Terry Fox Marathon of Hope Monument + Thunder Bay, Ontario

Terry Fox Courage Highway

We decide to do the short drive east of Thunder Bay to the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope Monument today without the trailer in tow. The 'Terry Fox Courage Highway' is an 83 kilometer section of the Trans-Canada Highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon, ON renamed to honor Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run he undertook to raise money for cancer research. 

Terry Fox Marathon of Hope Monument

Terry Fox was just 18 years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right leg, which led to the amputation of his leg above the knee. This diagnosis combined with a reservoir of compassion and determination to bring an end to the suffering cancer causes, Terry set on a path that changed the world. He began his Marathon of Hope run on April 12th, 1980 in St John's Newfoundland at Mile Zero. He dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean and started running towards the Pacific Ocean. 

Terrance Stanley Fox 

A true Canadian Hero

Anything is possible if you try :)

Terry endured immense pain as he ran nearly a marathon a day for 143 days, covering 5,373 kilometers across Canada. He was sadly forced to end his Marathon of Hope just outside of Thunder Bay on September 1st, 1980 as his cancer had returned but this time in the form of lung cancer. 

I remember having just graduated from high school when this was happening. Such an amazing young man. We are very happy to have the honor of stopping here and remembering him. Brought goose bumps to my arms and tears to my eyes. The world needs more people like Terry Fox. 

Hillcrest Park war memorial

Next we head to Hillcrest Park in Thunder Bay for views of Lake Superior and The Sleeping Giant peninsula. The park itself is dedicated to honor the Lake Superior Regiment and their service in World War 2. 

The flowers throughout it are beautiful and in full bloom. Even a Pollinators Garden, specifically planted to attract and support pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds by providing them with food and shelter.

Good thing for the flowers as the smoke is quite thick today and there are no views of Lake Superior or The Sleeping Giant, a rock formation called the Sibley Peninsula, which juts out into Lake Superior and is shaped like a giant lying on his back. Hopefully another day we'll see him :)

Waterfront marina

Then it's off to Prince Arthur's Landing and the Thunder Bay Waterfront Marina. The City of Port Arthur was amalgamated with Fort William and became Thunder Bay in 1970. The waterfront is lovely to stroll and chat with a few locals. It turns out to be what we will remember as the redeeming quality of Thunder Bay. 

Ketch rig sailing vessel on Lake Superior

Pier 3

There are 3 piers on the waterfront that were refurbished as part of the transformation of this area. It is definitely something to be proud of for the local residents. 

Marina Park

Taiji Park Arch

There is still a good share of tall, old abandoned manufacturing buildings coming out of the pulp and paper mill era. To us they seem to be a developers nightmare as who knows what lurks below. 

Trail totally blocked by numerous downed trees

We head back to Chippewa campground for supper and then a bike ride. We try to ride a trail but it is totally blocked with down trees...did these come down the other night in the huge storm we were caught it? 

Sun setting in a smoky sky

On the way back to our trailer the sun is setting in the smoky evening. We spend the rest of the evening packing away for our departure tomorrow.