from all directions equally".
Looking strait above the star.
Yes, we did try and stood in the center of the star and it is weird to
hear you voice coming from all directions.
The architects had ordered that the two bison faced each other.
One of
the molds got broken so the foundry made just the one looking to the
left. When the architect saw this, he went crazy, but a
representative of the government came up with this explanation to calm
him down. "Bison don't look at
each other unless they want to
fight, in the prairies bison follow each other". So the
architect
calmed down and believed him.
After the Legislature, we went to see an outdoor show of the Winnipeg
Fringe Festival.
The structure you see is for a foot bride across the Red river.
It has an Italian restaurant in the middle!
Had to go to Saint-Boniface and see the tomb of Louis Riel.
This is the house of the Riel family, where Louis Riel was laid in
state after he was hung.
The house was used by the family until 1969.
Saturday July 17, 2010
Little bit of grocery shopping and a relaxed
day.
Me, trying to catch up with the web pages.
Sunday July 18, 2010
Another easy day.
Across from the campground there is a water park and let me tell you,
it was busy.
Me trying to look athletic.
Corn on the cub for supper, hummm!
Michèle spent the evening beating me at the game of Racko.
Tomorrow we move...
Monday
July 19, 2010
We leave Winnipeg behind us and drive east toward Ontario and the Lake
Of
The Woods area.
Just east of the city we drove over one of the flood canals for the Red
river.
Again very little construction. Very nice roads.
The more we go east, the more we see trees. Still flat land, but
soon to
change.
Here we are on the Canadian Shield.
Feels like home, trees, rocks and mountains.
Welcome to Ontario.
Right after Kenora, we decided to take highway 71 and go by the town of
Fort Frances on our way to Thunder Bay.
Well, we made it to Sioux Narrows. A small village in cottage
country
of Lake of the Woods.
We stopped at the info center and got information on local campgrounds.
The provincial park cannot take camper taller then 11 feet, we are 12.
They charge $36 (plus a pass) for just power sites at the Provincial
park WOW!
So we stayed at the next best thing, Tomahawk Resort where for 2
nights,
taxes included, cost just over $100.00.
We notice that as we move
east, it costs more and more.
Our $50 a night site. Full service, but still?
They had a nice little beach.
A marina.
Even a deer went through the campground.
Michèle at the little gazebo on the lake.
Most of the sites are for seasonal campers.
Very well maintained campground.
Evening just relaxing.
We plan on doing some hiking tomorrow.
Tuesday
July 20,
2010
Well' let me tell you about our hiking...
Not happening!
We went to Sioux Narrows Provincial park.
We were told that because of
the
heavy rain they had in the pass week, most of the trails were still
flooded.
Back to the campground!
Had to try the slide.
The lake is very warm by Cold Lake standard.
We had a nice little walk around the Resort and
took some pictures of the place in the evening.
Michèle looking for monsters?
We haven't had a fire in a long while. Tonight is the night.
Free fire wood... I hope so, for $50 a night!
Nothing like an old washing machine tub fireplace for a romantic
evening!
Me just being happy!
Lake of the Woods is a great place.
We will
come back and spend more time here for sure.
Wednesday
July 21, 2010
Time to move again.
Driving south on 71. We came to the
metropolis of Nestor Falls.
This is even more cottage
country. All you can see is water and boat dealers.
Had to stop and take pictures of the falls.
Some of the lakes we could not even pronounce the names.
OK, here is another question, we know the answer this time, but do
you?
I will answer below.
What are those things?
We were told there is lots of moose at night here.
The picture below should answer the question.
The rollers are for the
trucks to drive through and it will push the logs back in place in
the truck.
So far the road in Ontario are just beautiful.
There is some bad stretches, but they are few and far in between.
Michèle had to be quick to take this picture of
a homemade goal tender on a rock.
This is the first time we see this.
Coming into Fort Frances.
After Fort Frances we came to the watershed line.
This picture is looking west, where we came from.
And this one looking east.
Our home and transportation.
We had made reservation online from July 23 until the 28 at the KOA of
Thunder Bay.
A long day driving for us today, a 500 kilometers drive is a lot.
Pictures of our campsite tomorrow.
Thursday
July 22, 2010
Here are some pictures of our campsite at
KOA.
Site 133.
A little crowded by our Cold Lake standard but...
We are right next to the Trans-Canada highway.
Very noisy with all the trucks.
Today, we took a drive to Thunder Bay. Just to have a look and
get
information.
We have never seen so many churches...
Me with my new haircut.
Back at the KOA.
Again trying to catch up with the web page.
I think I am now!
While Denis is working... Michèle is...
Again, a nice raclette.
Life is Good!
We do not know what we are doing tomorrow...
Friday
July 23, 2010
It looks like hiking in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park today.
First a mandatory stop at the monument for a great young man, Terry Fox.
I remember seeing him on TV.
What a man.
Nothing more to add.
A view from the Terry Fox Memorial.
If you look closely, you can see a giant sleeping!
If you do not see him, let me help you.
His head is just a little off center to the left, nose almost center,
get it?
It is a Provincial Park.
A view towards Thunder Bay.
Kakabeka Falls.
The second highest falls in Ontario at 40 meters.
Some more views.
Look at my hair!
We hiked the Little Falls trail. It was nice, but some warm.
We are not used to this humidity.
The Little Falls.
On our way back.
A good day, we were sure we would be rained on,
but hey, we are good people and it did not rained on us.
If you drive by Kakabeka Falls, you must stop and have a look.
Saturday
July 24,
2010
Warm day today. We went for a bike ride at the Boulevard Lake
Park.
Went around the perimeter of the park at a leisurely pace.
First, I had to put the bikes together.
Michèle's was easy, it is a folding bike, but mine took a little longer.
Because we carry my bike on the back seat, I have to take both wheels
off.
Nice ride, very nice park.
First time we see this, a golf course for frisbee. What a good idea.
Official picture.
I biked home from the park, a 10 km ride. Nice ride!
The moon came out later on, but the picture is not exactly what it
looks
like...
See you tomorrow...
Sunday
July 25, 2010
A good breakfast... Bacon and eggs.
No, I am not naked under this apron.
Spent the day at home, just doing easy stuff.
It is a warm +31 today.
Michèle watched a movie in the bedroom.
Here is what she was looking at.
Life is good on the road...
Monday
July 26, 2010
Another warm day ahead. Forecast of +30.
We are going to the Fort William Historical Park.
The Welcome center is very nice.
At first I was thinking that at $15 per person it was a little steep to
view a few buildings.
Let me tell you, it is a cheap price for what you get.
Just to give you an idea of the size of Fort William.
Fort William is the inland headquarters of the North West Company.
Waiting for the shuttle.
I had a hard time deciding which pictures to include in the page, I
took only 212 pictures so the choice was hard.
The entrance of the fort.
The powder magazine where all the gun power, guns and canons are stored.
The canoe shed, where they build large birch bark canoe.
This contraption was used to steam the wood to make it more pliable for
the canoe.
This canoe is BIG.
A canoe in the making.
You create static electricity, by turning the handle. It was used
for
medicinal purpose!
Remember, this is the early 1800.
A good demonstration of the musket.
Inside the wood shop. This picture is for my brother-in-law
Robert.
Remember the powder magazine!
It was made out of stones to make it
fireproof.
The only other building fireproof is the stone store.
It stores provision and the most important commodity, liquor.
They also have actors who walk the grounds and play a part in the life
of the fort.
Here we have a canoe coming from another fort more to the west of Fort
William, it is called the "Great Rendez Vous".
The great rendez vous crates quite a steer in the fort. A big
welcome
calls for some canons to be fired.
As with any events, a little down time. The whole time the actors
are chatting, teasing each other, very funny.
Here goes the first cannon.
The second.
I cannot remember the name of the gentleman with the keys, but he was
mad at the other guy because he "borrowed" the bottle of rum that is
supposed to be used for the welcome drink with the people from the
canoe.
Of course a speech is required from Chief Director William McGillivray.
The Voyageurs just arriving.
The community was mostly French Canadian, called the "Voyageurs".
Of course, First nation people and Métis were trading with the fort.
Here they are listening to the speech.
The Boucher's tavern was where the "lower" traders would hang out and
sometimes get rowdy.
Notice the birch bark roof.
This is actually two houses. The Collin and the Martin lived here.
Notice the French Canadian style of houses.
Nothing
like dancing to celebrate. The house in the background is the Great
Hall where the North West Company partners, clerks, guide and
interpreters would eat. Common voyageur were not welcome in the
great
hall.
The Great Hall.
We have spent over 3 hours visiting this fort and let me tell you, it
is a great place.
If you have a chance, stop and visit, but plan for more the just 2
hours.
Tuesday
July 27, 2010
Just a lazy day, laundry, buy some food, get stuff ready for tomorrow's
move and just plain relax.
Wednesday
July 28,
2010
I took this photo last night. We were under a tornado watch and
the sky was actually pretty.
Nice rainbow.
Some angry clouds, but we were not even rained on.
Today we are moving from Thunder Bay to Nipigon, only a one-hour drive.
The roads are great.
We had to take this picture; this is for Pearl who we will see very
soon.
Of course there is some construction.
The only moose we saw so far!
What a great mural.
Just before Nipigon, we arrive at our campground.
A view of the entrance. You can see our motorhome in the back.
OK campground, very close to the highway as you can see.
Our site, number E6.
Would you believe that between the post at the
lower left corner and the motorhome that is also a site!
You cannot open your awning nor have a table!
Michèle just looking around.
We will be here for a week.
This weekend, Nipigon has a
"Blueberry Blast".
Thursday
July 29, 2010
Before we left Alberta, we had some problems with the lights on the car
when it was hooked up to the motorhome.
It got fixed, but every now and then when we hooked up the car, the
lights would not work.
Had to wiggle the plug and it would work. No, no loose wire in
the plugs. Therefore, I got fed up with the
big round plug and changed it for a regular flat 4 connectors.
Now
everything works fine. I will let you know more next time we
move...
Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon is the Terry Fox highway.
This is actually the last stretch of road he ran before he had to stop
because cancer had come back.
Some body told us there may be a cruise ship in Red Rock today, so we
went and had a look.
A small town, looking for a deal on a house?
One out of every 5
houses is for sale.
The only mill in town is closed.
No more work for
the people of this town.
Sad.
No cruise ship!
Out of Red Rock, we took a drive along highway 585.
We stopped at a look out and saw an otter.
He was not happy to see us...
He would come back up, look at us for a minute or two and go back under.
The look out actually let you see the power generation house on the
river, very bland building so no pictures.
We saw very few animals on the side of the road on this trip. We
had to stop and take a picture of this one!
There is this sign telling us that this is the beginning of a
trail. Not well-maintained trail, we will have to remember to
wear long pants next time. We did not go on the trail.
Beside the campground there is this little creek, so I put on my
sandals and went in the creek and took some pictures.
Hope you enjoy!
I think within two hours, the campground got almost full. As you can
see, very tight sites.
Tomorrow, Pearl and Andy are supposed to come and camp with us until
Monday. I am sure we will have a good time.
Friday
July 30,
2010
OK, so you are wondering why I have those two pictures in here?
Well, I have always been curious of trucks driving on rails. I
think it is neat.
So I had the chance to see how they get on the rails. Very cool!
Back in the
campground, we waited for Pearl and Andy to show up.
Here is there trailer.
We spent the afternoon talking and having a few drinks.
They even cooked supper for us!
We had fried
pickerel,
hummmm!
Here is a toast to you.
Of course, the man had to do the dishes, again.
I really think Andy was surprised on how many pictures Michèle took.
We had to go for a walk after such a great supper.
We finished the evening with a fire, but our sites are so small we had
to get a portable fireplace.
Had a great time around the fire.
Saturday July
31, 2010
Boy we are spoiled. After a great supper last night, now we even have
breakfast.
Here is the Chef in action...
After breakfast, we get ready to go to the village and check out the
Blueberry Blast of Nipigon.
A picture of Michèle taken from me sitting down.
Here
is another question for you (again?), do you know where and what was
the use of the motor with a long exhaust and a pedal to engage
something?
The answer is below.
Firefighting equipment for forest fire from the 1950s or 60s.
Notice the tap, nothing is holding it up!
Hummm you cannot be stopped too long at the light or you will wear out
your tire.
Back to the campground and we spent the afternoon talking and chasing
flies.
We had a fire later on, another great day.
Back to the motor, it was used in the countryside were there was no
electricity. It was used on a washing machine.
Pretty neat.
