The Courage to Simply Try — Thunder Bay to Nipigon, Ontario

I have one more errand to do before I leave Thunder Bay, and that is to take a shower. Funny enough, I still remember the last shower I took in my apartment back in October 2022, just before I left on this life-changing journey. I know that from now on, taking a shower will be a new level of gratitude.

It is such a pleasure to find a facility that is so clean, has hot water, and I do not need to push a button every 30 seconds. :) What a luxury this morning shower is!

I am about to start my drive east. I ask ChatGPT what else there is to do here in Thunder Bay on my way to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Terry Fox Monument and Statue.

I have no idea who Terry is or what I am about to learn.

I think I am just stopping for a viewpoint. But as I start reading about this young man and his courageous heart, I fall in love with his passion, courage, and determination to seek the basic human essence of who we are: fighting for ourselves and others, and spreading kindness.

Terry Fox is a young man who fell sick with cancer at a very young age. He lost his leg to cancer, but set off to run from Newfoundland all the way across Canada. He made it to Thunder Bay, where he was forced to stop as the cancer returned.

He ran 26 miles a day, for a total of 3,339 miles. He ended up around this spot. He helped raise $24 million for cancer research. Today, his foundation has raised more than a billion dollars for cancer research.

What an incredible story of one soul that affects others and creates a ripple effect to heal so many people. Those are the stories that inspire me to be a better person.

This is one of his quotes:

“Dreams are made if people only try.

I believe in miracles…

I have to…

because somewhere the hurting must stop.”

Terrance Stanley Fox

July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981

His story and the legacy he leaves behind are a testimony to what happens when you simply try.

As you can see, his story really touched me deeply.

My next stop is Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Unfortunately, I need to let go of the hike I was looking forward to, as it is a long, hard one, and I am sure my hip will not appreciate it. I take my second choice, a short hike to Sea Lion Point.

I stand next to a tree, holding its trunk, as I am very close to the edge. Beneath me, the color of Lake Superior is soft green, which is so clear and vibrant. The rock formation of the Sea Lion has stunning earth-tone hues, bringing a moment of simple joy to my heart.

My next stop is Eagle Canyon Adventures. I choose to stop and check it out, not because it is the longest suspension bridge in Canada, but because of the pictures I saw while putting together my travel map.

I get lucky and have the trail to myself. I am surprised it does not trigger my fear of heights. Only on the second, longest bridge does it swing as I walk across it. I cannot imagine how much it will sway when other people are walking as well. It is beautiful and very peaceful here.

I continue east…

By the time I get to Nipigon, I am ready to find my spot for the night.

I check the iOverlander option under the bridge. It is next to the river, but somehow I feel a bit vulnerable here. I do let my gut help me make my final decision whether to park or find a different spot. My safety does not have a price tag, so the tiny-town campground is perfect for tonight.

I love cooking in nature! Food just tastes SO good. My spot is along the Nipigon river. Far in the distance, a bald eagle is resting in its nest. A few times, the eagle spreads its wings and flies above the water. It is a cool sight to see!

So, for now, June 25, 11:20 in the morning, my office is at Tim Hortons as I catch up on my writing. Well, an hour ago it was also my washroom. :)