Day 30 – Tugboats and chrome

Mike returned to us in the Soo this morning from a couple days away at the Biker’s Reunion in New Liskeard. He met us on the shores of the St Mary’s River just in time to watch the annual Great Tugboat Race! I really thought the starting line was going to be all “Ready! Set! Pppputt-putt-puttt…” but those fat little suckers sure can go. All decorated in their Canada Day splendour and adorned with patio furniture and cheering guests, they burbled up and down the river for an hour so in the sunny afternoon.

We chatted with Debbie Dixon, the organizer of the Northern Ride for Sight, also taking place this weekend in the Soo, at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion. We’ve definitely been hearing the rumble of motorcycles for the last few days on the roads in and out of the Soo, and it was great to see them parade down the main streets this morning.

We spent some time exploring those same main streets on foot. I find the old downtown core of Sault Ste Marie really quite beautiful, with some gorgeous old heritage buildings and interesting coffee shops and eccentric fashion houses. It has an interesting vintage feel, with the old store signage and old-school diners like Mike’s Lunch, but vibrant and alive at the same time. I also dropped into the historic Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, the oldest log house northwest of Toronto. It’s a sort of museum devoted to the period 1808-1870, with staff in period dress who tour guests around the house and grounds. They also have some really interesting knick-knacks in the gift shop — and I am regretting not buying a few gifts in hindsight!

Tomorrow — we head back up the shore of Lake Superior to camp on the beach at the glorious Agawa Bay Campground.

For more information on motorcycle routes, accommodations, attractions and restaurants in Algoma Country check out www.RideAlgoma.ca

Photo by Alexandra Sawicki