July 27: Off we go on our cross-Canada adventure! Today was our longest drive, leaving home at 6 a.m. and arriving in Wawa just after 6 p.m. Went through rain, scorching sun and, unfortunately, smoke through Lake Superior Provincial Park which obscured many of the magnificent views of the lake and its amazing rock formations. Still a nice drive and we had lots of laughs. Lucky we get along so well because it's starting to hit home that this is going to be a pretty long drive.

 

After a late but great takeout pizza in Wawa, we caught the tail end of the smoke-assisted sunset which quickly turned moody.

 

July 28: A quick pic with Wawa's roadside icon, then we embarked on our second longest day of driving - getting the hefty ones out of the way early! Next destination - Dryden - with a few stops along the way...

 

A bear and his honey perched above my honey. White River, ON.

 

Pebble Beach, Marathon, ON.

 

Just east of Thunder Bay is where Terry Fox had to end his run. We visited a memorial near that spot that is both moving and beautifully done. What a remarkable feat that run was.

 

Stopped by the spectacular Kakabeka Falls on the way to Dryden. With all the stops today, we didn't arrive in Dryden until 9 p.m. but...we gained an hour so it was really 8. Not much carousing tonight, (we were sleepy plus the smoke was choking). It was pretty much straight to bed after a dinner of salad we picked up at the grocery store.

 

July 29 a.m. - Welcome to smoky Manitoba. The smoke was definitely the worst of our trip so far. Bad enough that we donned our N95 masks while driving.

 

July 29 pm - Now we're in Carlyle, Saskatchewan. Tomorrow we're heading off to Brooks, AB.

 

Good old Grape Jelly Lips.

 

Not much bird action yesterday but at least I didn't get skunked.

 

Not the worst camouflage attempt ever but that vibrant red eye makes it a bit tough to really blend in amongst the green grasses. #blackcrownednightheron

 

Exit stage up.

 

Not a great photo but here's a Black-billed Cuckoo from Ancaster, Ontario.

 

A young Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

 

Black-crowned Night Heron on the wing.

 

Great Golden Digger Wasps might look a little intimidating but they really do keep to themselves unless provoked. So, if you see one don't go swatting it or harassing it, just let it pollinate in peace.✌🐝

 

Most of the the Hooded Mergansers flew north months ago but a few have stuck around the area. Like this lovely female who's enjoying a little mid-pond siesta.

 

Black-crowned Night Heron.

 

Orchard Oriole.

 

I love how poised and confident this Robin looks just a few short weeks after it was but a tiny chick dependant on its parents for grub(s).

 

A Song Sparrow

 

American Goldfinch popping by to say hi.

 

A wee Robin rockin' / rollin' in the bath until the bath becomes a shower.

 

A young Downy Woodpecker scanning the treetops and hoping its mother brings some more food soon.

 

Eastern Daisytail mid-munch. Just seeing if you're awake, it's an Eastern Cottontail.

 

Gull going toward the glow.

 

Baltimore Oriole making a big splash.

 

Indigo Bunting.

 

This backyard bunny isn't much bigger than your fist. He's normally quite skittish about me and my camera but, when the grass gets a little long, he thinks I can't see him and let's me get pretty close.

 

Just a few of the sweet swimmers we caught. Except for the last photo, these bigger fish were safely returned to the lake to spawn and fight another day. We only kept some smaller ones for the table.