"Wagons Roll!": Heading West

July 8:  I am in love with the north shore of Lake Superior. We were warned that the long drive from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay was a lot the same, but what a sameness!  Rough red rock rising majestically from the roadside -- including evidence of recent damaging rockslides -- constantly varied landscape, as islands on Lake Superior appear and hills roller coaster up and down.  To turn a corner in the road to a landscape of vivid blue lake as far as the eye can see, broken up by evergreen-covered islands of different sizes, some lounging in mist.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  We couldn’t have had a lovelier drive. Stopped at a roadside set of shops about a hour out of the Soo with some lovely carving; at a scenic lookout with nice views of the lake; at Lake Superior Provincial Park office at Agawa Bay; and at Old Woman’s Bay, again to enjoy the view.  Lunch was a picnic in the car away from spattering rain and bugs. We left in 13 degree...

July 7:  On the road after 9.  Couldn’t find the office for the Bruce Peninsula National Park to get our Discovery Pass so gave it up.  Got the Chi-Chi-Maun under sunny skies, quite different from what had been predicted!  Little nerve-wracking drive up the inclined car ramp… The rocks in the Lacloche mountains are really pretty, on Manitoulin and the mainland:  white, red.  Lovely to see the hills.  Got some heavy, driving rain -- lucky Lyndsey who was driving -- but it was sunny and pleasant again by the time we arrived in Sault Ste. Marie.  Late-ish supper at Sandro’s next to the motel:  some very welcome hot food and carbs.  We’re tired!            Chi-Chi-Maun

July 6, 2017:   And we're off! We set out.  It doesn't appeal to me to spend all night worrying about waking up in time to get the 11:20 ferry tomorrow so we're staying at a delightful family-run motel outside Tobermory. Lots of lovely churches in small town Ontario!