Van Tour 52 Northwest 1998

Roadtrek Tour No. 52 Summer Tour 1998 Northwest Passage July 1998 31 Days 7,693 Miles

Itinerary July 18-Aug 17 1998 Tour No. 52 Northwest Passage (31 Days) Walking Tour Mount Joy, PA Fox Den RV Resort, New Stanton, PA Walking Tour Zanesville, OH Wayne Co. Historical Museum, Richmond, IN Gaar Mansion, Richmond, IN Deer Ridge Camping Resort, Richmond, IN Walking Tour Crawfordsville, IN Old State Capitol, Springfield, IL Lincoln's Home National Park, Springfield, IL Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, IL Lincoln's Tomb, Springfield, IL New Salem State Site CG, Petersburg, IL Lincoln's New Salem State Site, Petersburg, IL Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL Arsenal Museum, National Cemetery, Quarters One, George Davenport House, Fort Armstrong Mississippi River Visitor Center, Rock Island, IL Lock 15 George Wyth State Park, Waterloo, IA Walking Tour Austin (Spamtown USA), MN Minnesota State Capitol, St Paul, MN St Cloud CG, Saint Cloud, MN Munsinger & Clement Gardens, St Cloud, MN Runestone Museum, Alexandria, MN Heritage Hjemkomst Center, Moorhead, MN Hopperstad Norwegian Stave Church Frontier Fort CG, Jamestown, ND Frontier Fort, Jamestown, ND North Dakota State Capitol, Bismarck, NDHeritage Center Painted Canyon National Site, ND Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND Campground Pompey's Pillar National Landmark, MT Yellowstone River RV Park, Billings, MT Moss Mansion, Billings, MT Big Horn County Museum, Hardin, MT Little Bighorn Battlefield Natl Monument, MT Original KOA in Nation Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman, MT Copper King Mansion, Butte, MT 2 Bar Lazy H RV Park, Butte, MT Walking Tour Dillon, MT Craters of the Moon Natl Monument, Arco ID Campground Idaho State Capitol, Boise, ID Idaho History Museum, Boise, ID Prospector RV Park, Vale, OR Walking Tour Vale, OR Bend CG, Bend, OR Faith, Hope & Charity, Cascade Mountains, OR Oregon State Capitol, Salem, OR Harrison RV Park, Centralia, OR Washington State Capitol, Olympia, WA Olympic Ntional Park, Port Angeles, WA Altaire CG, Hurriacane Ridge, Mt Olympus Kingston-Edmonds Ferry, Puget Sound, WA Wenachee State Park, Wenachee, WA Grand Coulee Dam, Grande Coulee, WA Holiday Resort, Westbank, BC

Itinerary Continued Eagle Pass, Canadian Rockies, BC Lake Louise National Park, AB Trailer Park Fort Calgary Historic Park, Calgary, AB Deane House Tillebrook Provincial Park, Brooks, AB Medicine Hat Museum, Medicine Hat, AB World's Tallest Tepee, Medicine Hat, AB Trail Campground, Swift Current, SK Royal Canadian Mtd Police Depot, Regina, SK Kings Acres CG, Regina, SK Saskatchewan Provincial Capitol, Regina, SK Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina, SK Government House, Regina, SK RCAF Training Museum, Brandon, MB Manitoba Agri Museum CG, Austin, MB Manitoba Provincial Capitol, Winnipeg, MB Royal Canadian Mint, Winnipeg, MB Aaron Provincial Park, Dryden, ON Old Fort William, Thunder Bay, ON Mirror Lake Resort, Pearl, ON Scenic High Falls, Wawa, ON Agawa Bay Provincial Park, Wawa, ON Sault Locks, Sault Ste Marie, ON Soo Locks, Sault Ste Marie, MI Mackinac Bridge, MI Tee Pee CG, Mackinac City, MI Sheplers Ferry, Mackinac Island, MI Mackinac Island Carriage Tour Grand Hotel, Arch Rock, Old Fort Mackinac, MI Governeror's Mansion Mackinac Bridge Museum, Mackinac City, MI Michigan State Capitol, Lancing, MI RE Olds Transportation Museum, Lancing, MI Covered Wagon Resort, Ottawa Lakes, MI Walking Tour Sandusky, OH Woodland CG, Woodland, PA

Zanesville, OH Log Entry: Stopped for a morning walk in downtown Zanesville, OH and over the V-Bridge, a span over the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers. Walked along the Muskingum River Canal and saw a sternwheeler. The county courthouse in downtown is a smaller version of Philadelphia City Hall and it was the first capitol of Ohio. A really neat bank across the street featured heavy ornate brass doors framed down the edges with oversize old coins, the nickel, dime, quarter and half dollar, with a dollar coin over the top. The town has lots of free parking and many flowers. It also features an outdoor wall mural of early settlers, circa 1797. Zanesville Courthouse

Richmond , IN Log Entry: Arrived in Richmond, IN at 1: 00 PM (standard time in Indiana) to tour the Wayne County Historical Museum, a real winner. The museum features the history of Wayne County, but also has an area with an Egyptian mummy. There is an old car collection featuring some of the thirteen autos built in Richmond, including the original prewar Crosley and the Richmond, a car named for the town. Another collection featured women's clothes from 1800 to 1970. Another had a silk jacket the King of Prussia gave to Von Steuben during the revolutionary war. The city and county were highly industrial and produced, among other things, airplanes, cars, record players, records and pianos, all of which are on display. The first movies were shown in public in Richmond and the inventor (not Edison) lived here. He also held one of the first TV broadcast licenses in 1925. Famous singers, including AI Jolson, came to town to make records. Downstairs in the museum there is an Indian exhibition, a blacksmith shop, country store and a bicycle shop featuring bikes produced in Richmond. Outside are outbuildings including an 1823 two story log cabin, a bridle shop, print shop and a livery stable with horse drawn carriages, including two hearses. Prewar Crosley Auto

Springfield, IL Log Entry: Arrived in Springfield, IL at noon to tour the old and new state capitol, Lincoln's home and his tomb. The NAACP was founded in Springfield following a race riot. Toured the old capitol first, it was used from 1839 to 1876 and Lincoln was a four term Legislator here. He debated Stephen Douglas here and also gave his "house divided" speech that won him the presidency. Few original furnishings remain, it served as a court house after the new state house was built. Lincoln's law office is across the street from the old capitol. Next we toured Lincoln's home, the only one he ever owned. The National Park Service bought up houses in a four block area surrounding the house to "preserve the neighborhood" by restoring the area to the mid 1800's. The visitor center adjoining the house presents a short film on Lincoln's Springfield and you get fee tickets to tour the house there. Lincoln enlarged the house to a full two story home and it is furnished with period furniture. Old State Capitol Lincoln’s Home Law Office

Log Entry: Our third stop was the present state capitol, built in 1888, a very impressive, ornate building with patterned marble and gold filigree banisters and copper colored statues. Our last stop was a drive out to Oak Ridge Cemetery and Lincoln's Tomb. It was unbelievable, an obelisk on a foundation of raised granite with statues featuring infantry, cavalry, artillery and the navy, made from old cannons. The outer entry chamber of the vault is a reception area and the actual vault is behind it down marble walled hallways. Lincoln, his wife and three of the four boys are all buried there. The whole thing is very large and overwhelming, something Lincoln "the rail splitter" probably wouldn't have approved of. Arrived at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Campground in Petersburg at 3:30 PM. Drove over to the adjoining New Salem State Historic Site after checking in. New Salem is the restored village of 12 log buildings, including a tavern, workshops, a mill, school and store, where Lincoln came after being discharged from the army at the age of 21 in 1831. He remained there for 6 years and read law after trying to be a storekeeper, surveyor and rail splitter. The village has some original items and period costumed guides as well as a film on Lincoln's time there. Lincoln’s Tomb Springfield, IL Illinois State Capitol New Salem Log Store

Rock Island, IL Log Entry: Stopped in Rock Island, IL to tour the Rock Island Arsenal Museum and the Mississippi River Visitor Center. The arsenal museum was smaller than we expected but, if you are into guns, it has a huge collection, particularly handguns. The museum covers the production at the arsenal from the Indian Wars, Civil War, W.W.I and II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Shield, with an Iraqi AK47. The grounds of the arsenal contain the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi, a National Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery. A Union Civil War Prison was on the grounds and it had a one day mortality rate of 350 confederate prisoners. There were 10 guards for 2,000 prisoners. Quarters One, the 52 room second largest government owned house (the White House is first) housing the area commander is also on the grounds. Along the river is the George Davenport house, he established the first trading post along this section of the river and Davenport, IA across the river bears his name. A replica of the blockhouse from 1817 Fort Armstrong is just outside the gate to the arsenal grounds. The Mississippi River Visitor Center is actually inside the gate to the arsenal. It has a dam and Lock No. 15 on the Mississippi River. We saw a group of 90 coal barges being pushed though the locks. It was too big to all go through at once and had to be broken down into sections. The lock can only hold three barges across and three long at one time. Each barge is equivalent to 58 truckloads or 15 railroad cars. Quarters One Mississippi Lock 15

Saint Paul, MN Log Entry: Detoured over to Saint Paul, MN to visit the state capitol. The interior has beautiful murals and stenciled ceilings and the building is constructed of 25 varieties of marble. We got a private tour of the governor's reception room by his correspondence secretary. The room featured white oak wainscot with gold leaf covered plaster of paris symbols of Minnesota events around the ceiling along with two crystal chandeliers. Walking outside and down the steps, you viewed two blocks of an open park with many flower gardens. Minnesota State Capitol

Saint Cloud, MN Log Entry: Left the campground to tour nearby Munsinger and Clement Gardens. The gardens, owned by the city, are on two levels, the upper being a formal garden with brick walks through circular and rectangular bordering beds of roses, ageratum, lobelia, petunias, lilies, etc. One garden was all white, another yellow, a third lavender and then purple and red - just beautiful. Fountains and garden benches were located throughout. The lower garden level is in a wooded area along the Mississippi River and has meandering paths with two pools with fountains. A good use of stones and boulders showed off rich colors of flower beds. A gazebo and benches were a along the pathway. Munsinger and Clement Gardens

Alexandria, MN Log Entry: Stopped in Alexandria, MN to tour the Runestone. Museum. A Runestone, a stone slab with ancient carved writing believed to be by Vikings, was discovered in 1898 in a field by a local farmer. The translation of the stone writing dates it to 1362 but it has been debated as to it's authenticity. Vikings were known to be in the US in 1365. The museum also featured both Viking and Minnesota heritage along with a film on the Runestone and outside there was an exhibit with a general store, school, blacksmith shop, old farm tools, etc. Outside of the museum, in the middle of the street, stands a 28 foot tall statue of a Vikings from the 1965 World Fair. Viking Statue

Moorhead, MN Log Entry: Toured the Heritage Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, MN in the afternoon. In 1976, Ralph Asp started to build a 77 foot long replica of a Viking ship. He did everything from felling the trees, shaping them, laying the keel and planking the sides, but he died before it was completed. His family and friends carried on, completing it and eventually sailing (and rowing) it to Norway with a Norwegian captain at the helm, a journey of more than 7 weeks. Outside, behind the museum, a replica of the Hopperstad Norwegian Stave Church is being hand built by Guy Paulson, of Moorhead, and it is almost complete. The church features long log internal columns as it's central support and has intricate hand carved dragons on the exterior. Viking Ship Hopperstad Norwegian Stave Church

Bismarck, ND Log Entry: Stopped in Bismarck, ND to tour the state capitol and Heritage Center, across the street. The capitol is a 19 story art deco building built in the early 30's, during the depression and is rather plain. The inside features many wonderful woods, including Califomia walnut paneling in the Secretary of State's private entrance. The paneling is sliced thin and installed in matching patterns, giving the illusion of animals in the grain, including monkeys, lions, bison, cattle, etc. The ladies rest room has a lounge with wicker furniture. A portrait hall of fame called the "Rough Riders Gallery" is located in the lower hallway area and features such state notables as Lawrence Welk, Roger Maris, Teddy Roosevelt (owned 2 ranches here), Angie Dickinson, Peggy Lee and many others. The Heritage Center featured North Dakota from pre-historic through the Indian and settler period to modem times and is quite well done. There are several dinosaur skeletons, a display on the army's pursuit of sitting bull, old time dentist office, optometrist, a plains cabin, a cemetery with wrought iron decorated crosses (Catholic immigrants from Russia), crank and radiator from old car that makes starting noise when you turn crank, and a model "T" ford on a "rolling hills" base that is a map. Downstairs is a USS North Dakota battleship display and out back one of the French "forty and eight rail cars" given to the state after W.W.I. A statue of "Sacagawea", the Shoshone tribe Indian woman "bird woman" interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark exposition, is located in front of the building. North Dakota State Capitol

Medora, ND Log Entry: Arrived at Theodore Roosevelt National Park at 2:30 PM for a tour and overnight stay. The park is in the North Dakota badlands which run for 45 miles wide by 125 miles long through the western part of the state. Took a short walk with a park ranger at the visitor center to T.R.'s first cabin in the area. His ranch was called the Maltese Cross. The 2nd floor loft of the cabin had a outside door in case snow drifted over the lower door. Decided to drive up to the campground and get a site and then take the driving tour of the park, leaving the visitor center for tomorrow morning. Got a large level primitive site with trees, backing up on the Little Missouri River. Took the 26 mile loop drive through the canyons, vegetation mostly on the North side of the hills. Climbed to the top of Buck Hill at elevation 2,850 feet. Saw buffalo three times during the drive, one almost on the road. Also saw a prairie dog. The Badlands Buffalo T.R.’s Cabin

Billings, MT Log Entry: Stopped to see Pompey's Pillar National Landmark. It is a huge boulder rising about 180 feet, just off the Yellowstone River. William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition carved his name on it and named it after his Indian guide Sacagawea's, son who was nicknamed "Pompy". We have been following some of the Lewis and Clark trail. Today, July 25th, is the 192nd anniversary of the carving. After dumping the gray tank, we left campground to tour the Moss Mansion in Billings, which we had seen on "America's Castles" TV show. The mansion was always in the family and is fully furnished and completely original. It was designed by the architect of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. The ornate entrance hall has a silver and blue Turkish motif and there was a lot of dark paneling throughout including a full room length built-in breakfront in the dining room with stained glass windows over it. Very decorative chandelier. Moss Mansion Pompey’s Pillar

Hardin, MT Log Entry: Arrived at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument at 10:15 am, it's one of the parks that has doubled their fee, but we still got in free. We had an excellent interpretive park ranger give the complete history and consequences of the battle. The day was desolate and hot as it was on the day of the battle. There were about 7,000 Indians camped in the valley, with between 1,500 and 2,000 warriors. Custer was told to expect about 700 warriors and he had split his forces. When scouts told him the number of ponies meant that many more men, he proceeded anyway. Crow scouts and over 260 soldiers were killed with him. Three years after the battle, the soldiers were reburied at what is now a National Cemetery. The officers bodies were sent back east at the request of families and Custer is buried at West Point. Mrs. Custer gave the museum at Little Big Horn many of his uniforms and personal items. Major Marcus Reno was reburied here many years later. Little Bighorn Cemetery

Bozeman, MT Log Entry: Stopped and toured the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University in Bozeman. It covers the earth's formation and all the pre-dinosaur era and dinosaurs. Museum has a full size robotic reproduction of a 23 foot Brontosaurus with two of it's young. Another section of the museum has the cultural history of the region with a furnished 1915 house including a tin bathtub, a gas station, old cars and a -Woody" Ford station wagon. Saw another camping covered wagon that was called a sheep wagon and was used in tending sheep. There is also a history section on the plains Crow Indians with a collection of beaded clothes and moccasins. Indian culture, religion and medicine are shown. The peace pipe is a form of prayer that allows the spirits to come out. Outside is a homestead with a completely furnished 1879 two story log house with costumed interpreters, a sod roofed cabin used for 17 years before the house was built and outbuildings. There is a statue of a horse near the entrance which is made out of welded link chain. Welded Link Horse Homestead

Butte, MT Log Entry: Toured the 1886 Copper King Mansion, former home of Senator William Andrews Clark, on our arrival in Butte. It is a museum by day and a bed and breakfast by night and is currently owned by the Cote family. The owner gave us the introductory talk about the mansion and it's history. There is stained glass in the transoms over most of the interior doors, all different. The woodwork throughout is heavily carved, all in different patterns. The "Octagon Room" has octagon patterned hardwood flooring. The chandeliers throughout the mansion were built for both gas and electric, in anticipation of electricity coming to Butte. The main staircase has wide flat carved spindles and a stunning stained glass window. One bathroom has a birdcage shower in the tub, round circling tubes with tiny holes to spray you. The 3rd floor ballroom is now a showcase of clothes and possessions from the 40's through the 50's. Many of the ceiling are frescoed. Mr. Clark made his money in mining, the railroad, steamship lines, newspapers, etc. He built the railroad from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Butte is in Clark County. Copper King Mansion

Arco, Idaho Log Entry: Arrived at Craters of the Moon National Monument at 3:30 PM and went right to the campground to get a site. We originally were going to stay in Arco but changed our mind and were we glad. The campground, which is primitive, sits in a lava field at 6,000 foot elevation and the ground at the site is actually black lava dust surrounded by large chunks of lava rock, it is one of the most unique in the National Parks. Left after registering to go through their museum and tour the park which is 75 square miles of lava fields ranging from smooth flowing lava tubes to black gravel and boulders. Some formations stand tall and others you can walk on have a hollow center core where the lava poured out as the exterior cooled. Where trees were buried, you can see their outline in the lava formation. Where flowers grow on the fine gravel, they' are called cinder gardens.. There are many crevices, caves and depressions. The first eruptions were about 15,000 years ago and the last approximately 2,000 years ago. This area looked like Yellowstone Park does now until the big eruption. These natural explosions are moving eastward about every 10,000 years along the high plain of the Snake River. A compass doesn't work here because of the magnetic minerals in the rock. We went to a presentation by a park ranger in the evening but had to wait 'til 9:30 PM because it was so light out. Craters of the Moon Campsite

Salem, OR Log Entry: Drove up into the Cascade Mountains which are what we pictured Oregon to be like. Saw the three sister mountains in distance, Faith, Hope and Charity at 9 to 10,000 feet. Crossed the Santium Pass at 4,817 feet and saw many signs of logging in the forests. The descent out of the pass was 11 miles of twisting and turning curves in low cloud and fog, thank god for guard rails. Stopped in Salem to tour the state capitol. It was built in 1938 and is a modem Greek marble, four story building topped with a statue of a pioneer in gold leaf. Took the tower tour which was 121 steps up through the round top of the building and out onto a circular observation deck. The capitol has mura!s throughout depicting the pioneers and Lewis and Clark. Had an excellent lunch in the cafeteria of the capitol after walking the capitol grounds and Willamette College, the oldest (1842) west of the Missouri River. Faith, Hope and Charity Oregon State Capitol

Olympia, WA Log Entry: Drove to Olympia, WA to go see the state capitol. The building was not open until 10 AM and we elected to just walk through the grounds, which are like a campus. The capitol has one of the largest domes of all the states. Cut across from Olympia to get to the coast and followed it up through Olympic National Park. The Olympic peninsula has a lot of logging and lumber mills. A young deer darted across the road right in front of us and we just missed it. Ran along the beaches for a while and then turned inland and went through town of Forks, which claims to be the most Western city in the U.S., there being no towns on the coast. Drove along the side of 10 mile long Crescent Lake, which is surrounded by mountains. The water is clear blue turning to aqua in places. Saw 19 older Corvettes in a car caravan along the road. Arrived at Altaire Campground, at elevation 1807 feet, in Olympic National Park at 1:15 PM to get a site. Got a beautiful large, paved, flat, primitive site in heavy woods at a $5 senior price. There were a few pull-thru sites for up to 35 footers but the turns were tight. Left "the campground to continue up a 13 mile winding mountain road, with three tunnels, to Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, at 5,242 feet, which had a clear view of Mount Olympus and it's glacier. The views in all directions were spectacular, with snow in the meadows on the north side and colorful wildflowers on the south side. Saw a 12 slide show at the visitor center. While returning, we saw a deer along the side of the road. Washington State Capitol Olympic National Park

Grand Coulee, WA Log Entry: Stopped in Grand Coulee to tour Grand Coulee Dam, the largest concrete structure in the world. The dam, which is a mile long, was constructed between 1933 and 1941 by up to 7,000 men working 24 hours a day. A glass elevator takes you down into a huge building to see the tops of the massive generators (built by Westinghouse in Essington, PA) and then further down to view the water turbines. The complex provides power to most of the area west of the Rockies, especially Los Angeles and San Diego in the summer. There is no water coming over the spillway most of the time, the level is controlled by dams upriver in Canada. Grand Coulee Dam

Lake Louise and Calgary, Alberta Log Entry: Left the campground to drive up to nearby Lake Louise at elevation 5167 feet. Found out why it is famous worldwide, it is surrounded by mountains and there is a huge, 200 foot thick, glacier at the far end of the lake. Spectacular with 2,258 foot deep icy azore blue water. Took a walk halfway around on a crowded tourist path with wildflowers and a cool breeze blowing. After returning to campground, found it was about 100 feet from the Canadian Pacific tracks and we had bells and whistles every hour and a half, day and night. Stopped in Calgary to tour Fort Calgary Historic Park which consisted of a small museum and the stockade style fort which is being reconstructed. The Indians were friendly and the fort was not for defense. It was the base for a detachment of 50 Northwest Mounted Police, 1883 forerunner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, sent from Winnipeg in 1885 to establish law and order in the area. They stayed for 10 years, then moved further westward as the city developed. The museum included a film and exhibits on the history of the Calgary pioneers, the Chinese influence in the area, the mounted police barracks life, prison, hospital and the railroad, which used a freight car as it's office. Lake Louise Calgary “Mounties”

Regina, Saskatchewan Log Entry: On arrival in Regina, drove directly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Depot and Museum for a tour. We thought we were arriving at 11 am but it turned out to be 10. Saskatchewan does not go on Daylight Saving Time. Impressive museum, with all the evolving uniforms and the full history of the Mounties, even the Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald movie poster and a Mountie "Barbie Doll”. The mounted police are a countrywide combination of our State Police and the FBI. They were the Northwest Mounted Police from 1873 through 1905. Then the Royal Mounted Police through 1924 and then the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with Edward, Prince of Wales as commander. With the extra time because of standard time, we were able to walk around the whole depot on a tour with an explanation of the training and we saw a snowmobile circa 1950, used in the arctic. We went through the chapel, the oldest building in Regina, which has two " Mountie” stained glass windows. There are 125 cadets in training at a time with a 6 month program covering everything from drug smuggling to physical fitness. At 1:00 PM, we saw the daily "parade- of the cadets, complete with marching band. RCMP Depot

Log Entry: Visited the provincial capitol which is on a lake in Wascana Center, a huge center city park with extensive flower gardens. The capitol has a beautiful marble rotunda with green marble columns from Cypress, floor from Vermont and 40 other types of marble from Ireland, Canada and other countries. The lower level of the capitol has a gallery of Assiniboine Indian art by the natives. The legislature is broadcast on TV when in session from a control room directing 5 remote TV cameras. Walked through the park to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum which featured the geological history of the area over the past 10,00 years. It had an impressive First Nations Gallery and several dioramas of Indian life with audio, a 21/2 billion Paleo Pit and one exhibit that makes you think you are standing underwater with prehistoric marine life on the ceiling which looks like a lake. After a lunch out in town, drove to Government House, used from 1891 to 1945 by the British Lieutenant Governors. It was originally built with indoor plumbing, central heat and electricity. The building features an large oval opening in the hall on the second floor, a ballroom and solarium. The residence is furnished in 1891 to 1910 period furniture. It has a "salesman's chair”, purposely made uncomfortable by making the front legs shorter to tilt the seat toward the front, carvings on the seat back to poke into your head and back and carvings on the seat to pinch your bottom as you slid forward. Saskatchewan Provincial Capitol Regina, Saskatchewan Government House

Winnipeg, Manitoba Log Entry: Arrived in Winnipeg which is easy to get around and a city full of flowers. Toured the provincial legislative building. which is surrounded by beautiful flowered grounds and has a statue of Victoria. on her throne. out front along with fountains. Topping the dome is the "Golden Boy. statue. a bronze bias relief figure of a runner with a torch in his right hand. It was made in France and put in the hold of a ship which was pressed into service as a transport during the first world war and stayed there 'til 1918, when it finally arrived in Winnipeg. There is a grand staircase inside. with two bison on top of the railings. leading to the rotunda of Tennessee and Vermont marble. The legislative chamber was one of the most beautiful we've ever seen with an almost mosque like decor in cream and blue. The secretary to the Lieutenant Governor showed around his offices and gave us "Golden Boy. pins. The "Royal Chair" is in his reception room. It is where "royals” sit for their picture and has identification plaques on the chair. Charles was here last. Drove through Winnipeg to the Royal Canadian Mint on the outskirts of town for a tour. The building is stunning with huge tinted glass areas and a large fountain and waterfall at a covered portico entrance. Saw a film on coins and the mint. followed by a guided tour where you looked at production through windows from a mezzanine level. All the general circulation Canadian coins are made here and 60% of their production is for other countries. Manitoba Provincial Legislative Building Royal Canadian Mint

Thunder Bay, Ontario Log Entry: Arrived in Thunder Bay at 10:00 am for a tour of Old Fort William an 1815 reconstructed 42 building fur trading post of the Northwest Co. Very knowledgeable staff in authentic garb with many demonstrations of life. Outside of the fort. there is an Indian village with natives in garb. teepees. furs, food. tools. kitchenware. weapons. horses. cows. sheep. etc. There is a dock area. also outside the fort. where visitors and furs arrived by canoe. "Voyageurs.. the men who paddled and portaged the canoes laden with furs and cargo camped. in tents or under their canoes. outside the fort. Also outside. is a tavern catering to the Voyageurs. It has a small opening in the front wall to pass drinks out of. The rowdy voyageurs were not allowed inside. Inside the fort can be found an Indian store for trade with them. fur company high ranking employee residences, storerooms, along with blacksmith, carpenter, canoe maker and tinsmith shops. a hospital. apothecary. great hall and other various buildings. The tinsmith made paint cans with a smaller diameter top than bottom so they wouldn't tip over and an offset handle to make dipping the brush easier. The post was a central place in a chain of water centered facilities from the trapping country to Montreal. The canoes varied in size with the largest 35 feet long and manned by 9 men to transport 21/2 tons. Mixed breed (native and European), free Canadian women were hired to help in the fort and some married voyageurs. Old Fort William

Agawa Bay, ON Log Entry: Arrived at Lake Superior/Agawa Bay Provincial Park at 2:00 PM and got one of the last available sites. Site in heavily wooded area near the shore of Lake Superior with a small sand and stone beach and blue green. sparkling warm water. Had to maneuver around to reach electric outlet even with extension. it was so far away. Parked next to 2 other Roadtreks, first time for 3 together. 2 couples from Ontario who were spending 2 weeks there. This made 24 Roadtreks we've seen. Spectacular sunset over the lake. Agawa Beach Superior Sunset

Sault Ste Marie, ON Log Entry: Toured the Sault Locks. Sault Ste. Marie, ON. The canal and locks were built to allow shipping between Lake Superior and Huron. The St. Mary's River rapids fall 21 feet between the two lakes. The 250 foot long lock was built in 1895 and was the largest in the world at the time. Canada built the lock because the U.S. refused passage through their locks for a ship that had served as a blockade runner during the Civil War and was being used to quell Riehl's uprising. After 92 years of operation, the lock was closed due to structural damage. It was rebuilt and opened in July 1998 for pleasure craft. It is little used and is free. Crossed back into the U.S. at 10:00 am and stopped in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to tour the Soo Locks. The Soo Locks consist of four locks, three are working. The original lock was built in 1797 by the Northwest Fur Co. and was destroyed in the War of 1812. Two 350 foot long locks were built and opened in 1855 and the others added as traffic increased. The U.S. locks are also free. SOO Locks in U.S.A.

Mackinaw City, MI Log Entry: Drove across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and crossed the 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge, the world's largest suspension bridge. It crosses over the beautiful blue/green Straits of Mackinac which joins Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Saw the tall ship "True North" sailing through the straits while crossing the bridge. Arrived at Tee Pee Campground at 12:30 PM and got a site in the trees. Had to level back of van. The campground is directly on Lake Huron and we sat on the beach watching the boats and ferries to Mackinac Island. The campground was nearly full by dark. Mackinac Bridge Lake Huron Beach

Mackinac Island, MI Log Entry: Departed the campground in the morning for Mackinac Island on the courtesy shuttle provided by the ferry service. We used Shepler's ferry because their dock is right in town and we were going to walk around the city in the afternoon. We had a smooth 16 minute ride across along with many ferries from other docks and from the town of St. Ignace. Once on the island, we took the carriage tour which goes through a few blocks of town and then up the hill to pass the Grand Hotel. The hotel is huge and expensive, their dinners are seven courses and cost almost $80. The tour continued past Old Fort Mackinac that the British captured in the War of 1812 and ended at the Michigan governor's summer house. Father Marquette came here in 1668 to bring Christianity to the Indians. John Jacob Astor started his fur trading company here but never visited, it was run by his son. Fudge shops and bike rentals are the town's main industry. There are no private cars on the island and the only powered vehicles are an ambulance, fire truck and maintenance truck. There are 600 horses in rental surreys. Men with wheelbarrows and shovels follow their route. Grand Hotel Tourists Victorian Houses Old Fort Mackinac Ship at Marina

Lancing, MI Log Entry: Stopped in Lansing, MI to tour the Michigan State Capitol. The capitol resembles the U.S. capitol except it is probably more omate. It has hand painted walls and is very decorative and bright. Opaque glass panels in both chambers have the coat of arms of all the states on them and the rotunda floor is of 1/2 inch thick glass panels. Outside, there are wonderful flower gardens with statuary and urns. Visited the RE Olds Transportation Museum while in Lansing. The museum features beautifully restored Oldsmobile, Reo and Star automobiles, all built by Olds. The original Oldsmobile with curved dashboard is on display in a separate alcove. Racing cars shown include the one that broke the world land speed record. Bicycles, carriages and early engines are also on display. Michigan State Capitol Olds Museum

Gregg Graphics Gradyville, Pa. A Presentation of

Van Tour 52 Northwest 1998

More Related Content

What's hot

Viewers also liked

Similar to Van Tour 52 Northwest 1998

More from How Gregg

Recently uploaded

Van Tour 52 Northwest 1998