Terri and Peter's RV Adventures

I suppose it’s fitting that our last day here started like our first one in Canada almost a month ago, weather wise: cool and rainy. But after two back to back longish drives, it was a good thing. I headed into town (a two minute drive) to get a few groceries to last a few more days. There’s one main market in town and for its size, it’s not bad.

Starlink has been unusually unpredictable in this spot. We are in a wooded area so it’s understandable and maybe with the heavy clouds it made finding satellites tough. It reminded us of the old days when we had to go into a town just to get some cell reception. It turned into a permission slip to read a book for a change.

Peter took off for a few hours and went to a larger town down the road as Massey doesn’t offer a whole lot of options. I took the dogs on two different hikes starting within the campground, which is a provincial park. The first took us by and over two beautiful falls and rivers combining into one: the Spanish River and the Aux Sables River. The second hike was also within the park but in the opposite direction: to the beach and swimming hole created by these rushing rivers that pool before they resume their journey. Lily had a blast, once again, swimming and endlessly chasing balls. Her energy is truly impressive. But Cali, at 15, held her own and hiked over two miles.

Tomorrow, we leave Canada (if the US will take us back–I’m feeling somewhat ambivalent about that), and head to Mackinaw City, MI for four nights. This campground, Mackinaw Mill Creek, has been family owned over several generations and is supposed to be a great combination of a natural park setting and facilities. We will need those as the laundry is beginning to pile up, again.

Growing up in Highland Park, IL, I’ve always been curious about Mackinack Island and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Many families from my area would vacation there in the summer. Not to complain, but we always either headed west or overseas. Anyway, these next couple of weeks will scratch that itch of wanting to experience various parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin.

It’s truly a bittersweet moment saying goodbye to Canada, at least for now. This country has so many beautiful natural places to visit as well as cultural, fascinating and diverse cities. The people have universally been kind, interesting and interested in creating friendships, sharing information and life experiences. The people we’ve met have made the experience exponentially richer and more meaningful. I hope that visitors to the US have a similar experience but I’m not so sure they do. It seems that people in the US are busier, have more of an edge, and aren’t as willing to take the time to get to know visitors. I hope I’m wrong about that. I know that I’ll make even more of an effort to help visitors and extend a hand of welcome.