Upsala
A new day and I was scheduled to pass through Upsala. "Upsala?" you may ask. Where's Upsala? What is Upsala?
Upsala is a tiny community with a GIANT mosquito. Upsala is located in beautiful countryside (but boy, do they have a lot of mosquitoes, hence their statue of a man-eating mosquito!). It is about an hour and 40 minutes from Thunder Bay. I was feeling sad as I approached Upsala because I had hoped to see the Lockley family as I passed through. My timing wasn't great - they were attending a Grade 12 graduation and wouldn't be able to meet. I stopped by the park which I remembered from my last visit. After that, I pulled into the parking lot in front of the giant mosquito so I could get a picture. Then it was time to head to the next point of interest.
As I drove along the highway, I saw a sign for the community hall. Just maybe, the grad celebrations would be there. I honestly believe the guardian angel, who I've mentioned before, put this thought into my head. The parking lot was full. I wandered into the packed hall and asked the first person I saw:
"Is this a grad celebration?"
Guardedly they answered, "Yes."
"Do you know if the Lockley family is here?"
Sounding relieved, they answered, "Oh yes, they are in the far corner, over there."
I'm not usually one to crash parties, honest, but I knew this would be my only chance to see Ryan, and his young family, for a very long time. I also wanted to meet his mom Linda, who has been so supportive of my photography on Facebook. What a relief when they all greeted me enthusiastically. I joined them at their table, was invited to help myself to some food, and sit with them for as long as I was able. This is hospitality at its finest. Greeting an unexpected guest/gatecrasher with such a warm reception. I'm glad I didn't just pass by.
Kenora
My accommodation for that night was in Kenora, a five and a half hour drive from Thunder Bay. Kenora is such a beautiful little community located on The Lake of the Woods. I was pretty bushed by the time I got there. I stayed at the Travel Lodge, not luxurious by any means, but clean, comfy, and the staff were helpful and friendly.
After a solid nights sleep, I asked the front desk where to get a good breakfast. They directed me to the Uptown Restaurant and they were right! Generous helpings and delicious.With a full tummy, and only a four and half drive ahead of me to Brandon, I decided to explore Kenora for a while before I set out. I went down to the waterfront and had a good walk. Then as I was driving around, if I saw something interesting, I'd stop and snap a picture. One of these stops (I found out later) was an Honouring Memories Planting Dreams garden. (This is an annual event celebrated in spring, where people of all ages across the country can plant heart gardens in memory of the children lost to the Indian Residential School System and to honour residential school survivors and their families, and the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.)
On my way out of town there was a lovely little park with easy access to parking. I was so glad I stopped because the Canada Geese were all out for a swim with there babies. What a sight! I only have two children, look how many these doting parents have to care for.
Finally, it was time to get back out onto the highway setting a course for Brandon, Manitoba.
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