Day 54 Timmins to Moose Factory Thursday 11th June 2015
A day of great anticipation and expectation. A day of expectations somewhat dampened.
In brief – the Bon Air motel surpassed our expectations. Quiet, pleasantly renovated, clean and comfortable. Our room ‘the cabana’ at the end of a 108room complex was a hoot. It is the tiny cabin (red pointer) over the back right behind the vans and utes!
The Polar Bear Express – hmmmmmmmmm the romantic view quickly dispelled! A train; a rather sad tatty train without viewing car, with a basic dining car. Most other occupants got on and immediately went to sleep waking only for sustenance!
The visuals along the way were OK but having done some fairly spectacular train rides – not exceptional. The Moose river criss-crossed the path of the train as we got closer to Moose Factory and the forest was stunted by the long winters.
Moosenee was what I imagine a ‘frontier town’ to be. A single long street out from station, dirt roads, minimal shops and little action visible on the street.
Short taxi ride from station to wharf then a water taxi across to Moose Factory.
There are two theories about the name.First the Hudson Bay person in charge was called a factor therefore he ran a factory.Second,there used to be a furniture factory on the island.
Finally another trip highlight about to come into being. Our much anticipated four days at the Cree Eco Lodge. 
We had read about eating healthy traditional foods in the restaurant.
Learning experiences through activities and staff at the lodge.
Native gardens surrounding the lodge.
Checkin – our first disappointment – no welcome, no information. Up to our room – its lovely but no information. We appear to be the only guests. Walking through is a strange ghost-town like experience
We decide a walk to explore and ask for directions. The hotel receptionist gives us a map which appears to be the council map with all houses on it. Tricky to read but it has major sites marked. We walk.
Early on we pass the Weeneebayko Hospital that appears to be out of the 1940 – 50’s. I wish I could visit and learn more about it but feel uncomfortable intruding.
On past the Hudson bay buildings – in disrepair and weeds growing up around them. Not much activity other than dogs wandering along the road and the occasional large pickup van.
Back at the lodge we go down to dinner – ribs, fried food, minimal choice, minimal vegetable, exorbitant price. The view out over the river is gorgeous, the view behind the seating is off putting – supplies and a bed mattress. We later found out the goods were there as a result of flooding.
We don’t say anything to each other but are each becoming increasingly disenchanted.
Back in our room we discuss options:
Plan A – We decide we will try and leave on Sunday or maybe even earlier. Two blocks to that idea – changing the airfare will mean about $600 each, and the train does not run Saturday or Sunday!!
We discuss that this is not our usual way but our disenchantment and the cost seems to sway us.
Plan B – we will stay and just relax.
We go to sleep on this.
