Rockies Trip - Day 16 - July 30th, 2014
Thunder Bay to Wawa
... and zip lining!
We had
one thing on our mind when we woke up in Thunder Bay this morning…. would the
weather be conducive to a bucket-list ‘cross-off’ that we had planned since
February, when we stopped over in this city on our way back from the Ice Caves.
Mark
had seen the signs for Canada’s longest zip line at Eagle Canyon Adventures and
he decided then and there that we would do this in the summer. We nearly
dropped in on our way out west, but knew that we had a long journey ahead so we
thought we’d wait and do this upon our return. Although local showers were
forecast, we went for it.
Located
just over an hour east of Thunder Bay, the canyon boasts two suspension
bridges, one being the longest in Canada – and it also has the longest zip line
in Canada. Built and run by a father and son team, it is situated in a very
picturesque setting, great for pics as well as adventure. The entrance is via a
dirt road – and its red colour is reminiscent of P.E.I.
Alan on the longer bridge |
The shorter bridge from directly below (canyon level) |
Mark crossing the upper, longer bridge |
The shorter bridge from the canyon floor |
Now
– here’s the story!! We had both purchased tickets after discussing the
logistics of taking photos of each other while on the zip line. It was decided
that we would both go to the shorter suspension bridge where I would wait with
camera in hand, and Mark would continue the journey to the top (and longer)
suspension bridge, where the zip line began. I would take pics of Mark and then
he would rejoin me on the lower bridge to collect the camera from me and return
the favour.
I
saw Mark at the top, getting ready for his ‘flight’ and, just as I thought he
was about to start his descent, a family of 5 got on the bridge and it started
to move. Concerned that I wouldn’t be able to focus properly to get the
pictures, I took some wonderful photos and a short video clip of the WOMAN WHO
WENT JUST BEFORE MARK! Not realizing my
mistake, I then walked off the bridge to await the planned rendezvous with
Mark. From his point of view, he couldn’t understand why I wasn’t dutifully on
the bridge taking his picture!! He thought I’d taken ill, or dropped the
camera. When we finally caught up with each other, he asked me why I wasn’t on
the bridge, to which I answered that I was and that I’d got his picture!
It
was then that I discovered my mistake. Feeling guilty, I
insisted that he use my ticket to repeat the ride. After much resistance, he reluctantly agreed, and
this time I made sure that I did it right. If you click the pics to enlarge them, you might be able to see him as he 'yahooed' his way down!
Better still, you can catch him on these two short video clips:
When we reached the entrance, Mark reminded me that I could go up again for half-price. However, I didn't feel like climbing up to the platform again, and so my turn will come the next time we visit Thunder Bay!
The views from the bridges were wonderful and, although there were intermittent raindrops, it stayed dry for most of our time there.
Suspension bridge supports |
This man, and his son, built the Eagle Canyon Adventures |
Raspberries en route1 |
Highway
17 gives travelers some stellar views of Lake Superior. The sheer size of the
lake brings with it a sense of awe. The road twists and turns to negotiate the
rock formations and is well-maintained, with only a couple of construction
moments.
We
had no doubt that we were back in Ontario – the gas prices told us so! After
paying $1.12 in Alberta, we had to acclimatize ourselves to the reality of our prices
here in Northern Ontario. Another clue we were nearing home - at the Suspension Bridge, the biting bugs were there waiting to welcome us!
Just
after we left the Marathon area, we hit a Superior Storm. The rain bucketed
down and reduced visibility quite drastically. On the upside – our windshield
and car body got a thorough (and overdue) clean! It was spotless once the sun
came out and dried it off at no cost!
You lose some, you win some!
Come Rain.... |
.... Come Shine! |
We
are now tucked up in our favourite Wawa motel, where we stayed just two weeks
ago – The Mystic Isle. Great place – very basic, but clean and comfy.
Home
tomorrow, but hoping that it will be warm enough for a dip in Superior before
heading back to Elliot Lake.
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