Fort William

8/21/2019 

Noise from the nearby Thunder Bay Airport and a flock of geese awakened me at 0500. With plenty of time for coffee and breakfast, we were ready to step back in time when Fort William Historical Park opened. Following a trading canoe along the banks of the Kaministiauia River, we reset our calendars by two hundred years.

Period actors stayed in character throughout the park. This gentleman asked us "from where had we traveled" as he welcomed us at the gate.

Forty-two structures are open to explore within and around the fort. Most of them can be seen in this view from one of the elevated guard houses.

The fur trade moved here from Grand Portage after the American colonies revolted in 1776. I'm glad we had stopped there a few days ago to gain perspective. This trading post lasted longer and was significantly larger.

Trade routes followed rivers and lakes. Access lay just outside the fort walls.

Most buildings are wood construction, but stone was used for the armory. Actors pulled out a canon for a noon firing. 

Ladies exchanged news before returning to cooking and knitting projects.

Visitors are welcome to lend a hand at daily activities. Beth helped out by carving a barrel stay.

The tinsmith shared some of his latest creations.

And the blacksmith had a young apprentice.

Knowing how to handle tools for working with wood was an essential skill. An ax throwing contest allowed anyone to test their talents. After this young lad demonstrated proper technique, Beth managed to hit the tree – and no limbs were lost!

Fort William kept us occupied until mid-afternoon when we passed outside the walls and headed back to 2019. We would definitely recommend planning a stop here on any Lake Superior Circle Tour.

Returning to the parking lot, our little van had been flanked by two unique RV's; one from Germany, and another from the UK. The ex-military truck is owned by Andy and Mandy, a British couple that also blogs about their journeys:

https://justoutforadrive.blog

Thunder Bay is the biggest city on the north shore, so we stopped at Safeway before leaving to stock up on groceries. From there the highway took us northeast to an overlook with a view of islands that form the "Sleeping Giant." 

Terry Fox is memorialized at the same overlook in this bronze statue. Fox ran across Canada in 1981 to raise money for research after losing a leg to cancer. Unfortunately the cancer returned and his run ended near this spot. He still serves as an inspiration almost forty years later.

An hour and a half further along the road, we reached the Nipigon Marina. Clear water and a protected bay sheltered this fishing boat. The enclosed cabin and high sides are typical of small commercial fishing boats on the big lake.

Camping spots were available at only $10 a night, with tax included! Charmed with the area, we decided to spend a few days here exploring the northernmost part of the Lake Superior shoreline.

Map of today's journey to the top of Lake Superior.