Canadian Convoy!
Road update:
All I have to say is wow what a bunch of dedicated folks! Lynn McCall brought a convoy of World War 2 jeeps from Minneapolis all the way to Thunder Bay! These rigs can only drive a cruising speed of 40mph they have no heat no doors and only canvas for a roof, one even had no canvas top. THANKFULLY the weather was on their side for the trip and they didn't have to put their rain suits on. We greeted them at the Holiday Inn Saturday morning with a big Thunder Bay jeep welcome line up and got to check out the rigs and have some photo ops. We drove with the rigs out to Stanley for a famous Stanley burger and showed them the great kakabeka falls and the tanks at the kakabeka legion. From their our friend George from the Thunder Bay military museum guided the crew back to town stopping at Hillcrest park and he showed us his military displays at the Thunder Bay armouries on secord st. Thank you to everyone who came out and thank you to Lynn's crew for coming all that way!
Captain George Romick, Director of the Thunder Bay Military Museum, who spent the day giving tours to the Red Bull HMVA/Thunder Bay Convoy 2016. After having a nice long ride in one the Red Bull HMVA Jeeps. It was great to meet all of you. Cheers
Some of the crew from the Red Bull HMVA/Thunder Bay Convoy 2016 at the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) Memorial, Hillcrest Park, Thunder Bay, Ontario, 11 June 2016
Back in Superior, WI, having missed most of the rain. And STILL no fatalities.
We wound our way to The Anchor Bar and Grill, nationally famous for their burgers. So famous, so poppular, so delicious that the place is too darn crowded to get into.
So we ordered our burgers there...
...
...and had to go next door in order to find a table at which we could eat 'em.
Plus, it's just so ugly up there.
Tough Times in Thunder Bay
It was harder than expected. The folks were unfailingly polite, gracious and welcoming.
We are used to being around savage Americans. We didn't know how to act...
...
In fact, Gary misbehaved so badly that they threw him in jail.
Ahhhhh, Minnesota! The invasion force returns.
Gas, oil and lefse in Lutsen.
So far on this return leg, David and Mary are getting the best miles-per-gallon.
Bring home our wounded!
We were greeted by a line of JKs and TJs (a local Thunder Bay Jeep Offroad Club) as we rolled into the Motel's parking lot. Awesome sight of old meeting new!
WArNInG, WArnInG!!!! We are headed into deep, dark Canada in a few minutes, where it will cost me a lot more to post this EXCITING running commentary, so you might have to wait until Sunday night to read more.
I know it will be hard....
I'll miss you, too.
Farewell America!!!!!!
At the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay, MN.
Yokes!!!! A truly massive storm system is barreling down on us, threatening to hit before we get to our next stop, the veterans home in Silver Bay. We hope to wait it out there. Everyone is donning rain gear FAST.
Day 2 of the Canadian Convoy, our Lunch stop.
Susan N Steve Stark's photo.
It's math time: now, we're Twrnty-one.
Two Harbors.
Seven HMVs.
...
Twelve MV junkies.
The sun is out, the storm clouds seem to have vanished, and all is right with the world.
OK, one problem.
See thar empty space?
That's where Louie is supposed to be.
We are joined by a babe, a CCKW, and a Gene Olson outside of Duluth. During the stop, scarves and balaclavas are donned...it's a bit cool for those open MVs.
How could anyone fight a war without fleece? Those were savage times...
Flag raising at the Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center. Our Michael Vogt gave the center a Canadian flag to honor our Canadian brothers and his mother, and it flies proudly there today. Veterans from the VFW post led the ceremony...and enjoyed the chance to curry favor with our OD steeds.
At the end of the rainbow.
Here are the urban landing craft that we found at our hotel in Superior. Apparently, these all are Q-ships, as all weaponry is cleverly camouflaged.
We leave for the Bong Museum at 0815 for a flag-burning ceremony at 0900, then we're off to the veteran's home to pay our respects and meet some very special folks.
Made it to Superior with 6 of the 8
Made it to Superior with 6 of the 8
We stopped in Spooner, WI, at their war/veterans memorial. Our Jefe, El Lynn, was interviewed by a reporter for the Spooner Advocate, Bill Thornley (I think that I have that right), and we gave the locals and ourselves a photo opp.
What was most significant to me was to be back in the town introduced to us by Kevin and Thea Kronlund. I don't remember if I have been back since Kevin died.
Kevin was quietly remarkable, and the generous spirit with which he and Thea hosted us was amazing. Those of you who attended one of their Fall spectaculars or their Winter Red Bull meetings know what I mean.
The memorial itself is very nicely done, listing the names of all the veterans from that county who gave their lives in service to our country. It is humbling.
Here's the important news after the first day of the convoy: No fatalities.
And only one driver ran out of gas.
...
Could happen to anybody.
So, Louie and I set off, starting First Gear about an hour late. But who cares, right? We're in a convoy to Canada, eh!
Until.
Louie's jeep breaks down. Sounded like someone threw a marble into the engine--a clatterific and unwanted surprise. So now, two MVs are out.
