Manitoulin Island - Maurianne and Craig - waterfront on Lake Kagawong

Heading south onto the island

On our way to Manitoulin Island is our first diversion off the Trans-Canada highway in weeks. We head south super excited for what lays ahead. 

Canadian Shield 

Officially on Manitoulin Island

There is a swing bridge just before the Town of Little Current to get us onto Manitoulin Island. It is a one lane bridge so there are lights at both ends of the bridge that turn red and green alternating directions to get vehicles on and off the island. The traffic is stopped in both directions for 15 minutes on the hour, every hour for the summer in order for the bridge to actually swing open and allow boats to pass through. We time our arrival for 1:30 in the afternoon so it's straight across for us. We immediately stop at the Tourist Information and have lunch and then walk 5 minutes to the waters edge and watch the bridge swing open again at 2:00. 

Manitoulin Information Center

 Little Current Swing Bridge

The Little Current Swing Bridge was built in 1913 and it spans the North Channel of Lake Huron. Being the sole road access for the island, it is a vital link connecting Manitoulin Island to the mainland of Ontario. Originally built as a railway bridge, it was later modified to accommodate vehicles.

Fast Motion Swing!

The bridge operator actually comes over and talks to us about the bridge and its history. Apparently the bridge's age and rough condition are now leading to its replacement with a wider, two-lane structure but that is years away and whether it will be another swing bridge or a permanent road is all being considered. 

Once on the island we head to Bridal Veil Falls, which is about a 45 minute drive on scenic roads meandering about the island. 

Bridal Veil Falls

The falls are clearly named for their resemblance to a bride's veil, with water cascading down an 11 meter (35 foot) drop.

The falls are located near the village of Kagawong and its Ojibwe name means "where the mists rise from the falling waters". 

 

Sheila behind the falls

The water is a wonderful temperature and if you are brave enough to go under, the water absolutely pummels your head and shoulders. A great massage when we are positioned just right. 

Chris enjoying the surroundings

Bridal Veil Falls is fed by the Kagawong River, which in turn is fed by Lake Kagawong where we are headed next. 

After the refreshing water, we walk the short hike along the river and back to our rig. Time for tea and a shower before heading on to our friends Maurianne and Craig.

That pot of gold must be close :)

On the way we run into a torrential downpour of rain. We are down to a very low speed as the water pools on the road. Finally it lessens and a rainbow appears. 

Long and winding road in

When we arrive at the end of Maurianne and Craig's driveway, we are unsure if we are at the right spot. The driveway looks very narrow and we are concerned about getting our rig in there and turned around. I walk up the fairly long and winding driveway nervous there may be a guard dog. Craig is just coming out to meet us as I emerge at their end so I breathe a sigh of relief. I hop in Craig's car and we drive back to Chris who was beginning to wonder what happened to me :) We slowly head down the driveway and manage to get wiggled into our spot...after knocking one placed rock off its perch with our bumper ..oops. Thankfully its able to be lifted back in place without too much struggle. 

Sheila, Georgia and Maurianne

Let the fun begin with G&T's on their dock, which is right on Lake Kagawong. It is absolutely surreal to be sitting here with Maurianne, a past schoolmate of mine whom I haven't seen in years. Super happy to be here. 

Oh, their dog, Georgia, is so sweet :)

Sheila, Maurianne, Chris and Craig -sun setting on Lake Kagawong

We opt to catch the sunset before dinner so Craig runs up and makes a jug of G&T's and gets back just in time for the sunset. 

Chris and Craig 

We are treated to a night of fantastic food, which involved fresh fish just caught and veggies grown just down the road, A wonderful evening of catching up, sharing stories and generally enjoying the moment. At almost 2am we say good-night :)