After Espanola, the next stop on a recent northern Ontario publisher tour was Little Current.
Approaching Manitoulin Island, visitors are notified that the bridge will be off limits to travelers for 15 minutes each hour.
Sure enough, after the pleasure crafts on the water meandered through the north channel, the mighty single lane bridge pivoted back into position for cars and trucks to pass. American and Canadian ensigns flapped in the breeze as they passed, making the wait-time quite enjoyable.
The local paper there, the Manitoulin Expositor, boasts in its masthead that they publish weekly for the “largest freshwater island in the world”.
The hustle and bustle of southern Ontario, where impatience oozes at construction delays or rush-hour traffic were left far behind on this journey. There was no road rage or jockeying for position as the iron structure wound its way back into place. Instead, there was just a quiet acceptance that a brief wait was unavoidable.
A new two-lane structure has been planned to the west of the current bridge. When it will get built is anyone’s guess and who will eventually pay for it is a mystery too, but it is a lifeline for this beautiful island.
In the meantime, those forced to wait their turn can enjoy the early 1900s technology that traverses the north channel and has served the island well for over a century.
Sometimes you just have to wait – and that’s okay.
A new phenomenon?
In the last month, several musical performers have fallen victim to raucous concert-goers hurling items on stage.
That type of silly stuff has gone on forever, where female fans may toss an undergarment on stage. Recently there has been a twist, where hard objects like cell phones and jewelry have been fired at performers.
At another concert a sharp rose nipped a performers face and a more bizarre case saw a concert-goer toss ashes of a loved one on stage. Whether it is looking for fame or a moment online, these demonstrations of poor judgment will only serve to distance musicians from their fans. It won’t be the first time a jerk in the midst spoils a good time for all.
With numerous concerts in this area we hope that trend doesn’t surface here. Instead, let’s show performers that in this area we appreciate their craft, enjoy their music and know how to do that while still being respectful.
