Friday, June 29, 2012

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.

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