I was searching for any good reason to stay in Thunder Bay longer. There were so many more things I could do and people I could visit, but it felt like I was searching for excuses and maybe that would all make it more difficult to leave.

So I headed out this morning. I got a couple groceries, visited the mall, topped up on fuel, and headed out.

I decided to go the long way to Kenora this time. Off the Trans Canada that is full of transport trucks and traffic and on to highway 11 that goes through Atikokan and Fort Frances.

I’ve never stayed at Quetico Provincial Park so today is the day! It’s a big park in northwestern Ontario that is popular for backcountry camping and canoeing.

I didn’t sleep well last night so a short drive suited me any way. It was just a couple of hours.

And I’m already back in the Central time zone!

The forecast told me the clouds would lift? But I didn’t see the sun didn’t until after 5pm!

I arrived at the park early in the afternoon. There were many sites available and I scored one on the lake!

I got the tent set up. I felt like a nap but was also feeling hungry. I dug through my box of dry food and found a box of macaroni and a can of tuna. That’ll work!

However, I didn’t pack a can opener. I know, I know, my truck has everything and sometimes two.

I knew there was a can opener on the Swiss Army knife I had lent Cathy. But when I tried to use it, I discovered it is a left handed one! I just couldn’t do it! So I used the reamer option on the knife to stab the can until I had a big enough hole to scoop out the tuna with my fork!

It worked!

Of course Jeff has since reminded me that I also have a leatherman in the truck. I wonder if it has a can opener. Oh well!

I also made a new friend!

I’m not sharing little buddy, but awesome effort!

I had bought two bags of wood when I checked in, but decided to go for a hike first. I wanted to see more of Quetico!

I took the trail along the lake. It was marked as moderate. I’m guessing because it was so crazy rooty.

Shallow roots everywhere! And mushrooms. I didn’t see anyone else on the trail.

Well except for the grouse I almost stepped on that flew up and got me to shriek out loud! I so rarely do that!

It is looking really fall like around here.

The hike came out on a parking lot and then I walked the roads back.

It was a 4 kilometre hike by the time I returned to my site.

Then it was time for fire!

I’m not convinced I’m going to make it to sunset. 😴

I made it!

Good night!