We departed the next morning, along with Follow and the Swansons, who went into town for provisions and to avoid the flies that descended on CPR Slip last night!
Our stop for the night is Otter Cove on Black Bay Point (this is a different Otter Cove than several days ago – common name here!). This well-protected cove has several anchoring areas, and we selected the one closest to the waterfall that we had heard about from the Swansons. Helgie and other locals had recently cleared a trail here to the falls, so we got in the dinghy to explore. We poled up the shallow stream, hearing the falls in the distance.
And what a beautiful sight it was!
A further vertical path led to the top of the falls, where there are no guardrails and you can peer down into the depths of the cascade.
Next morning, we saw a whitetail deer swimming across the cove right in front of Monarch, and a pair of bald eagles soaring overhead.
On westward, we noted distinctive land formations like the Paps….
….and after a night in Edward Harbor, the signature landmark of the entrance to Thunder Bay, the Sleeping Giant. This formation of erosion-resistant mesas on the Sibley Peninsula lies within the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
This high-water lighthouse marks the entrance to the main harbor at Thunder Bay, the largest city on Lake Superior. Within the breakwall lies Prince Arthur’s Landing Marina, with more than 200 slips, walkways and picnic areas.
A beautifully restored train station contrasts with the ultra-modern government building on the waterfront. Open-air concerts are featured here all summer long, and we were entertained by the Bluesbangers, a five-piece band of seasoned blues musicians.
The Marina Park features a fountain designed for cooling off, and on this warm day, there were scores of kids of all ages frolicking in the spray. The park is home to a large display of public art, including giant aluminum water droplets with a reflective mirrored finish.
Another work of art is a pair of bent I-beams, each about 50 feet high, installed with rows of lights; at night, these impart inspirational messages – for those who know Morse Code!
The Pagoda is the oldest operating tourist bureau in Canada, dating to 1909 and still providing travel information to Thunder Bay area tourists. We found literature and got local recommendations, resulting in a fine pickerel dinner at Prospector’s restaurant during our three-night stay at the marina.
We contacted the Thunder Bay Yacht Club, hoping to see it while here. Dock chairman and member Richard Matheson not only welcomed us warmly, but came to pick us up for the 15 minute drive to the facility and a complete tour. Later, he and friend Janice, and another Club couple, Phyllis and Jim joined us aboard Monarch for conversation about the Great Loop, which they had completed.
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