Well, this will be the last blog associated with the beautiful Canadian countryside. An absolutely magical place and we know we will come back here one day and travel more of this lovely country. Now, from “cats, squirrels and skunks” to Sault Ste Marie. We decided on this day to travel until we hit our destination, so homework was the order of the day.
Kit learning his sounds.
Flynn and Jai doing maths
Amber reading instructions and following them in a practical arty way.
When we stopped for lunch at French River, we celebrated Father’s Day with Trevor. Fo those of you thinking, that’s strange….maybe Canadians celebrate a week later than Oz, the answer is no, they don’t. It was just “us” who have been on the road, not watching TV (except for movies) and not really taking notice of what was being sold in shops. So we knew Father’s Day was “sometime” in September. It wasn’t until we sent Father’s Day messages to our own Dads that we realised we were a week late. Met another lovely family also stopping for lunch. They had just come from where we were headed and seen two bears crossing the road. Funnily enough, the Father was called Trevor and one of the daughter’s was called Kaitlin.
Happy Father's Day Trev
Picturesque French River
Stopping for a quick break
We stopped again a few hours later for a quick break. Obviously the kids had the need to expel some pent up energy after being in the RV for most of the day. Luckily there were enough pretty towns along the way to stop at, if only for a short time.
Flynn doing his dare devil stunts.
Jai's turn
If the big boys can do it!.......
Finally, very late at night, we arrived at our final destination, a “KOA” Camp ground set in the bush just out of Sault Ste Marie (which means Rapids in Saint Marie.) It is a city on the Canadian side bordering Michigan USA. The camp is run by a wonderful couple called Bill and Joan, who obviously invented the word “hospitality”. They don’t live there on their own however. They have 4 beautiful Collie dogs named Macey, Breeze, Indy and Chase.
Joan and Bill and their beautiful Collies.
Chayse the kid meet Chase the Collie.
Now the whole reason we headed for Sault Ste Marie was to go on the Agawa Train which takes tourists into the heart of the winderness. But, it is a 9 hour trip (including a one and a half hour picnic stop). When we enquired at the campsite, it was suggested strongly that children may get bored travelling that amount of time just looking at the scenery, and because it would cost us a pretty penny to take the whole family, we didn’t want to risk the kids not enjoying themselves. So, the money was saved for another adventure and we did some sightseeing around Sault Ste Marie instead. One such attraction was the Bush Plane Museum, which turned out to be very informative and particularly “kid friendly” with many interactive displays and movies.
Amber and Chayse "flying
Looking at all the planes on display in the Museum
The typical Canadian Beaver considered one of Canada's best inventions
The Canadian Beaver “Bush” planes were considered by many to be one of the greatest inventions in the history of Canadian Aviation. It takes a special breed of pilots to fly these unique and very useful planes. They go go in just about every rugged terrain and land on water as well. They only need less than 100 m to take off. These planes were the first of their kind to carry water to put out bush fires. Now, there are about 1200 planes still in existence, but are about 40 years old at least.
Kaitlin showing Akaisha how air pressure works.
Kaitlin inside the cockpit
Flynn. Kit and Jai (in background) on interactive games
A little side note to Brayden Dewar if you are reading this. You would have loved this Museum with a myriad of aircrafts, a lot of Scientific knowledge basically about “how” planes stay in the air, and a whole section on what it takes to be a pilot. We reckon you will be up to the challenge well and truly.
Having fun exploring plane
Fire Lookout
RV versus bush plane
Back at the KOA campsite, Bill and Joan were as generous as ever and allowed our children to have use of the “yellow banana bikes. As you can see, they had a ball…..as did the “biggest kid” of all!
Flynn on his yellow banana bike
Chayse and Kit having a ball
The "big kid" enjoys the ride more than anyone
Bill and Joan invited the kids to watch their dog’s agility training (and they have a champion among their pack) and the family had more fun playing mini golf. To make the place even more special for Flynn and Amber, they struck up a friendship with two gorgeous children called Maisie and Malcolm who had just moved to the area with their parents Jordy and Joan. Like I’ve said on many occasion, it’s the people who make the place!
Mini Golf
Malcolm, Flynn, Maisie and Amber
This sign says it all. Thankyou Bill and Joan for a wonderfully run campsite
Once again, fantastic reading about your adventures. The memories will last with the kids all their lives.
Will send an email our plans, hoping you received our itinerary.
Love
Mum and dad
Hi Mum and Dad,
The memories will last a lifetime. At least Akaisha can “think” she remembers travelling the USA when she’s bigger! We did receive your itinerary. Very exciting trip coming up for you both. Look forward to your email. Will you have access to the internet when you are away?
Love Cath
What an amazing adventure! Hope you are all having an amazing time! Niagra falls pretty awesome Eh…
Safe travelin’ the Dewars
Hi Denise and Dewar Clan,
Yes, The Falls are pretty awesome. Glad we saw them from both sides. All well here, with lots to see and do. Been a mixture of weather. Freezing the other night, but quite pleasant tonight. Send love to all.
Love Cath
Thank you for the kind words, Maisie and Malcolm were so bummed when you left. They did meet some two girls from Austin, Texas a couple of nights later but not nearly the same level as Amber and Flynn. Hopefully, we can do the tour down South!! We will keep reading, it was excellent to meet you and the family.
Jordy, Joan, Maisie, and Malcolm
Hi Jordy, Joan, Maisie and Malcolm,
So lovely to have met you all. Truly, our most memorable times have been when we have met interesting and/or lovely people. We are so lucky to have the time to do this trip. It is proving to be a wonderful experience for the kids and us as a family. How did things pan out with your house? All good, we hope 🙂
Regards, Cath, Trev, Kait, Jai, Flynn, Amber, Kit, Chayse and Akaisha
It was such a treat having your family stay with us at the KOA. The dogs have been missing the kids and their cuddles! One of our favourite things about having a campground is having the opportunity to meet really interesting and wonderful people like yourselves. You brought a joyous energy to the park, and we were sorry to see you leave, but we have been enjoying your blog and will follow your adventures with interest. I hope our paths will cross again. Safe travels! Bill, Joan and the collies 🙂
Joan, Bil and gorgeous dogs. It really was lovely staying at your campsite and meeting you. Yours has by far been the best one we’ve been to. You never know, we may even meet you in Las Vegas!!!!
Cath, Trev and Kids
We sold the house on Monday, the 19th. The true house hunt begins in earnest now. Potentially, we can be in something by October!!!!
Hi Jordy, Joan, Maisie and Malcolm,
Congratulations on selling your house. Good luck with your house hunting. We’re sure you will find a house just perfect for you.
Take care,
Cath, Trev and kids
Much appreciated for the information and share!
Nancy
Hi Nancy, Glad you are enjoying our travel blog.
Regards, Cathy