SAULT STE. MARIE - THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

More than 2000 years ago, aboriginal tribes from all over North America began to gather here for the wealth of fish, fur and maple syrup found along the rushing waters of the wide, turbulent river that links the Great Lakes of Superior and Huron.  Due to the strategic location of the river and the abundant natural resources found here, the French and British often fought over the area and the right to trade with Native Americans in the 1700s. 

In 1797 the first lock was constructed on the Canadian side by the Northwest Fur Company. This 38 foot lock was used by fur traders until the War of 1812 when it was destroyed by fire. 

Congress, in 1852, granted 750,000 acres to the State of Michigan to develop a lock that would allow ships to navigate from Lake Superior to Lake Huron. The Fairbanks Mining Company began the lock in 1853. That's the briefest history recount ... LOL. 

Sault Ste. Marie is both an American city and a Canadian city ... joined by the International Bridge. (Strange, right?). 

Canadians and Americans are good neighbours (Canadian spelling) or neighbors (American spelling). LOL. They get together regularly to mingle and socialize. The first long weekend of summer is especially fun. 

The 2.8 mile International Bridge serves as a walking path for both Americans and Canadians enjoying the fantastic view of the St. Mary's River. (The word "Sault" means "rapids" in French.) There are tugboat races, a pancake breakfast, parades and two sets of fireworks ... July 1st fireworks celebrate Canada Day ... July 4th fireworks celebrate USA Independence Day. How's that for twin cities?

Canadian and American flags fly in "Soo"

One of the Soo Locks

Something's fishy!

Harbourfront street. 

We're getting on the road ... 17 West ... to who-knows-where at noon. At 4 pm we were heading to Marathon for the night. The phones don't work and we can't send a text. WTF?

Hooray, our wifi at Penn Lake Park is working! It's a beautiful place in Marathon, Ontario. Early tomorrow we will finish the drive to Thunder Bay. 

We sat outside with a lovely fire burning until 10 o'clock. No mossies here!