Manitoba - Day 17

I almost hate to mention that in a neverending cascade of unusual things that happen to me, as I was in the bathroom it seems I got lost as I tried to get out. The door to said bathroom is blocked from your vision by a bookcase used to store towels, etc, while plainly visible is another door. I might that unlike in this photo when the door id totally closed it is hidden by the bookcase. Naturally I tried to exit the second door but it was locked and sealed so would not open. As I was banging and pulling on that door the other door swung open and I realized my error. Personally I'd get rid of the door – it leads outside. Good deal if your trapped in the bathroom during a fire but I can't see any other use for it.

So, Thompson. Despite some of the awful things we have heard about Thompson, it really is not a bad looking city at all. It now serves as the “Hub of the North”, providing goods and services such as health care and retail trade to the surrounding communities. 

I am somewhat amazed given the above and the fact it is the take off point for all train trips to Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world, that people have allowed the degradation that is obviously there. It seems to be Canada's answer to the bad old Wild West of yesteryear. A lawless town from Hell. Kathy, the cabin owner, indicated it is not safe to park your car and walk the streets or trails. Any car left unattended is fair game from the local First Nation population. With that in mind I found this shot of a locked bicycle somewhat humourous.

It became known that vehicles left in the parking lot at the train station while owners journeyed to Churchill, usually for a few days, were either vandalized or stolen. The mayor owns a trailer in a park nearby and was allowing people to park there for their trip north to Churchill. How can this happen? How bad must things be that something that could generate revenue for the town has gone so far off the rails (arr arr)?

We were greeted at the city's south end by “The Miner” statue. It was erected in 1981, the year of the city's 25^th anniversary, to honour the men and women who daily toil in the service of the community's basic industry. It was re-dedicated “The King Miner” in 2010.

It doesn't take long to catch on that the wolf holds a revered status in the community. Thompson is sometimes referred to as a wolf capital due to its relatively high wolf population and unique relationship with the animals. It reflects a strong presence of wolves in the surrounding boreal forest and a degree of tolerance and cultural respect for them among locals. Indigenous traditions in the area often view wolves as equals or even brothers. There are more than 50 of these throughout the city.

The ultimate tribute is Robert Bateman's Spirit Way Wolf Mural found on the Highland Tower, the most prominent building on Thompson's skyline. The original painting on canvas was by Bateman in 1990 and this mural was created by Charlie Johnston in 2005.

What is this wet stuff? How dare it rain on my parade. Harumph!

😎