Road Trip IIa [10/07]

I've stayed in nicer places...

2009-02-06T17:37:36Z

jmphotos
I've stayed in nicer places...

There was free Wi-Fi at this motel, but it only worked if you held the door open.

2009-02-06T17:34:49Z

jmphotos
There was free Wi-Fi at this motel, but it only worked if you held the door open.

Inside the shower, there was a glass panel missing.

2009-02-06T17:34:07Z

jmphotos
Inside the shower, there was a glass panel missing.

But Duct Tape patched it up. You could hardly even tell the difference.

2009-02-06T17:35:34Z

jmphotos
But Duct Tape patched it up. You could hardly even tell the difference.

Here we go again... Across the country in a Suzuki Swift.

2009-02-06T17:33:56Z

jmphotos
Here we go again... Across the country in a Suzuki Swift.

She's still got her B.C. plates and she's aching for home.

2009-02-06T17:36:24Z

jmphotos
She's still got her B.C. plates and she's aching for home.

Matt was might proud of the cheapest dirtiest motel in Thunder Bay.

2009-02-06T17:34:26Z

jmphotos
Matt was might proud of the cheapest dirtiest motel in Thunder Bay.

We bade farewell to the Sea Vue Motel that rainy morning.

2009-02-06T17:37:39Z

jmphotos
We bade farewell to the Sea Vue Motel that rainy morning.

We decided to take a "side road" after a few hours of driving in Northern Ontario. This kind of broke the mold as far as side roads go.

2009-02-06T17:33:21Z

jmphotos
We decided to take a "side road" after a few hours of driving in Northern Ontario. This kind of broke the mold as far as side roads go.

We were surprised to find well kept driveways that diverted off the side road.

2009-02-06T17:33:49Z

jmphotos
We were surprised to find well kept driveways that diverted off the side road.

Apparently, people actually live up here.

2009-02-06T17:33:46Z

jmphotos
Apparently, people actually live up here.

...a lot of people.

2009-02-06T17:32:18Z

jmphotos
...a lot of people.

...The kind of people who don't like city-folk speeding through their forest.

2009-07-16T14:56:56Z

jmphotos
...The kind of people who don't like city-folk speeding through their forest.

jmphotos' photo

2009-07-27T23:36:20Z

jmphotos

What kind of name is "Wypzykowski"?

2009-07-28T00:03:45Z

jmphotos
What kind of name is "Wypzykowski"?

The Wypzykowskis are putting in a new driveway.

2009-07-16T15:00:50Z

jmphotos
The Wypzykowskis are putting in a new driveway.

Classic drive through the Canadian Shield. Well-paved roads, two lanes, and not a car to be seen.

2009-07-28T01:48:44Z

jmphotos
Classic drive through the Canadian Shield. Well-paved roads, two lanes, and not a car to be seen.

Not too far to our first stop.

2009-07-27T23:35:38Z

jmphotos
Not too far to our first stop.

We debated taking the weigh station, but we had an amazing lunch at the "Countryside Cafe" and we figured poor Swift would be overweight.

2009-07-16T14:38:34Z

jmphotos
We debated taking the weigh station, but we had an amazing lunch at the "Countryside Cafe" and we figured poor Swift would be overweight.

Winnipeg had one of the largest active train yards I've ever seen.

2009-07-27T23:46:02Z

jmphotos
Winnipeg had one of the largest active train yards I've ever seen.

We definitely ignored at least two "No Trespassing" signs to get this photo.

2009-07-27T23:01:30Z

jmphotos
We definitely ignored at least two "No Trespassing" signs to get this photo.

I love the classic red colour of the CP Rail engines.

2009-07-28T03:25:16Z

jmphotos
I love the classic red colour of the CP Rail engines.

Mary Ann and Matt discuss interior decorating trends as they page through wallpaper books.

2009-07-28T00:18:35Z

jmphotos
Mary Ann and Matt discuss interior decorating trends as they page through wallpaper books.

Matt prefers leopard skin to zebra stripe.

2009-07-28T00:16:17Z

jmphotos
Matt prefers leopard skin to zebra stripe.

Time for the women to fix us a snack while I find a problem to solve.

2009-07-28T00:13:42Z

jmphotos
Time for the women to fix us a snack while I find a problem to solve.

They whip up some ice cream sundaes.

2009-02-06T17:32:38Z

jmphotos
They whip up some ice cream sundaes.

And I whip up a fruit fly trap to solve the bug problem in the kitchen.

2009-07-27T23:51:39Z

jmphotos
And I whip up a fruit fly trap to solve the bug problem in the kitchen.

No, it's not origami, it's something my mom taught me.

2009-07-28T00:16:59Z

jmphotos
No, it's not origami, it's something my mom taught me.

Clearly the girls are dazzled by my cleverness.

2009-02-06T17:32:18Z

jmphotos
Clearly the girls are dazzled by my cleverness.

The next day got off to a slow start since we spent all night celebrating the end of a fruit fly plague with huge ice cream sundaes. This is a typical town in Manitoba.

2009-07-27T23:54:40Z

jmphotos
The next day got off to a slow start since we spent all night celebrating the end of a fruit fly plague with huge ice cream sundaes. This is a typical town in Manitoba.

Swift waits restlessly while we stretch our legs in the very cold morning air.

2009-07-27T23:41:28Z

jmphotos
Swift waits restlessly while we stretch our legs in the very cold morning air.

Nostalgic moment as Swift recalls the last time he saw those big old round bales.

2009-07-27T23:14:20Z

jmphotos
Nostalgic moment as Swift recalls the last time he saw those big old round bales.

We got a little lost in downtown Winnipeg... But it was worth it when a cop turned on it's lights and started chasing down a mini-van. We followed as quickly as we could manage.

2009-07-27T23:38:00Z

jmphotos
We got a little lost in downtown Winnipeg... But it was worth it when a cop turned on it's lights and started chasing down a mini-van. We followed as quickly as we could manage.

We've been following for about three kilometres. The van just kept right on driving, totally oblivious to the cherries and siren behind it. Unfortunately for the po-po, all the traffic lig ...

2009-07-28T00:22:56Z

jmphotos
We've been following for about three kilometres. The van just kept right on driving, totally oblivious to the cherries and siren behind it. Unfortunately for the po-po, all the traffic lig ...

Finally, a red light! Let the show begin!

2009-07-27T23:47:51Z

jmphotos
Finally, a red light! Let the show begin!

Here goes the big bad police man, ready to take out a drug lord just like on COPS!

2009-07-28T00:51:30Z

jmphotos
Here goes the big bad police man, ready to take out a drug lord just like on COPS!

Everyone at the intersection held their breath as he approached the vehicle...

2009-07-27T23:38:02Z

jmphotos
Everyone at the intersection held their breath as he approached the vehicle...

He opened the driver's door...

2009-07-28T01:28:11Z

jmphotos
He opened the driver's door...

...aaand the light turned green, so we had to move it or we'd look a little suspicious ourselves.

2009-07-28T00:10:19Z

jmphotos
...aaand the light turned green, so we had to move it or we'd look a little suspicious ourselves.

I blind-fired with my camera out the back window, only to find that the driver was really a clueless old lady!

2009-07-16T14:22:54Z

jmphotos
I blind-fired with my camera out the back window, only to find that the driver was really a clueless old lady!

We made a quick U-Turn to see what would happen next.

2009-07-16T14:44:39Z

jmphotos
We made a quick U-Turn to see what would happen next.

The poor old prune got tossed in the squad car like a common criminal. Actually, she probably got charged with fleeing a police officer. The cop didn't even trust her to pull the vehicle o ...

2009-02-06T17:34:14Z

jmphotos
The poor old prune got tossed in the squad car like a common criminal. Actually, she probably got charged with fleeing a police officer. The cop didn't even trust her to pull the vehicle o ...

After such a good laugh, we took a break for some coffee. This was the only place we saw that had reserved parking just for us!

2009-07-27T23:38:18Z

jmphotos
After such a good laugh, we took a break for some coffee. This was the only place we saw that had reserved parking just for us!

After several hours, we neared the Canada-US border. We figured one last stop and breath of pure Canadian air would get us through the next week.

2009-07-28T00:12:21Z

jmphotos
After several hours, we neared the Canada-US border. We figured one last stop and breath of pure Canadian air would get us through the next week.

We climbed a stack of straw-bales that was bigger than my house. Each bale probably weighed 120kg.

2009-02-06T17:31:49Z

jmphotos
We climbed a stack of straw-bales that was bigger than my house. Each bale probably weighed 120kg.

I played around like a kid on a jungle gym.

2009-07-28T00:32:11Z

jmphotos
I played around like a kid on a jungle gym.

Frame

2009-07-16T15:01:30Z

jmphotos
Frame

by

2009-07-16T14:49:16Z

jmphotos
by

frame

2009-07-27T23:43:00Z

jmphotos
frame

of

2009-07-27T23:42:54Z

jmphotos
of

me

2009-07-27T23:25:01Z

jmphotos
me

jumping

2009-07-16T14:47:34Z

jmphotos
jumping

over

2009-07-16T14:37:47Z

jmphotos
over

a

2009-07-27T23:52:08Z

jmphotos
a

gap.

2009-07-28T00:24:00Z

jmphotos
gap.

Me jumping again.

2009-07-27T23:41:04Z

jmphotos
Me jumping again.

Here's what we climbed.

2009-07-27T23:56:20Z

jmphotos
Here's what we climbed.

Despite appearances, the Swift does quite well off-road.

2009-07-27T23:46:34Z

jmphotos
Despite appearances, the Swift does quite well off-road.

Matt figured the best way to avoid being shot by local farmers was to hid the Swift behind the bales.

2009-07-16T14:26:52Z

jmphotos
Matt figured the best way to avoid being shot by local farmers was to hid the Swift behind the bales.

They may be bedding for livestock, but they're remarkably picturesque.

2009-02-06T17:26:47Z

jmphotos
They may be bedding for livestock, but they're remarkably picturesque.

Swift poses for his "Farm/Rugged" look.

2009-07-27T23:13:13Z

jmphotos
Swift poses for his "Farm/Rugged" look.

Matt gets in position for a good shot.

2009-07-28T01:19:26Z

jmphotos
Matt gets in position for a good shot.

And snags it.

2009-07-28T00:22:21Z

jmphotos
And snags it.

Matt was the only thing on that harvested prairie besides dirt and straw.

2009-07-28T00:17:40Z

jmphotos
Matt was the only thing on that harvested prairie besides dirt and straw.

He went portrait, so I did too.

2009-07-28T01:35:22Z

jmphotos
He went portrait, so I did too.

It was a little spooky - almost like someone had abandoned the field.

2009-07-28T00:49:10Z

jmphotos
It was a little spooky - almost like someone had abandoned the field.

This is Matt betting that Swift won't need a new head gasket by the time we reach Montana.

2009-07-27T23:27:53Z

jmphotos
This is Matt betting that Swift won't need a new head gasket by the time we reach Montana.

This is Matt trying to get up to the top, just like he's doing in life.

2009-07-28T01:29:40Z

jmphotos
This is Matt trying to get up to the top, just like he's doing in life.

But unlike his life, he succeeded.

2009-07-27T23:39:32Z

jmphotos
But unlike his life, he succeeded.

I'm serious, there was nothing out there.

2009-07-27T23:46:25Z

jmphotos
I'm serious, there was nothing out there.

Matt contemplates existence in the middle of nowhere.

2009-07-27T23:40:13Z

jmphotos
Matt contemplates existence in the middle of nowhere.

And he decides it's better in the city.

2009-07-28T00:08:04Z

jmphotos
And he decides it's better in the city.

Although, there is something about feeling like Huck Finn with a camera...

2009-07-28T00:24:20Z

jmphotos
Although, there is something about feeling like Huck Finn with a camera...

jmphotos' photo

2009-07-27T22:58:00Z

jmphotos

jmphotos' photo

2009-07-27T23:15:45Z

jmphotos

We've got a long way to go, Swift.

2009-07-27T23:30:13Z

jmphotos
We've got a long way to go, Swift.

Wow, it's a good thing we moved the car...

2009-07-27T22:52:18Z

jmphotos
Wow, it's a good thing we moved the car...

Matt hides safely out of sight with Swift.

2009-07-27T23:50:47Z

jmphotos
Matt hides safely out of sight with Swift.

As Matt was puttering along...

2009-07-16T14:10:02Z

jmphotos
As Matt was puttering along...

We got a brilliant idea...

2009-07-28T00:07:08Z

jmphotos
We got a brilliant idea...

Let Swift (and Matt) run free! Hooray!

2009-07-27T23:39:37Z

jmphotos
Let Swift (and Matt) run free! Hooray!

So Swift went off driving.

2009-07-27T23:24:41Z

jmphotos
So Swift went off driving.

But eventually, he came right back to his owner.

2009-07-27T23:52:23Z

jmphotos
But eventually, he came right back to his owner.

Who bent down to give him a kiss.

2009-07-28T01:35:07Z

jmphotos
Who bent down to give him a kiss.

A series of wrong turns, poor directions and mis-communications landed us in the boonies of Minnesota. We found an abandoned house.

2009-07-27T23:01:30Z

jmphotos
A series of wrong turns, poor directions and mis-communications landed us in the boonies of Minnesota. We found an abandoned house.

There were many old items on the property.

2009-07-27T23:38:40Z

jmphotos
There were many old items on the property.

Many doorways and collapsing sheds to explore.

2009-07-27T22:57:29Z

jmphotos
Many doorways and collapsing sheds to explore.

Eerie hiding places

2009-07-27T23:39:08Z

jmphotos
Eerie hiding places

Broken buildings.

2009-07-27T23:31:47Z

jmphotos
Broken buildings.

jmphotos' photo

2009-07-28T00:28:27Z

jmphotos

Mossy ruins.

2009-07-16T15:05:33Z

jmphotos
Mossy ruins.

All of them hiding a story.

2009-07-16T15:01:21Z

jmphotos
All of them hiding a story.

Every nook of the property held a little nugget of modern ruins.

2009-07-27T23:05:30Z

jmphotos
Every nook of the property held a little nugget of modern ruins.

jmphotos' photo

2009-07-16T15:04:50Z

jmphotos

So many interesting objects sat still, untouched by everything but time and the elements.

2009-07-27T22:47:30Z

jmphotos
So many interesting objects sat still, untouched by everything but time and the elements.

Relics of an attempt at a life.

2009-07-28T00:16:41Z

jmphotos
Relics of an attempt at a life.

Which at one time seemed so promising.

2009-07-27T23:08:24Z

jmphotos
Which at one time seemed so promising.

Everything frozen in time.

2009-07-27T23:56:36Z

jmphotos
Everything frozen in time.

As if someone had stopped in the middle of the day and left everything right where it was.

2009-07-16T14:31:29Z

jmphotos
As if someone had stopped in the middle of the day and left everything right where it was.

jmphotos' photo

2009-07-28T00:54:41Z

jmphotos