As I mentioned in a previous blog post, Matt and I had to pull the plug on our circumnavigation of the Great Lakes, but the upside was getting to visit a couple of Whispering Giants I wouldn’t have gotten to see otherwise.
Giant #7 – North Bay, Ontario – July 9
One we had been scheduled to stop for was my only Canadian giant – the one located across from a Tim Horton’s at the edge of North Bay, Ontario. I have to say that if I were able to choose to have either a Tim Horton’s or a McDonald’s on every corner, I would definitely go for Timmy’s. Oddly enough, the North Bay Whispering Giant was standing in a park that also hosted a museum giving the history of the Dionne Quints.
Giant # 8 – Wakefield, Michigan – July 10
One of the most beautiful Whispering Giants and settings was that of Nee Gaw Nee Gaw Bow in Wakefield in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This was in a park on the shore of Sunday Lake. I actually had a little time to sit and rest here as Matt had stopped for a nap in a park a little ways away.
As I mentioned previously, Matt’s and my ride together ended in Duluth following a shopping trip to Aerostich, after which I headed out to collect a couple more Giants before heading south to the Twin Cities. Matt headed off to work obligations at the St. Augustine Lutheran Monastery in Michigan.
Giant #9 – Two Harbors, Minnesota – July 11
There was a huge traffic jam heading into the little tourist town of Two Harbors, Minnesota, apparently from a heritage festival going on this weekend. But I was the only person there checking out the Whispering Giant. There was also a very nice little Chamber of Commerce visitors center off the same parking lot where I got some water to drink and a little bag of fresh popcorn as a snack. I also got to chat with the nice retired woman staffing the center who was interested in learning the story about the tall statue she worked next to.
Giant #10 – Hayward, Wisconsin – July 11
The Whispering Giant in Hayward, Wisconsin is one of the most distinctive that I’ve seen. Located outside of the public library, it’s in deteriorating condition. I had to pick up part of the sign off the ground. Of course, it’s also an older one from the 1970s.
From Hayward, Wisconsin, I then headed south to St. Paul to visit with two of my siblings, a cousin, and his wife before heading to Iowa to visit my parents.
I enjoyed the photos of the Whispering Giants. The one in North Bay has come under the shadow of an economic cloud by the city. Relocating the museum downtown for whatever reasons, council has not yet mentioned the Toth sculpture and I fear, judging by the NB attitude toward disposal of questionably profitable items, it may disappear. Thought you might like a heads up. Cheers Jim