Day 44 Dryden

Up and on the road this morning to cross over into Ontario. My goodness you are not far into the province before you hit the shield, and the prairies are but a distant memory. We are back to a two-lane Trans Canada watching for drivers taking unnecessary chances, but the road is dry, there is little smoke, so it’s all good.

We are spending the night in Dryden, in a little private campground, and while it is a nothing extraordinary, it’s a lovely little spot. We had to go into some lady’s trailer to register. She was out watching for us, so I assume there are not tons of strangers here. I suspect most are seasonal sites, but everyone is very friendly, and they left us a spot with a perfect view of Wabigoon Lake. Dryden is a city of just over 7,000 people, and it was clear from the smell as we drove through, it’s a pulp and paper town.

Our new home - for the night

Desperately in need of a leg stretch, we wandered first around the waterfront (the campground is next to a marina), and then toward town. We happened upon Laura Howe Conservation Area and a two km hike around a marsh that looked like it would eventually lead back near the campground so that seemed a good choice. We had the trail to ourselves and the forested trail kept us in out of the hot afternoon sun. We saw a snake (first one of those this trip) and among other birds, tons of woodpeckers!

Can you find the snake? Just to left of centre, at the bottom!
The Laura Howe Conservation Trail
One of many woodpeckers

Back at the trailer we pulled out the Blackstone to do some pre-cooking for the next few days. It’s very nice after a long day of driving to have supper ready when you arrive! Now we are sitting watching the day fade, listening to a loon on Wabigoon Lake.

Lake Wabigoon
Someone here at the campground has a floatplane
'nough said!

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