Day 5 - Tuesday May 23/17

Up early today so that we could get into Thunder Bay (about 100 km) for breakfast at the Hoito at 9:30. Preparations all went smoothly (including re-hitching the trailer!) and we were actually ready to leave our campsite by 7:45!! 

Wildlife report - Mallard Duck waddling down the park road.

Stopped at the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout on Hwy 11 on the way into Thunder Bay. Truly humbling to think of and remember what this person did at the age of 22. (photo)

Arrived at the Hoito just at 9:30 Rick and Susan (Luella Cook’s brother and his partner) were there and greeted us warmly. We were treated to a wonderful breakfast including Finnish pancakes and rice pudding (their Finnish specialties), and had a great visit until 11. (photos)

As we drove west from Thunder Bay, the trees seem greener and leafier (we are having a discussion about whether they are all birch, or if some are poplar!).

Stopped at the Arctic/Atlantic Watershed divide, between Thunder Bay and Atikokan. On one side all water flows to the Arctic; on the other to the Atlantic (photo)

Arrived at Quetico Provincial Park at about 2:30 , site of “The French Portage” in a painting (by Canadian painter/historian Paul Kane), which for many years was thought to be on the OTHER French River in N.Eastern ON . (photo)

Got set up, had lunch and a nap. Then went on a really long walk on a woodland/upland trail. About 4.5 km - our longest walk yet. Our campsite has THE BEST view!! (photo)

Supper, sunset campfire, and to bed about 10:30pm (photo)

Having some trouble with the trailer water system. The water tank seems to be empty. Will have to check out why, as we thought we were keeping it topped up. But the adventure continues.......