Day 4: Thunder on the way to Thunder Bay.

We were greeted to to sunny skies and warm weather upon waking in Winnipeg. After a quick breakfast, we were off to the Royal Canadian Mint (on time, this time). We arrived at 9 a.m., and the informative tour began at 9:30 a.m. We learned that:

15,000,000 coins are struck everyday at the Mint.
60% of the coins struck at the Mint are for foreign countries.
A penny used to cost about 3.5 cents to manufacture.
The Mint now uses a patented plated technique that reduces that cost to about 0.1 cent.
PHOTOGRAPHS ARE NOT ALLOWED :-)

We were also able to hold a 99.99% pure gold bar worth$350,000!!! There was an armed RCMP officer guarding it. All in all, it's a tour I would recommend.

The drive to Thunder Bay was fairly long, but the kids rebounded today and behaved pretty well most of the way - thanks Gravol. As a result, they earned back their swimming privileges. Mother Natures treated us to very heavy rain, and a spectacular light show. Carrie and Jake also saw two moose just outside of Thunder Bay. We weren't quick enough to snap a photo though.

We are staying at the Days Inn in Thunder Bay. We will visit the Terry Fox Memorial in the morning before heading off to Sault Ste. Marie for a "locks" tour.

Kate, Sam, and Jake are "minted"




The Vendramin Family get a chance to hold $350,000 in gold.





Jake, Sam and Kate strike their own coins.


Finally in Ontario

Finally in Thunder Bay


Mother Nature's Light Show