Day 89 - July 22, 2022

A day in Niagara Falls. Trisha, the lovely lady I met in Newfoundland met me in Niagara Falls and we spent the day touring the falls. The weather was terrific and so was the day.

First up, a ride on the Canadian version of Maid of the Mist up to the falls. For those that have not been here and seen them in person, do it. They are impressive! The boat takes you pretty close to both the American Falls and the Horseshoe falls and without the plastic raincoats you would be soaked.

Next, we walked along the rim taking photos as we went. Once we reached the falls, we went on the “Behind the Falls” tour. You really can see much but the sound is incredible. Then we toured the Floral Gardens which, while pretty, I thought were underwhelming.

After a break for a couple hours, we had dinner overlooking the falls. Once it gets dark the falls are lit up in beautiful colours and then they have a fireworks display. Did I say it was a good day? There is even a Bud E. sighting.

Day 90 - July 23, 2022

A long drive (not in miles really, but Toronto traffic made it so) from Niagara Falls to Sudbury. So, only one photo of an old car on the road and a couple of the Sudbury “Big Nickel”. Went and saw the new “Top Gun Maverick” movie in Sudbury.

Day 91 - July 24, 2022

Another travel day today, from Sudbury to Wawa, ON. Managed to get a few shots along the way. It was a dull, overcast, cloudy day. We are now in the return home mode so there may not be too many photos as we are just spending the days driving.

Day 92 - July 25, 2022

Today was a simple drive from Wawa to Thunder Bay, ON. As a result, there are only 7 photos as I did not stop often even thought the scenery is truly beautiful. Tomorrow is a “day off” where we will just do a little touring around Thunder Bay.

Day 93 - July 26, 2022

Our day touring around Thunder Bay was interesting but uneventful. We started with a trip to the Terry Fox Memorial. This is beautiful and if you are ever in the area, it is a must see. Terry Fox is a national hero and an inspiration to millions.

Next up, a visit to Kakabeka Falls. Very pretty falls only a 30 km drive from Thunder Bay. Then we went to Mission Marsh Conservation Area is search of some birds to shoot. Whoops. Outside of a couple gulls, we saw no birds. I did get a few shots of the park and flowers.

Lastly a quick drive around town with a view of the lake. The next few days are all long driving days until we get home. 

Day 94 - July 27, 2022

This was supposed to be a relatively easy day…just a six-hour drive from Thunder Bay to Kenora. The day started off quite foggy but cleared up for a while. But, when we got to Kenora, it was raining and showed no signs of letting up. I also wasn’t thrilled with the hotel, and I was able to cancel it and rearrange the others for the rest of the trip, so we carried on. We ended up coming all the way to Brandon, Manitoba. So, just a few shots along the way. I still love driving the prairies. The fields, the virtually endless visibility, and the amazing skies.

Day 95 - July 28, 2022

Our day today started off with a few shots of a couple old cars that were at our hotel. First a 1956 Ford Sunliner convertible, then a 1984 Oldsmobile. The past few days have seen lots of driving and today was going to be another one.  So, we started by going to Riding Mountain National Park. I have never been there, and it is a very pretty park on the prairie. We decided to spend a little time here so that Bud E. could get a break from driving and play in the sand on the beach and get in a round of mini golf. As we approached Dauphin MB, there was a large military plane just doing slow, low circles so we had to stop and watch that for a while. Then a long drive across the prairie to Kindersley, Saskatchewan.

Many people have told me they don’t like driving across the prairies. Too boring. Nothing to see. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s because I grew up on the prairie. Or maybe I am right. They are so wrong.

I have driven through all 50 states in the U.S., and all 10 provinces in Canada. In fact, I have driven all 10 provinces and 5 states this summer. I have driven the coasts, seen the oceans, climbed the mountains, been through forests, big cities, seen lakes, rivers and streams, crossed deserts and canyons. All are beautiful. But none of them are any more beautiful than the prairies. The rolling hills, the fields of crops of a multitude of colours, the skies that literally go on forever. Lakes and rivers. More wildlife than I ever see in the mountains, waterfowl, songbirds, birds of prey, deer, antelope. Maybe the mistake others make is they are on the big highways and don’t get off onto the smaller roads and stop and take it all in. The smells, the peace and quiet, the views. Don’t get me wrong. I love the mountains and the oceans and the desert and the forest. But the prairies are every bit as beautiful.

Enough talking. I will let the photos make my case. “Where the deer and the antelope play".

Day 96 - July 29, 2022

The final chapter. Kindersley to home. Just a 4-hour drive so only a few shots. Bud E. looks happy to be home.

29,720 kms. 96 days. 10 provinces, 5 states. The things we have seen. The things we have done. The people we have met. The stories that I can tell. (Bud E. can’t talk). And the memories will last a lifetime. Just one thing was missing.

This is for you, Joy.