The race is on!

The adventure race is on! And teams from across Canada are finding out why the James Bay Frontier region is an outdoor adventurers dream. The race began Sunday morning and will continue at least until Wenesday as the racers struggle over 400 kilometres of the toughest terrain you can imagine. Among the racers is Les Stroud, better known to some TV viewers as Survivorman. The racers have already run rapids on the Makami River and will soon be heading for the Ishpatina Ridge, the highest point of land in Ontario. Here's a great link for race updates. Check in out. http://www.sleepmonsters.ca/racereport.php?race_id=2475#

Adventure Racing!

Timmins and James Bay Frontier will be in the spotlight in the coming week as the National Adventure Racing Championships come this way. Nearly 20 teams will be cycling, running and canoeing through some of the most difficult terrain in North America in a four day struggle to the finish line. I have seen the race course (shhhh...it's a secret!) and it creates a whole new meaning for the word Challenge! Interestingly, Les Stroud, the fellow known as "Survivorman" has entered the race as well. Timmins will be the home base for race organizers, but the race itself will be spread out over a vast area of the northern boreal forest. I was out in the bush last night and the mosquitoes and black flies were getting into tiny little fist fights over who had the rights to chew on my arms, legs, neck and ears! (just kidding there). Keep checking back to the Racing Website for updated information on the race. It's going to be outdoor adventure at its best.

Visit Kapuskasing

I was on the road this week and had a chance to stop in Kapuskasing. It's home to the north's newest Tourist Welcome Centre. The centre is located in the old Kap train station, which is still a fabulous old building, just ooozing character and warmth. The most striking part of the new facility is the sculpture located in front of the building. It depicts the history of the town, its people and its industry. Very much worth a stop for a coffee or a picnic. By the way, there is a Tims located right across the road.

Multi Cultural Festival soon!

One of the nicest things about this land is the amazing diversity of culture. People have come here from around the world to make James Bay Frontier their home. They've joined the people of our First Nations in making this one of the best parts of Canada. It's something we like to celebrate. You can do that too. Imagine exploring the world in one afternoon. Drop in to the Timmins Multi Cultural Festival, Sunday June 4th, 12:30 PM, at the McIntyre Arena. Enjoy the folk music and dances. Experience a wide variety of delicious cuisines. Learn more about different languages and customs. Donations can be made at the door.

Dam....It's huge.

Okay forget the silly play on words. I was walking in forest near my house last night when I noticed part of the trail was washed out. (northern trail at MacLean crossing) As i kept going I noticed something I hadn't seen before... and that's because it wasn't there. Since the snow melted about four weeks ago, the beavers have managed to create a whole new dam on the little creek near the trail. And it's not just one dam... it's a series of four dams! Each one a little higher than the other. I was amazed. These little animals have created an engineering marvel. This section is about sixty feet across. I huddled quietly for awhile hoping to get a photo. But this is black bear country too, so I didn't want to sit too quietly for too long. I grabbed a photo and headed home for a hot pot of tea.

Loons are back!

It's such a cool Northern Ontario thing. Early in the mornings, you can hear the loons calling with their unique warble. The Common Loon is Ontario's official bird. There are a pair on Gillies Lake in Timmins. I think they arrived last week. I got this picture two days ago.