Bill Steer

6 days ago | sootoday.com | Bill Steer

Time. It is defined as “the continuous progression of existence that occurs in an apparently irreversible succession from the past, through the present, and into the future.” Apropos for this report. Should we ride the Polar Bear Express (PBX) and visit Moosonee and Moose Factory? It is time to answer the question, and “time is of the essence” when you venture northwards. It is also the time to be patriotic and discover our back roads – “Elbows up.” That’s what we found out about last week.

1 week ago | sootoday.com | Bill Steer

The theme here is: “Time is of the essence.” You’ll find this out on the back roads at the southern end of James Bay. Should we ride the Polar Bear Express and visit Moosonee and Moose Factory? We will answer this question next week. That’s a northern Ontario tourism destination question that has emerged during this time of Canadian patriotism – “elbows up” - stay home and travel in Canada - one way to wave the flag.

2 weeks ago | sootoday.com | Bill Steer

In so many words, could you survive a bear attack? There was a bear attack in Timmins on the morning of May 29, but it was not on the back roads. The attack reminded me that the bears are out and about. Those involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Statistically, you are more likely to perish from a heart attack, the drive to the camp/cottage, bee stings, dog bites or a drowning - than a bear attack. These are words from someone who knows.

3 weeks ago | sootoday.com | Bill Steer

You will come to know him as just Joe. And he is not an “average” one. The idiom does not apply here, as he was known as the “Wolf Man.” Joe LaFlamme could be a hero, a hero is mostly admired for their courage, bravery, or positive qualities. Terry Fox is a hero – one of our ultimate Canadian heroes. When you say someone is a "character," it usually means they are interesting, unique, and perhaps a little eccentric. Joe definitely had unusual habits and a strong personality.

1 month ago | sootoday.com | Bill Steer

Sometimes, on very cold weather days, it’s hard to get warm, which can affect the heart and mind. I was cold. Chilled to the bone, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, about 100 km NW of Constance Lake First Nation on the Kabinakagami River (Kabina). There was more than a breeze, and it was building. Just yesterday, it was different. Arriving in Hearst, it was 25 C in the late pm, shorts weather finally, very still, but within 30 minutes it suddenly plummeted to 17 C…a harbinger of what was to come.