As you probably already know, I like to get to Thunder Bay at least once or twice a year. This year, I was able to go twice. I also try to avoid traveling there from mid-November to May. This is because snow can really slow me down and make it hard to do this over a weekend.
If I do go in November, I like to choose the weekend that Daylight Savings Time ends. This allows me to gain two hours on the way back. I gained the first hour because of the time change and the second because I switched from Eastern Time to Central Time.
To prepare for my trip, I will purchase Canadian currency. I can do this in Madison, which saves me the ATM fees I would pay if I bought it in Canada.
I also like to buy road trip snacks. I sometimes get things I don't eat at home since Victoria doesn't like the smell. I got some "funny pickles," as Little Dude likes to call them.
The weather looked like it might be interesting. I see I was going to run into some snow in Northern Wisconsin.
I was actually going to leave on the Thursday of Halloween. I would then find a place to sleep along the way. I loaded up the car and got ready to go.
It was very windy. Before I left, we fought the wind and went trick-or-treating.
Once Little Dude went to bed, I hit the road and drove in the darkness.
I eventually reached a rest stop in Northern Wisconsin, which I figured would be a good place to stay the night.
It was a bit chilly. I know I got a little cold throughout the night. In the morning, there was frost on the inside of my windshield.
At least the radar was clear in terms of weather.
That said, I see some areas got a decent amount of snow. It's hard to believe they are still trying to proceed with construction this time of year despite the threat of snow.
For breakfast, I stopped at Kwik Trip.
Before you know it, I was in Canada! The border crossing was pretty painless.
My first stop was Metro. I wanted to do all my Canadian grocery shopping beforehand.
I've become a seasoned veteran of shopping here. Since they don't give out bags, I brought the bags I bought on a previous trip.
Metro has a pretty decent deli. That's where I'd get my supper.
I loaded the cart up and checked out.
I made my way to the hotel. I'd be staying at Superior Shores (old Shoreline) this time.
When asked what floor I wanted to be on, I said the top floor because I wanted the best views. However, I was then told the elevator was broken, so I'd have to use the stairs, which I was fine with.
I was rewarded for my efforts and was given an upgraded room.
They were also very thorough with the information on the key.
I was impressed with their WiFi.
After connecting to that and starting my photo backup, I ate supper. I will say Metro's brand of private-label pepperettes was very good.
Canadian beer is expensive, so I always bring a case of my own. My friends and I usually pregame in my room before we head to the bars.
It was a bit cold in the room. I noticed that the heat was off.
I turned it on.
And then switched to "freedom units."
While waiting for my friends to arrive, I enjoyed the views outside.
My friends arrived, and we drank a few beers. We then headed kitty-corner across the street to On Deck.
Of course, you can't be in a bar in Canada without a hockey game playing.
Our next stop was Waterhouse. I always make sure to get a Caesar there.
We then walked to Red River Road. I noticed that Sovereign Room was closed.
We planned to go to Black Pirates anyway and enjoy some live music.
We listened to music for a while and then returned to On Deck, where we demolished several baskets of free popcorn.
After that, I headed back to the hotel.
The following day was cloudy and a bit ominous.
I planned to go to Nipigon with Ryan and his girlfriend, Crystal. On the way, we stopped to pick up two cases of Texas seasoning. My dad had become a super fan of it and asked me to pick up a bunch when I visited. I was able to get it straight from June & Jo Spice Co.
When we got to Downtown Nipigon, we stopped at Zechner's. Ryan bought some Texas seasoning to try.
We then stopped by the Nipigon General Store. Usually, we chat with Terry, the owner, but he was sick. We had a good conversation with his wife, Ann.
They always have good things to try. I found some Canadian jerky. This jerky is deemed the "healthiest jerky in Canada." I noticed that it was way less salty and had a nice smoke taste to it overall. Even if it weren't meant to be healthier, I would still say that it was pretty good!
Our next stop was China Gardens, where we had lunch. This is the main food place we like to stop when we visit Nipigon.
I don't know what they did this time, but the food was phenomenal! I got the shrimp noodles.
After eating, we headed over to the thrift store. Ryan loves thrift stores, and this place was always closed on previous visits. We were happy that it was open this time! It was nice to see what they had to offer and the owner was super friendly to talk to.
Our last stop before heading back to Thunder Bay was the Nipigon Marina. This place is always very peaceful.
We made a pit stop at a general store on the way back.
I noticed that you could buy bigger cases of beer. The prices were a bit more expensive than in the USA.
After the pit stop, we were soon in Thunder Bay. I dropped Ryan and Crystal off and eventually made my way to the Ukrainian Catholic Church. I always enjoy going here. The liturgy is different from that of the regular Roman Catholic Church, and it's one of those unique things I get to experience while traveling.
After Mass, I was hungry. I initially went to the mall but realized they closed in a few minutes. No food court for me!
I ended up going to Mr. Sub instead.
I got an Assorted Sub, and it was amazing! I decided to be a "cheapskate" and get all the veggies I could with it. The guy behind the counter was meticulous with putting everything on the sub. Mr. Sub reminds me of Cousins Subs in Wisconsin, which is my favorite.
After eating, I made it back to the hotel. I waited for my friends to arrive so we could drink a few beers before going downtown.
Our first stop was Lakehead Brewing. We walked past a torn-up Red River Road to get there.
They actually had a Rauchbier on tap.
I got it to try it. It had a little more subtle smoke taste than the other ones I've tried. It was still good.
After a bit, we headed down the street to Waterhouse.
In addition to beer, I got some dill pickle-flavored peanuts.
Our final destination of the night was On Deck. Unfortunately, as the night went on, things got rowdier. Suddenly, we heard a big crash, and someone either fell into or was thrown into the wall.
The vibe kept getting more intense, so we called it a night. When we were leaving, there was a bit of a brawl outside the door. I guess it was a good time to leave and get some sleep. I safely returned to my hotel, which was just across the road. Before I went to bed, I enjoyed the views outside.
When I woke up the next morning, it was clear.
The radar begged to differ. It looked like my drive back home would be very wet.
I took a few minutes to sit back and relax. It's always nice to enjoy the views and reflect on all the good times I've had in Thunder Bay.
I took the little I had packed and made my way down the steps.
One thing I've found with drinking in Canada is you get a lot of change. They don't have one or two-dollar bills. They are coins instead. I decided to use up this cash in the vending machine at the hotel.
I checked out and went to my car. I had to scrape the ice off the windshield.
I then headed to the marina for a quick glance before I hit the road for the border.
When I got to the border, I got hassled. I figured this would happen. Crossing into Canada was easy. Typically, one side makes it difficult, so it was the USA's turn. The border guard was shooting off rapid-fire questions. He also asked the same things in different ways.
I know it's a psychological game to throw you off. It's harder for someone to conceal a lie this way, and it's a way to catch them. He then asked me to shut my car off, pop the trunk, and hand him the keys.
He then searched my trunk. When he came back, he seemed mad that I had not disclosed the two cases of Texas seasoning. I did say I had disclosed that I was bringing groceries back. He then questioned how I got it, and it felt like I was smuggling contraband or something.
He finally let me go, but it definitely felt like a shakedown. This is why I hate crossing the border. Don't get me wrong, I love going to Canada, but I hate having to justify a simple trip. I can bounce around the USA with no issues. I understand they're just doing their jobs, but I hate feeling like I'm doing something wrong.
After that experience, I was happy to be in Minnesota.
I was soon in Wisconsin on US-53. The clouds were starting to get threatening.
I detoured to Marshfield to drop off the Texas seasoning. By then, it was raining hard.
I wanted to get back to say goodnight to Little Dude, so I didn't stay at my parents' house too long. I drove back in the soggy conditions and minimized my stops.
I did stop at Kwik Trip in Portage for gas and some supper.
From there, I made it home in time to say goodnight to Little Dude. It was a nice trip to see my friends in Canada. In addition to the Texas seasoning, I did get a nice selection of Heartbeat Hot Sauce.
Other than that, it was a low-key trip. Besides an upcoming Thanksgiving trip to Texas, I will probably be holed up for the winter. I'm glad I didn't run into too much snow along the way, and I could beat it for the most part. Now, it's a waiting game for winter to be over before I really start traveling long distances for my personal trips.