The people you meet along the way (Thunder Bay to Winnipeg)

 One of my favourite parts of travelling has always been the people. As much as the scenery is beautiful, the drive amazing, the sites stunning, it's the people that really make the journey something special. How else would I have run into Nancy from Marathon, who helped me (well, more watched me) retrieve the dead bird from the grill! "Jesus Christ go with you to Yukon" still rings in my head. I've often found that travelling solo is one of the best ways to reach out to others and make a connection-even in a pandemic! So the following are some of my encounters today with people who made my day a little brighter.


I rolled into the only open Starbucks in Thunder Bay @ 7:30am and was greeted by a young man named Nithan. Nithan told me he was born in Saudi Arabia, moved to India for his 11th & 12th year (his parents Indian), then moved by himself to Canada to finish his schooling. I'm guessing in his early 20's, Nithan was fascinated with my solo travel to the Yukon and other travels I've taken (get me talking about travel it's hard to stop!). I learned that he missed his family, unable to go home now, but was able to connect with relatives in the States for a visit last year and some good home cooking. After chatting for 15 minutes or so while he made my fresh brew, we made a special connection. I felt the weight of the struggle we are all experience these days when we talked honestly about the current situation. #covidsucks. When I got into the car, I looked down at my coffee thinking about Nithan missing his family, and realized we both brought a little light to each others day...maybe even week:) A little kindness go a long way.

With coffee in hand (it was minus 7 this morning!), I made a few quick stops to view the Sleeping Giant over the bay. I drove from the waterfront to Hillcrest Park to take in the view from a little higher and  came upon a group of 7 or so people and their dogs (again, about 7 or so). I was an instant magnet! One the first to greet me looked just like my Arla girl, but bigger and heavier. I struck up a conversation with the owner which went something like this;

Me: "Is this your dog? Looks just like my dog except bigger."

Him: "Yup, and over there is *forgot name* and it's his 14th birthday today so we're celebrating." Just then the one eyed dog came happily running towards me for a pet.

Me: "Do you know what kind your dog is? She looks so much like my dog..." I proceed to pull out my phone, the proud parent I am, and show pictures of Arla. 

Him: "Wow, oh yeah. Well these dogs came from the rez. Some mix-but their great dogs."

Me: "So are you all from here? Or just travelling."

Him: "I live here. But I'm not from here." It's okay, I said. It's a beautiful place! 

I told him I was heading up to the Yukon with my brothers car and he said he dad and sister lived there and that one day soon he was hoping to visit too. *Funny coincidence.* Or not...

I always find it's easy to talk to dog owners. We always have something in common;)

While visiting the Kakabeka Falls, thanks to a last minute FB message recommendation from a friend, I met a mother and daughter travelling to Calgary! The mother was from Ottawa, the daughter and beautiful golden retriver from Calgary, and they were on their way back. I told them where I was headed and they gave me some great *insider* pitstops. Apparently, Emerald Lake is lesser know than Lake Louise, but more stunning! I'll for sure check it out on my way through. I could tell the mother wanted to chat for much longer, but the daughter was anxious to get back on the road. We wished each other safe travels as they drove off and exchanged waves and friendly smiles. 

Twenty minutes later, I flew pasted them while overtaking a number of slower vehicles. I wonder if they know it was me...

 

 Fish stop in Kenora! Having driven for 3 hours straight on a full tank (and a full tank!), I needed to stop. When the restaurant that was recommended to me was closed (Sundays) I decided to find a local park on the water to eat my left over Thai from TB. When I pulled in the parking lot, the sign read: Follow the path to Husky the Muskie. I just had to check it out! Now that's a big catch;)

 Looking forward to tomorrows drive through the Prairies and connecting with family in Saskatchewan. And hey, you never know who you meet along the way!

xoHeather  

 

My Spotify choices for today’s drive are;

Stay Alive - José González

We were raised under grey skies - JP Cooper

Both favourites and well played songs from my playlists over the past few years:)

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