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It was a beautiful day while camping on the shores of Lake Superior when we hit the open road to do some exploring. There were several targets on our list this fine day, but this was a chance find on Google Maps.
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Completed in 1954 by the US Air Force, this radar station was part of the Pinetree Line, a group of radar sites across Canada used as part of the defense against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It was manned by the 914th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron.
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As is often the case with these things, I wasn't completely sure as to the exact location of this town when I arrived. In fact, I wasn't completely sure there was even anything left to see. However, we were on vacation, we were in the area, give or take a few hundred kilometres, why not go take a look?
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We arrived on a bright and sunny May morning, parked and proceeded to the front entrance to begin our tour. My attention was initially distracted by the person positioned there to check me in and give me instructions before I noticed the sheer magnitude and domination of this entrance. Of course, that was its design... Instant intimidation of anyone entering through the massive doors.
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Construction was completed on the USAF's Ramore Air Station in 1953. The station was first manned by the USAF's 912th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron. The early warning 917th AC&W Squadron resided there until January 1962. During this time, the Americans became a big part of the surrounding area's community life.
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After two days of driving, experiencing the James Bay Road, and eventually falling asleep under the blanket of Northern Lights, I awoke Tuesday morning excited and raring to go. I was to meet Roger, my contact, at his business in Chisasibi, a First Nations community about 100 km west of Radision, QC.
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As I drove to the Manitoulin Island community of Little Current, Ontario, luck was something that was foremost on my mind. First, I knew I was lucky to get this opportunity. Second, I would be extremely lucky if the forecast rain and potential thunderstorms held off until after I was finished. Finally, my luck would hit the trifecta if a boat would present itself at just the right time. If the last two elements came together as the first had, I would be a very happy person.
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While camping at an Ontario Provincial Park, we decided, as we often do, to take a drive and explore the surroundings beyond the park. On this particular day, the weather was being a little uncooperative, so we didn't mind spending the time in the truck.
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On July 15, 1946, the 215-foot SS Norisle, hull #136, was launched at the Collingwood Shipyards and was put into service as a ferry on October 17 of that year. It was operated by the Owen Sound Transportation Company and ran between Tobermory and South Baymouth, Manitoulin Island. With a single 1,000 hp coal-fire steam engine and a gross tonnage of 1,668, the Norisle had a speed of 12 kts (22 km/h), and a capacity of 200 passengers and 50 vehicles. She was 203 feet in length, 36 feet across the beam, and had a 16 foot draught.
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So my driving companion (pictured below, waiting patiently in the truck) and I were on our way back from a fairly substantial drive when I spotted this place on the side of the highway. It's rather unique, as abandoned houses go, in terms of its shape and layout.
