I headed out from Thunder Bay bright and
early with Sault Ste Marie as my destination for the day. It was cool and
overcast, quite the contrast from the weather to date but it made for
pleasurable riding. I stopped in Nipigon for a coffee and breakfast sandwich –
you know there is something to be said about riding a 100 Kms before breakfast
– sure makes it taste good!
 |
| A German tourist named Michael, the Ratbiker |
We got to talking and he
said he was heading to the Cabot Trail and so we agreed to share some time on
the road. After finishing breakfast, we
headed towards the Soo and at Pays Plat we took in the Pow Wow. One of the
elders took time to share with us the history of his 108 year old drum, handed
down to him from a medicine man or shaman – this elder was also a shaman.
 |
| We listened to the younger generation drum and sing and took in the vendors that were setting up. |
 |
Here is the video I took of the
drummers and singers at the Pays Plat Pow Wow:
 |
| Hand painted feathers |
A fabulous artist by the name of Sharon Girdwood had many of her handi works on display with each hand painted feather, each pencil drawing telling a story of her ancestor’s heritage and beliefs.
Visit her site and be prepared
to be moved! http://www.hiddenwildlifeart.com/
There were all kinds of
trinkets on display as well, everything from medicine and tobacco pouches to
hand beaded necklaces and dream catchers.
My German companion found
the Pow Wow as interesting as I did and we discussed the beauty of the culture
of the native community.
Pretty soon it was time to
saddle up and head out – Sault Ste Marie here we come!
The highway was filled with
bikes and at one of our fuel stops Michael commented that his arm was sore from
waving!
My hotel room was very comfortable
– the Comfort Inns does a very good job of being consistent in their basic
amenities and their room and bed quality. I unpacked cameras, charged
batteries, and unpacked my lap top, set up coffee for the morning, brushed my
teeth and hit the bed.
 |
| Linda - so warm and caring... |
 |
| Judy, she serenades you while you eat, always a joke at the ready, a true gem! |
Judy is this vivacious lady
with a clear singing voice, a sharp wit and a love of entertaining and serving.
Judy goes about her job making customers feel like they have spent time with
grandma, a favourite aunt or a sister depending on your age, she sings you
through the morning brightening your day! She has an infectious sense of humour
too! And then there is Linda. Not only
did she remember me from last year but her service was just as friendly and
just as bang on the money as it was last year.
It was truly an enjoyable
stay – the breakfast was great as usual, the service was wonderful and I look
forward to staying another time in the near future.
If you should find yourself
in the Sault Ste Marie region of Ontario,
I hope you check this place and its amazing staff out.
Comfort Inn
333 Great Northern Road
Sault Ste Marie ON P6B 4Z8
Latitude: 46.5350192
Longitude: -84.3187734
PH: (705) 759-8000
Fax: (705) 759-8538
Sault Ste Marie ON P6B 4Z8
Latitude: 46.5350192
Longitude: -84.3187734
PH: (705) 759-8000
Fax: (705) 759-8538
Email: cn293@whg.com
Web Site: http://www.choicehotels.ca/cn293
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