Lois and I travel from Lindsay, ON to Mesa, AZ in our 5th Wheel! 

 WE HOPE YOU ENJOY!! AND FOLLOW ALONG!!

11 Yrs. Ago!! Chapter 3:

CHAPTER 3: ENROUTE TO ARIZONA : What is that line about “the best placed plans of mice and men~~~?”   Day 2 objective was to reach Sault Ste Marie, ON and make the necessary arrangements to take the Train Ride into the Agawa Canyon (north of Sault Ste Marie). The time of year could not have been better~~leaves in that part of ON at their greatest splendour!!   Further, this is one of the few trips we have not taken. It was however not to be. The weather was so vile as to cause us to drive right through the Sault, to carry on to White River, ON.

White River is of course the birthplace of Winnie The Pooh. I thought some may be interested in the historical aspect of the character.  A Canadian army officer, Lt. Harry Colebourn bought a female black bear cub from a trapper for $20 on August 24, 1914 that had been orphaned after its mother had been killed by a hunter. Lt. Colebourn decided to name the cub “Winnie” after his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba.  

During World War I, Lt. Colebourn took Winnie to England where he was stationed. While in England he was promoted to Captain. Later, Winnie was donated to the London Zoo for safekeeping when Capt. Colebourn’s military unit was ordered to France. Winnie was a very popular attraction. Author A.A. Milne took his son, Christopher Robin Milne to see the bear. Christopher so liked the bear that his father decided to name the character in his new book after Winnie, the black bear at the zoo.  You may also wish to go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnie-the-Pooh#Origin   Click on History when the page opens.  Even better:  https://www.historicacanada.ca/content/heritage-minutes/winnie?  

I do hope this true story was of interest. Other than this historical event, there seems to be little in my diary to report. I will add one other thing: Most Canadians and many Americans will have driven Hwy 17 ~~ I say this because it is a vital part of the Circle Tour, the drive around Lake Superior, so popular for the citizens of both nations. If you have not taken it, check it out!! The highway has been significantly improved. It is difficult to find a section which does not have a passing lane, in one direction or the other. No more congestion while you wait for a safe spot to pass another vehicle. The safety aspect is now at a par with the scenery~~both absolutely first class. In tomorrow’s chapter we will tell you about one of Canada’s early trading sites ~~ no, one of North America’s very early and very major trading sites.   Historic Fort William and Kakabeka Falls are in our sites!! Promise!!

Stan 2003 09 23.