Thunder Bay

When we left White River we thought we might stop at one of the gazillion lakes for an easy day, some kayaking, and an overnight. However, within thirty minutes or so we ran into fog, and the temps remained in the low 50s, upper 40s. We drove until we needed gas, around Nipigon (I have no idea how to pronounce it). We arrived to sunny and pleasant weather (around 72), and decided to travel onto Thunder Bay. They have both breweries and laundromats there, and -- what a co-inky-dink -- we ran out of beer and clean clothes.

My assessment of Ontario thus far: Rustic. With donuts. Between Tim Hornton and Robins, doughnuts are available in every town, no matter how small.

After arriving in Thunder Bay we set out to try our first brewery, Sleeping Giant. From there we toodled about the sizable town (population 103,000) to get a lay of the land. They are building a number of new condo buildings near the train station, which itself is being renovated. Good thing, too, since it's just darling. The town's on the boom.

We did laundry at Frank's at the recommendation of one of the brewers.

Funny thing about Canada Day (observed) is that everything is closed. Including the PetsMart and Walmart; the latter I find astounding. I'm certain Walmarts are open on the 4th of July. Must be some weird Canadian thing. Beside the brewery, little was available. We found a restaurant called 5 Forks, which was great. We split some tacos and a grilled pear & gorgonzola flatbread for dinner.