Thursday, June 19, 2008 shortly after noon, I departed Edmonton with a car load of assorted things and the accumulated memories of 11 years of life in Edmonton. As I passed Elk Island Park and neared the Alberta-Saskatchewan border I had the sense of wanting to stay and play just a little bit longer. The prairie skies filled with fluffy clouds called out to me to take their picture, but I soon realized if I were to stop for every photo opportunity I would never ever get to Ontario in 6 days. And so, I started my photo journal from behind my steer wheeling as I drove. The small Alberta hamlet of Kitscoty (much like Bashaw for those who have had the pleasure of visiting there) provided my late lunch.
Then & Now
Grain Elevators
The first night was spent in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, it is well worth the trip to Moose Jaw. Stepping into the life of an early 1900’s Chinese immigrant living beneath the streets of the city, raised my awareness of the extreme hardships and injustices faced by this group of immigrants. I also stepped into the life of a 1920’s Bootlegger in Al Capone’s illegal liquor operation. Both tours are exceptional.
Tunnels of Moose Jaw
By the start of the third day, I was nearing the edge of the Prairies. I was sad to leave behind the big open skies of the Prairies and somewhat reluctant to enter the land of trees, rocks and water. I would spend the next four days traveling across northern Ontario through the rugged Canadian Shield. As I drove I found myself wondering if there is life behind the shoulders of the highway, a similar thought I had as I traveled through the mountains to Luang Prubang in northern Laos in December 2007. However, the multitude of animal warning signs with charging moose and flying deer indicated that at least wildlife were in the area. I did spot two moose a safe distance from the road.
On the fifth day I stopped for lunch just outside of Sault Ste. Marie at Donelda’s & Jim’s Family Restaurant. A full parking lot is a good indication of a favoured community eatery. The lemon-coloured walls and the forest-green wainscoting greeted me, along with quick glances from many of the patrons as the bell jingled on the door. I chose a window booth and enjoyed my egg salad sandwich and tossed salad with Ranch dressing while I read about the food of Laos – fŏe (rice noodle soup), khào niaw (sticky rice), etc.
From Sault Ste. Marie I headed east along the Trans Canada Highway to Espanola and then headed south on #6 and on to Manitoulin Island. The “sweet light” of early evening once again provided opportunity for a photo shoot, as a drove alone on the road towards South Baymouth. Already into the first few days of summer, the tourists had yet to hit the island in full force.
Alone on the Road
On the final day of travel I awoke early and checked out of my musty motel room. I pulled around the motel and moved my car into the loading area for the MS CHI-CHEEMAUN (“The Big Canoe” in Ojibwe). The one hour and 45 minute ferry trip across Georgian Bay/Lake Huron on a beautiful summer morning was refreshing. Once I disembarked from the ferry I followed the procession of cars from Tobermory to Wiarton. No longer was I alone on the highway! As I approached the town of Wiarton, the beauty of the red brick buildings jumped out at me. I was on the final stretch of my journey, on roads I was somewhat familiar with and everything amazed me! Endless opportunities for country tours, photo shoots, home made treats and a variety of farm gate businesses surrounded me. I’d just driven over 3600 km and I couldn’t wait for the next road trip around beautiful Ontario countryside. I pulled into 99 McDonald Drive – The Martin Farm closing the chapter on “My Edmonton Adventure”.
Catching A Glimpse
Driving Across the Prairies
Memories of Edmonton, mixed with the audio stories of fictious characters in the Persian- and Arab-community of Los Angeles (Crescent); a 51 year old registered nurse in New England who builds relationships in the face of adversity (Never Change); and a young Nigerian girl searching for freedom (Purple Hibiscus), traveled with me as I drove across Canada.
The spirit of friends were never far away, for with each Twizzler, sip of Tim Horton’s Steeped Tea, tantalizing chocolate or salty snack from my care package, I remembered each of you.
The “sweet light” (photo term) of the early evening sunlight provided daily opportunities for photo shoots. I enjoyed the contrast of this photo reminding us of the days of travel by wagon across Canada and the soaring cost of gas to travel across Canada.
Memories of Edmonton, mixed with the audio stories of fictious characters in the Persian- and Arab-community of Los Angeles (Crescent); a 51 year old registered nurse in New England who builds relationships in the face of adversity (Never Change); and a young Nigerian girl searching for freedom (Purple Hibiscus), traveled with me as I drove across Canada.
The spirit of friends were never far away, for with each Twizzler, sip of Tim Horton’s Steeped Tea, tantalizing chocolate or salty snack from my care package, I remembered each of you.
The “sweet light” (photo term) of the early evening sunlight provided daily opportunities for photo shoots. I enjoyed the contrast of this photo reminding us of the days of travel by wagon across Canada and the soaring cost of gas to travel across Canada.
Then & Now
Grain Elevators
The first night was spent in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, it is well worth the trip to Moose Jaw. Stepping into the life of an early 1900’s Chinese immigrant living beneath the streets of the city, raised my awareness of the extreme hardships and injustices faced by this group of immigrants. I also stepped into the life of a 1920’s Bootlegger in Al Capone’s illegal liquor operation. Both tours are exceptional.
Tunnels of Moose Jaw
Chasing Trains
By the start of the third day, I was nearing the edge of the Prairies. I was sad to leave behind the big open skies of the Prairies and somewhat reluctant to enter the land of trees, rocks and water. I would spend the next four days traveling across northern Ontario through the rugged Canadian Shield. As I drove I found myself wondering if there is life behind the shoulders of the highway, a similar thought I had as I traveled through the mountains to Luang Prubang in northern Laos in December 2007. However, the multitude of animal warning signs with charging moose and flying deer indicated that at least wildlife were in the area. I did spot two moose a safe distance from the road.
Driving across Northern Ontario
Night three I was intent on staying at a privately-owned motel in Thunder Bay. I entered the city with a list of possible motel accommodations, but failed to realize I had a map of the city until I had covered much of the city in search of the perfect place to stay. My first attempt resulted in meeting an owner that had enjoyed her evening drinking with her collie dog, who owned a motel that had original early 70’s furnishings. I decided to explore alternatives and drove across the road to another privately-owned motel where I was greeted by the warm smell of curry and a friendly owner. For my “all-in-one” meal, he guided me across the street to a small Chinese restaurant. Mother, daughter, grandmother and grandfather all had a role to play in the family business.
Despite the ongoing rain, the drive from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie proved to be quite interesting. First came the antique cars on tour around Lake Superior; then came the small community of Rossport and the Serendipity Cafe overlooking the shores of Lake Superior; then the tribute to grandmothers displayed on old doors along the main street of Wawa; followed by the emerging of the sun at Pancake Bay inspiring me to pull over and camp for the night. The sound of waves gently hitting the shore lulled me to sleep.
Night three I was intent on staying at a privately-owned motel in Thunder Bay. I entered the city with a list of possible motel accommodations, but failed to realize I had a map of the city until I had covered much of the city in search of the perfect place to stay. My first attempt resulted in meeting an owner that had enjoyed her evening drinking with her collie dog, who owned a motel that had original early 70’s furnishings. I decided to explore alternatives and drove across the road to another privately-owned motel where I was greeted by the warm smell of curry and a friendly owner. For my “all-in-one” meal, he guided me across the street to a small Chinese restaurant. Mother, daughter, grandmother and grandfather all had a role to play in the family business.
Despite the ongoing rain, the drive from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie proved to be quite interesting. First came the antique cars on tour around Lake Superior; then came the small community of Rossport and the Serendipity Cafe overlooking the shores of Lake Superior; then the tribute to grandmothers displayed on old doors along the main street of Wawa; followed by the emerging of the sun at Pancake Bay inspiring me to pull over and camp for the night. The sound of waves gently hitting the shore lulled me to sleep.
49 Chevy
A Tribute to Grandmothers
A Tribute to Grandmothers
Abandoned Beach Shoe
On the fifth day I stopped for lunch just outside of Sault Ste. Marie at Donelda’s & Jim’s Family Restaurant. A full parking lot is a good indication of a favoured community eatery. The lemon-coloured walls and the forest-green wainscoting greeted me, along with quick glances from many of the patrons as the bell jingled on the door. I chose a window booth and enjoyed my egg salad sandwich and tossed salad with Ranch dressing while I read about the food of Laos – fŏe (rice noodle soup), khào niaw (sticky rice), etc.
Lupines of Northern Ontario
From Sault Ste. Marie I headed east along the Trans Canada Highway to Espanola and then headed south on #6 and on to Manitoulin Island. The “sweet light” of early evening once again provided opportunity for a photo shoot, as a drove alone on the road towards South Baymouth. Already into the first few days of summer, the tourists had yet to hit the island in full force.
Alone on the Road
On the final day of travel I awoke early and checked out of my musty motel room. I pulled around the motel and moved my car into the loading area for the MS CHI-CHEEMAUN (“The Big Canoe” in Ojibwe). The one hour and 45 minute ferry trip across Georgian Bay/Lake Huron on a beautiful summer morning was refreshing. Once I disembarked from the ferry I followed the procession of cars from Tobermory to Wiarton. No longer was I alone on the highway! As I approached the town of Wiarton, the beauty of the red brick buildings jumped out at me. I was on the final stretch of my journey, on roads I was somewhat familiar with and everything amazed me! Endless opportunities for country tours, photo shoots, home made treats and a variety of farm gate businesses surrounded me. I’d just driven over 3600 km and I couldn’t wait for the next road trip around beautiful Ontario countryside. I pulled into 99 McDonald Drive – The Martin Farm closing the chapter on “My Edmonton Adventure”.
MS Chi-Cheemaun
Lake Huron Light House
Red Brick Buildings of Wiarton
Country Treasures
99 McDonald Drive
