We could not trouble shoot Colin's difficulties because a little bit of everything was short of the mark. So into the spares box I dove and we refitted his ignition. New plugs, new points, new condenser, new rotor and new cap. Guess what...the engine said thank you. So we are now off to Thunder Bay, an hour or two late, but working.

After leaving CFB Winnipeg, Colin led the way onto the South loop of the ring highway as we started for Thunder Bay. Yes, we were late after the morning at 'Voxair', the CF 17 Wing newspaper offices. However, we welcomed their interest in facilitating our internet needs for text and photos. And publicly acknowledge our appreciation.

Much to our distress, a single vehicle accident, slightly ahead of me and alongside Colin, saw a vehicle go out of control, swerve wildly, leap the concrete curb careen across the oncoming divided highway lanes, roll over and land upright 15 feet below the highway in the ditch. Colin and I both moved over to the shoulder, to get out of the way, stop and race to offer assistance.

Colin got to the young driver as he was attempting to exit the car, dazed, and got him up, out of the wet ground and onto the shoulder where he was covered with a horse blanket to await an ambulance. I dove into the car to shut of the motor...sacre' bleu...there was no ignition switch. The car was stolen and hot wired. I suggested calling the police, as well, because someone had just lost a "totaled" Chrysler sedan and the police might be interested.

Fortunately, no one other than the driver was injured, although a high speed head-on collision with west bound traffic had been a possibility. Good luck for all others. Reminds one that car thieves rarely check the mechanical condition, tires etc. of cars they boost. The young driver's actions did not help the image of died hair, ear-ringed and tear-away clad youth.

We got back on the road some 30 minutes later just as a big thunderstorm struck. And, in the ensuing deluge, Colin took the Hwy. 1 exit, while we continued to circle Winnipeg, until we were diverted by a highway closure because of a pickup truck/jet fuel tanker crash. Eastbound on Hwy. 15, we needed to go cross country to find Hwy. 1. By this time Colin was out front and separated by some distance. This caused Elaine to pen, "Hallo Hallay, it's a very sad day! We're not having fun, for now we are one!"

Stopped for lunch, turned on the cell (should Colin call)and asked a departing trucker to advise Colin (if he saw him) that we were behind but following. Several hour later, there was Colin beside the highway at the split outside Kenora, Ontario. The trucker had told him our news...and had eaten the sandwiches Colin had made for us! This set
Elaine's pen to work, "Hurray, hurray it's a very good day. We're united again with our new found friend!"

Together again we made our way through northwestern Ontario to Thunder Bay, arriving well after dark, but in good spirits. Colin was so happy with the performance of his Mini, that he thought he might pull out and cover the distance to Sudbury (approx. 1,000 kms.) enroute to visit five of his (seven) brothers in Barrie. So he over-nighted at the Terry Fox Memorial east of Thunder Bay, while we hunkered down in town.

Our early plans for traveling from early morning until 6 p.m. have not worked out. Nonetheless, we are covering the ground. Pooh is just eating up the miles, hour after hour, at 70 psi oil pressure and normal engine temperature. The weather was good for a long haul trip, bright, high scattered cloud and coolish for late June. Only a little stormy as we left Manitoba.

We welcomed the fresh pavement in Ontario and had to put up with construction zones (the trade-off) which slowed all. Elaine spotted four moose, after dusk, near the highway before Thunder Bay. The highways are well marked by NIGHT DANGER signs. In a Mini a moose is a danger at all hours! A big broad of Canada Geese is no slouch at threatening a Mini either as Colin discovered when they decided to cross the highway.

Have logged 3,207 kilometres, so far, from home. We are well, comfortable (on 25 year old seats) and enjoying the ride. The images of the prairies and the great lakes region are all blown away by the reality in 2000. There is an abundance of moisture every where as a result of the precipitation, temperatures are below normal and
everything is green.

The remarkable image that lingers is of a city like Regina appearing like a futuristic spaceport from the land stretching out to the horizon...hazy and imprecise at first but not of Mother Nature's doing.

Message for Rick & Elaine:
If Rick and Elaine are traveling through Toronto and if they require any
assistance I wouldn't mind helping out. Please call Pooh central for phone numbers.
Nuno Aguiar
www.austinmini.net