Days 49-50: Ontario, Canada
July 22-23, 2025: We left Drummond Island, knowing that a weather front was predicted to arrive on July 23. We headed southeast across the North Channel of Lake Huron in windy conditions to Blind River. Blind River has a very modern marina despite it being a small town. We had to check in with Canada’s border enforcement by phone. (Purpose of your visit? We’re tourists.)
The predicted rainstorm was delayed until evening so we headed out on a hike. The Boom Camp trailhead is about a mile from the marina. We were warned of two things: (a) Another trekker told us there are bears. (b) All Trails app included multiple comments about the mosquito population. We did see bear scat but we have theorized that the bears were run off by the intensity and persistence of the mosquitos. Bears don’t have access to Deet but we do, although it required multiple applications. Zander was none to happy either.
On the way to the trail head we passed an old lumber mill that now is host to murals on its outside walls. (See video.)
The Boom Camp trail system is a cross country ski trail but in the summer they let people walk it. It is very well marked and goes through a dense forest of pine, cedar, birch and even sugar maple. The birds were very vocal (although they clearly were not feasting enough on the mosquitos). (Listen to video).
On the homeward leg, while crossing a preservation area, Tom got video of two river otters. (See video.)
Look at the width of this boat!
When the storm arrived it really did rain and the wind rocked us to sleep. The next afternoon though there was a downpour with thunder and lightening. But then it passed and we had beautiful weather again.
We had dinner both nights with our lovely and engaging marina neighbors, Steve and Kim (Racine, WI). They are experienced sailors with a very unusual sail boat. Our first impression of them was total awe when Kim drove their super wide sail boat into the slip across from us - she made it look easy-peazy.
Rayma, Steve, Kim and Tom back from dinner.
The flip side of a storm is the beautiful sunsets they provide.