Science North - June 28

Are you impressed?  We unhitched yesterday to go for ice cream and even with having to put everything back together we managed to get to the Sudbury Science North by 1030.  Not bad as far as I am concerned.  We got inside and decided to spend the $20 to go to Body World Vital - the Canadian Premier.  Last time we went to the Body World's exhibit in Edmonton it was over $20 / person and it was timed entry but here it was much more resonable.  I figured the younger two kids were old enough to see the exhibit now as it really talked about the importance of healthy decisions for a long life.  Good message to learn.  The rest of the science centre was also amazing - lots to see and learn.  Space travel, human body, butterflies, snakes, insects.  Shanti was brave enough to eat a super worm and Navras went on the human gyroscope!  All the kids held a tarantula and we all went to a 4D movie about wildfires.  It was amazing.  Not only did the seats move but they had wind, smoke, and water effects too!  How cool.  We shut down the science centre - or rather we stayed in it past the time it closed and even watched a person learning how to give demostrations!  It was a good day.

From here we jeaded to Sturgeon Falls near North Bay.  Before we got there we did a quick stop at the Costco to get propane and some a bug zapper.  We decided we didn't want to do another night without it.  We finally pulled over into the KOA campsite around 7 which was a great time.  There was suppose to be a great falls in the area but Greg, the host of the campground, laughed when I asked him about it.  He made me a deal - he would take us out on his pontoon boat if we stayed anyway!  We went for it and sure enough about 10 minutes later we were on the boat going down the Sturgeon River.  What a beautiful site it was.  So peaceful, or it was until it started to rain!  Thankfully, the rain only lasted a few minutes and was done before we got back to the campsite and had to set up.  That night was not great.  The campsite was great but for some reason we ended up with a camper full of mosquitoes.  NOT FUN.  I, foolishly, sprayed the kids with bug spray and ended up setting off the propane alarm.  I have to say I was quite freaked out.  While I figured it was due to the bug spray since we had filled up earlier I couldn't be sure.  I yelled at the kids to get outside and we hung out as mosquito bait for a while.  Finally, the alarm stopped going off but we were all just a little too wired to go to sleep.  Thankfully, we got three nice phone calls from back home which helped me relax and sleep.  Apologies to those who phoned for not telling you this but I didn't want to worry you.  While this technically belongs in the next day post I did get the propane tanks checked out in the morning by an RV dealership and he said all was fine.  Nothing to worry about.

Blowing Up Dynamite - June 27

We left the Hilton Beach Tourist Park almost two hours later than hoped but with a hug and promise to return if we come back this way.  Then it was back on Hwy 17 and on our way to Sudbury.  I’m not sure what was going on with the OPP the last couple of days but they have been out in full force.  Good thing I am a mobile speed bump so I don’t have to worry too much!  And, finally, at 1 PM we pulled into the Dynamic Earth parking lot to see the big nickel.  We got a few photos and, luckily, I decided to go in quickly to find out the time of the tours.  We were told the next tour was starting in 10 minutes.  Off we ran to grab a jacket (yes, I know I’m a bit of a wimp) and almost $77 later we were inside the mine.  Our tour guide was good - taking us from a century old mine to a modern day one.  And, even letting Arjun set up some dynamite in the display they had!  He told me Arjun was learning new skills to take home – just what I need! 

It was amazing what we learned.  That women were considered bad luck in a mine until 1971, that Navras would have been working in the mines already making about $1.65 / hour, and that to this day there are over 8 000 workers who do this job here.  The exhibits were also quite nice to see.  Lots of geological information and kids ran around learning about different rocks and collecting points to ‘buy’ rocks.  I kept trying to remind them that Nanaji is a geologist and may have a sample or two he could give away but this was so much more fun.  I hadn’t booked a campsite yet so after the exhibits closed at four the kids played in the park while I used my smartphone to get information.  What did we do before we had these things?  We ended up at Carol’s Campground.  Only a few minutes from Sudbury proper it is quite a nice site.  The kids keep saying it is great because she gave us 2 coupons for BOGO Peanut Buster Parfaits at DQ!  I backed in the trailer all by myself today and it only took about 10 minutes and then we even unhitched completely so we could go to DQ. 

On the way, I stopped at Canadian Tire hoping to find that cap but instead finding a very nice couple who tried to help out.   No luck but the ice cream was a nice treat.  When we got back to the campsite I told the kids I was tired.  We decided to sack out and watch a movie on the computer and even managed to get the speakers just to play inside so we had surround-ish sound!  And, as I was setting up the beds, I was chatting to the fellow parked beside us who gave me his fresh water cap since we were on the road and he was sticking around here for a while.  Campers are the friendliest people for sure.  I don’t know if it’s because they see a crazy lady with her three kids not quite knowing what they are doing but everyone is willing to help out.  I’m always amazed and it sure makes the idea of doing this for another six weeks seem a little easier.

Just Keep on Driving - June 26

Well, if you have been following along, you know we ended the night in Nipigon with the swarms of mosquitoes.  And, really, they didn't get any better in the morning.  I was awoken by the big plumbing truck leaving at 6 AM so that was not a good start to the day.  Then, I finally woke the kids up around 730 so we could hit the road.  As we shut down the trailer Navras was literally running on the spot to keep the mosquitoes away.  I barely filled the water tank for the same reason.  I don't think we got breakfast done and drove away that quickly yet!  So, we were on the road again.....  Heading to - well as far as we can get since our next destination is Sudbury for the nickel mine and Sudbury, as we found out, is ONLY 12 hrs away on the 17.  But, in the end it is a holiday and I like doing the roadside stops.  That is part of the joy of doing a holiday like this.  With only campground booked so far we can go as fast, or as slow, as we want.  Our first mini stop was the Aguasabon Falls.  I just saw a roadside sign and decided to pull in - really we were stuck in a construction zone anyway.  They were beautiful.  The spray was hitting us as we walked down the path to see the falls and it was quite impressive.  But, then again, I'm a sucker for waterfalls!  Our next stop was in White River - home of Winnie the Pooh.  This is where the soldier bought 'Winnie' who was eventually donated to a London Zoo and inspired many children's books.  From here it was not far to Wawa.  This is one of those must stops.  To see the huge goose that started the many huge statues that dot the Canadian landscape.  For those of you who haven't travelled the TransCanada Highway in Ontario it meanders all around the top of Lake Superior until you get to Sault Ste Marie.  It also goes through hundreds of little towns dropping the speed from 90 km/h (yes, only 90) down to anywhere between 50 to 70.  I kept telling the kids it was ON's way of getting people in to see all these small towns!  And, most of these towns of course are built around the Lake.  It was quite funny since everytime we would slow down I would tell the kids to look out the window and marvel at the amazing lake.  Finally, Arjun said, 'I've been looking at Lake Superior for the past 5 hours.  If I ever come here again, I will NEVER look out the window.'  Well, that was the end of that, everytime we passed a scene with the Lake it became quite a joke to get Arjun to look up and make an ugly face!  It was a good time pass!  Mind you, when I pulled over and let them go the Lake Superior beach near Old Woman River there was no complaining - at least not until it was time to go!  The kids loved touching the cold water and having it splash up.  The waves were quite high and it was a little breezy but the sun was shining and the view was worth it! 

Finally, we pulled into Sault Ste Marie around 7PM.  The fellow at the Husky station was fantastic.  Recommending a little campground called Hilton Beach Tourist Park.  While he was wrong about the fact that it was the last campground before Sudbury, he was so right about what a great campground it was.  The people were amazing here.  Yes, I know most campers are friendly, but really they went over and above.  Not only did the help back me in - they even helped me set up.  I always say things happen for a reason - and meeting these poeple and getting their help was why we didn't end up getting a full service site last night even though we needed it!  This is a campsite I would love to return to and stay for a few days.  Nestled right along Lake George (which funnily enough is linked to Lake Superior!) and on the island of St Joseph it is so quite, so serene it is worth the drive.  Hope to be back soon but if you get there before I do - could you grab my fresh water tank cap that I left on in campsite #17?  RV THERE YET?

Off to Nipigon - June 25

This is definitely not a relaxing kind of vacation – we got up around 730 and started breakfast and packing up.  It was time to hit the road again.  We left Crystal Lake campground and headed out towards Nipigon.  Just as we drove into Dryden, I noticed a sign saying Busters BBQ as featured on the FoodNetwork.  For everyone who knows our little family we are foodies for sure!  We, of course, took the opportunity to turn around at the giant Inuksuk (great little photo op) and went to get a bottle of Blueberry Barbeque Sauce.  Looking forward to trying that for sure!  A lot further up the road we pulled over to see Kakabeka Falls.  The story goes that an Ojibwe Princess took the Sioux down the falls after they kidnapped her and forced her into taking her to the tribe.  The falls were amazing.  The white water was moving at quite a good pace.  We had been told we could swim in the water but even sitting the parking lot I figured there was no way the kids were getting in that water – it was moving WAY too fast!  Sure enough, we asked a park ranger and found out the beach near the area was closed due to high water levels and fast moving water.  Apparently, Ontario has had a lot of rainfall in the past many weeks and the water level in most lakes and rivers is very high.  It was still worth stopping at though as it is known as Niagara of the North.  The kids were quite enthralled with the colour of the water – a murky brown colour.  They even started calling the Falls the Coca-Cola Falls! 

We had lunch in the parking lot thanks to having our kitchen accessible – leftovers – and then we hit the road again.  Our next stop was not too far – Thunder Bay.  We needed to do a quick run in to the grocery store and the kids just had to buy sunglasses!  Then, we headed to the Terry Fox memorial.  It was amazing to see.   What a courageous young man and an inspiration to us all.  It was great for the kids to see this memorial.  Terry Fox is someone they have been learning about since kindergarten so it is great to see where he came from and drive down the Courage Highway.  From the memorial you can see Sleeping Giant Mountain but it was too bad because we didn’t know which mountain we were supposed to be looking at!   We kept driving to Nipigon and stopped at the Birchwood Campground.  So far, this was the most unpleasant experience.  The mosquitoes were so thick I thought they might actually carry us all away.  We tried to light just the propane fire and even that was awful.  Hopefully, things will be better in the morning sun......

Off to Ontario - June 24

So, last night Gord did make it out the campsite but his little girl did not want to stay over - all she wanted to do was go home so that was the end of that!  It was a good try.  But, really all that work to open up the whole trailer did not go to waste.  Shanti LOVED  having the bunk all to herself!  It was quite funny.  This morning, we had another visitor to our campsite.  An aunt and uncle who live in Winnipeg drove out to the campsite to visit and bring breakfast.  WOOHOO. No cooking!   We hitched up the trailer and drove away to go the The Forks.  The Forks is where the Assiniboine River and the Red River meet.  It's a very important part of Canadian history as it is where Louis Riel started his Red River Rebellion and it was an important seeway for fur trade.  We all touched the river and walked across the bridge.  It is quite pretty and is a place where many city events are held.  Then it was off again.  Highway 1 is certainly not like the highways we are used to in AB - it goes through the city proper - through city centres, residential areas, park areas, whatever.  It's certainly one way to see the city!  But, as we were driving, we saw a nice looking building. 

The sign said it was the Royal Canadian Mint so we decided to stop. I did warn the kids that with it being Sunday the chances of it being open were slim to none.  But, we were in luck.  Not only was the mint open but there was a guided tour (the only way to see the mint) starting in 1/2 hour.  Justin, our tour guide, was great - he offered to fill the truck with toonies if we would take him with us but, alas, he couldn't leave the city!  The Mint was amazing to see.  They make 20 million coins a day and make coins for 75 different countries using an unique plating technology.  WOW!  I really only wanted a few of the coins - I wasn't asking for them all!  We all also got to hold a huge bar of gold - with a security guard standing close by.  The kids thought it was hilarious when he warned me it was heavy and I said, "I'm Indian. I am used to wearing lots of gold!"  Arjun couldn't lift it and Shanti said she could do it easily since she was practiced by lifting the kids she babysits!  We finally left Winnipeg around 3.  About 1/2 hr outside the city was a little place called Walkers - a bait shop, turtle pond and great burger stop all in one!  Holly had told us about this and we decided to stop.  The turtles had just had babies so we got to hold the baby turtles.  What a neat thing to find on the side of the highway.  And, later today, we took advantage of another of Holly's suggestions and pulled into the Crystal Lake campground.  Beautiful spot for sure.  The people are great, the lake was crystal clear and the beach was fun for the kids to play on.  The water was cold but they still enjoyed jumping in for a bit.  Shanti did get scared at one point when she said she saw an alligator.  I laughed but it turns out there are snapping turtles in the lake and that is likely what she saw.  While the kids played I made supper - pulao.  Navras laughed and said we are having traditional Indian camping food!  But, it's almost 11 - time for bed.  We just played a great game of Mille Bornes and are very thankful to have a working furnace.  It's chilly by the lake after the sun goes down.

Winnipeg Bound - June 23

This morning we all slept in a little.  The fresh air is making us all sleepy!  We finally rolled out of the campground at 930 and headed down Highway 1 towards Winnipeg.  As we were driving I saw a sign for the Wolseley Swinging Bridge and decided to pull in and take a look.  After all, the trip is about seeing all these little things that make Canada the country it is.  It was quite beautiful.  Wolseley is a town built around a lake and the swinging bridge goes over that lake.  Not big and not a long stop but a fun way to stretch our legs.  As we kept driving, I also decided to stop in at Whitewood. I had read about a Rhubard Festival that is held there and thought it would be a fun stop.  Sure enough - Main Street and all the shops were closed for the 'big' parade!  We had a hot dog and stopped into the Museum.  Shanti noticed a little replica town of St. Hubert - something she had learned about in Social Studies this year.  She was quite excited that she knew what the fellow was telling us about!  It's great that they are already able to see what they have only learned about.  Finally, around 6 PM we pulled into a KOA Kampground just outside of Winnipeg.  A friend of ours from university lives here and he is joining us as we camp overnight so his little girl can experience camping!  This is the first night we have to unhook completely to make room for everyone.  I was a little nervous to make sure we would be able to back in, unhook and then we have re-hitch in the morning as well.  But, it was fine.  Navras helped me back into the site and all the kids helped with opening up the trailer.  They are all able to do certain tasks it as it is quite easy.  But, I am a little short so I need to use my fold up step ladder to open up the locks on the beds!  We got everything set up in less than an half hour - so much easier than the tent trailer we were using last year.  Yes, this was a good investment to have for such a crazy adventure....  I even made taco salad and used the stove tonight.  I know - look at me go!  RV THERE YET?

To Regina - June 22

Turns out, the problem in the truck was the Master Air Flow Sensor.  Thankfully, the folks at Wheaton GMC in Saskatoon were able to fix it up and get us on the road within 3 hours.  They were fantasic - Dan and Mark helped me set the trailer into the parking lot and then re-hitch as we drove off.  Even though they got the problem sorted out quickly, it was still after noon when we finally hit the road.  We decided to head towards Regina on Highway 1 - staying on the main roads especially for the first few hours of the trek!  We weren't able to get ahold of any friends and it turned out the science centre climbing wall is only open on weekends until July.  But, we decided to stop anyway and have a nice relaxing night.  We ended up at Kings Acres Campground where the people were friendly and helped me back into our spot.  I have to say the trailer is SO easy to back up.  I think it's a combination of the tandem axle and the training I received from Kevin on how to drive it!  Our neighbours were also super friendly - they used to work in a trailer shop and told me most people are not hitched properly so they had to do their own measurements and were impressed with the work done by the folks at Arrkann!   So, our first night!  Very exciting but very cold.  Thank goodness for the propane tanks and the furnace.  I shook my head when I was shown that feature - saying I'm a fair weather camper but I guess not.  Although, I don't think I will ever be as daring as our neighbours who have been in the campsite since LAST May - can you imagine?  All winter - and the trailer is the same as ours but just a bit bigger.  Yeah - I'm not quite there....  At least not yet!

The First Leg - Saskatoon June 21

A few months ago, I decided this would be the summer where I would show my kids the country they live in.  And, after two months of planning it is finally here.  It has been an eventful few weeks.  Starting the beginning of May, I realized my 1971 tent trailer would not be a viable option for what I was planning. I was beginning to doubt the duct tape would continue to hold it together for an entire summer on the road!  So, I decided it might be time to invest in a bigger trailer.  With advice from a friend, I ended up at Arrkann Trailer and RV Centre.  Thanks to Ralph, Neil and Dave's expertise we were able to find a great 19 ft Starcraft Trailer. It's great - sleeps 8, working stove and fridge, and ultralight.  Now, the only issue was finding a truck to pull it.  My friend, Kevin, came and looked at an Avalanche with me and said it would work so paperwork was done and it was parked on my driveway.  That was until today, when all the planning came into reality and we were off.  Our first stop Saskatoon.  Five hours away, it was a good trial run with pulling a trailer and then we got to visit the in-laws at the same time.  Thank goodness that is what I did.  After stopping for gas, and still one hour outside Saskatoon, the check engine light came on.... 11 pm and we are pulling into Saskatoon with a problem in our truck and sleeping kids.  An interesting start to the holiday......  RVTHEREYET???