Day 8 - Thompson, the gateway to Churchill

Thompson's worst side is thrown at your face within the first 5 minutes after entering the town. Bunch of drunk (or rather drugged) people aimlessly loiter the streets searching for some shade or for their favorite spot to throw up. Yes, it is ugly as this. Unemployment seems obvious, although all the local hotels fill up with construction workers coming from far away. You do the math. As negative this sounds this impression of the town was constantly present even though you see effort has been taken to make some attraction for the rare visitor. For example painted wolf sculptures along a path that leads you through the city.

Naturally a tourist comes only to Thompson to get further north. The Zoo however is worth visiting. Small as you would expect but beautifully arranged and well maintained. Admission is by donation. Having spent the afternoon in Thompson, it was time to go to the station and catch the train to Churchill.

ViaRail's Hudson Bay train to Churchill was better than I expected. Generous leg space in coach class and a pullout leg holder, plus a double seat for myself provides me a territory I already call my "room", with each corner having a vital functionality :). There is a group of school kids on the train going for a course to Churchill. I had a chance to talk to Douglas, their teacher who used to work as a whale tour guide, so he could tell me what you can and can't do in Churchill.

Apart from the drunk fellow (there is always _one_ on the train) annoying people with stupid questions everything is calm on the train. I'll try now to rest my head on the armrest and get some sleep. Good night everybody!