Nearing the end of my summer research in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario before hooking up with Bro at our winter accommodations near North Bay.
To the locals the community is referred to as The Locks City. A name referring to the many canal locks connecting the Great Lakes used for transferring boats from one lake to another.
Locks connecting Lake Superior with St Mary River
I have heard and read of the locks but I have never witnessed them in action. It was a treat to watch them operate. I was in awe at the size and technology. The locks enable large vessels to travel from one lake to another. The lakes, situated at different elevations, are connected by these large locks. The locks would fill up with high volumes of water lifting the boats up about 100 feet. The doors would open and the boats would access the higher elevation lake.
And then some more boats would enter, sometimes 2-5 of them at a time, and the lock doors would close creating a seal. The massive volumes of water would slowly empty lowering the boats down to the level of the lower lake. The large doors would open and the boats would exit. The cycle repeats over and over.
A foot bridge crossed over to the other side of the locks to St Marys Island. Where I found a walking trail leading to the point. I was not told of this trail at the tourist info office. So naturally I was excited to find some activity when none was expected. The trail led to a point where there were some great views of the International Bridge connecting Canada with the USA and a dam on Lake Superior.
From the locks I wandered along the boardwalk path following St Marys River. The path is the waterfront of the community. On the other side of the river you could see the USA flags blowing in the wind. The boardwalk was busy with plenty of people enjoying the day. Some fishing from the piers along the route while others sat on the benches people watching. I could feel their eyes on me as I passed. Must be my good looks…ha ha.
After my downtown excursions I headed for the parks. The weather for the day was to be sunny and hot. A good day for parks. At least that is what I thought. I first visited Bellevue Park. I would guess it is the most popular park in the city as it is close to town and the playground was full. I parked and began walking. I got to the other side of the park when all of a sudden out of the blue a hail storm. I was totally caught unprepared. I got blasted by hail stones and rain. By the time I got back to the jeep I was drenched head to toe.
Still soaking, the heat in the jeep running at full blast, I proceeded to the Hiawatha Highlands. Maps showed one big trail. My research discovered a network of wilderness trails, a park, a waterfall (main picture), a pond and a really cool suspension-like bridge. I found so much more than what was expected. Another under marketed park.
Lake Superior from Gros Cap
I completed my visit to Sault Ste Marie by visited Des Chenes Park and Gros Cap. Des Chenes Park had some amazing long sandy beaches on Lake Superior. On my visit there were many groups picnicking.
Gros Cap is not really a park but it is more of a viewpoint overlooking Lake Superior. there was a pier and a marina near by. But I chose to sit on the large boulders fronting the massive lake, eating my nectarin, enjoying the views, people watching, watching boats go by and the sun go down. It was a great way to dry out from my soaking.
