From Centennial Park to East Fort Williams where the original fort was located.

            


 

Well, we're back in the U.S.of A.  Crossed the border (walking) today at 5 p.m. (Canadian time) 4 p.m. (MN time). Most unusual passage through customs we're ever likely to have - besides the walking part.  The officer knew about us coming through and asked about our journey and all that we'd seen and wished us well on the completion. The people in the car waiting behind us probably wondered, "What the heck...."  We managed to find trails today that gave us wonderful views of the lake - the Mink Mountain Trails (looking out at Mink Bay) and the Finger Point Lookout Trail - in Pigeon River Provincial Park.  We highly recommend both. The bays in this part of the lake are filled with islands and on this day, they appeared to be rising from the fog.  A good breeze up on top at both locations was greatly appreciated since the temperatures had to be close to 90F. 

 

Yesterday (August 30) we left Thunder Bay and had to walk Highway 61. It was really hot and not very inspiring, although we did see some pretty farms and farmland, with the most unusual and striking scenery in the background - huge tree topped cliffs.  They are working on the highway, so we had some stretches with a whole lane to ourselves, but we also had fresh asphalt radiating heat upward onto us.  At least the day started great with breakfast at the Hoito in Thunder Bay.  We go there every time we visit the city.  It is a long time Finnish institution and their breakfasts are famous.  Be sure to order the pancakes - big, thin ones. Only bummer - no real maple syrup. 

 

On the 29th, we spent the afternoon at Ft. William - a reconstructed fort with characters dressed in period costume and acting the roles.  We had 60 people stop by our tables and we were able to share with them the story of our 4 month walk around the lake.  This was the 4 month anniversary afterall, of the beginning of our walk.  Great to spend time with Todd and Carolyn Starling and their baby Sierra.  Todd did a lot of foot work before our arrival to arrange for us to be at the Fort.  We were also treated to a fantastic, traditional lunch by staff. Many thanks. 

 

The 28th of August we spent time in Thunder Bay walking our way out of town and trying to stay close to the shore - not easy.  Walked out to a Conservation Area called Mission Marsh.  Beautiful results of restoration efforts.  Big winds had kite boarders flying (literally at times) over the waves.  Very exciting to watch and imagine doing.  In the afternoon we walked by Chippewa Park and out to Squaw and Brule Bays.  Again the wind was the only thing that kept us from completely melting into puddles on the road. 

 

We had a media morning on the 27th.  First a radio (phone call) interview with KTCZ from the Twin Cities. Later on we met Amy, with the local CBC channel and she interviewed us in the Marina Park.  Her interview was expected to air on Monday (yesterday).  In the afternoon we walked a busy city street and headed towards the Conservation Area, that we would get to on the 28th.  That evening we drove Mt. McKay to meet Josephine Mandimin.  She was one of the First Nation women to walk around the lake a few years ago - called the Grandmothers Walk - for freshwater also.  She was a soft spoken woman and we stood at the Overlook and watched the moon shine spread over the big lake below.  We shared experiences and thoughts about the Lake. 

 

We had a TV interview on the morning of the 26th.  Thunder Bay TV met us at Silver Harbor Conservation Area and did a nice piece.  It was also on the radio, on line and on TV.  Then we were joined by the Starling family.  Todd, his wife Carolyn, and his mom Penny, and of course baby Sierra who rode (and slept) in her backpack on Todd's back.  It was a long day of walking small roads next to cottages on the various beach roads leading into town and also on the abandoned railroad bed.  Did about 12 miles with all of them.  Saw parts of Thunder Bay that we bet few people who live in the town ever see, but that's kind of typical of this walk.  We have seen lots of out of the way places. 

 

Tomorrow we begin covering the Minnesota miles - it will be a mix of roads, trails and some actual shoreline. It's the home stretch.   

Silver Harbour to the park on the McIntyre River

 

 

East of Nelson Point to Silver Harbour Road. 15 miles 1316 miles done. We are very near to Thunder Bay. Today was railroad and beach road.

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/queens/mayor-pushes-nyc-water-this-summe-20100704-ac Check out the I love tap water and the water on the go efforts of New York City. An important step in reducing the dependence on disposable water bottles.