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Caption: Let's go for a long weekend camp at Agawa Bay. Such was the plan. Go north, dip my feet in Superior once again, and forget southern Ontario even exists. All while basking in the gorgeous weekend weather we were provided. I needed a new pair of shoes to go hiking with the kids, and, since Wawa sported not only a Tim Hortons, but a shoe store as well, the van was loaded, and further north we went. Upton arrival, I noted the sign for Hawk Junction, checked maps, and discovered that it's just up the road. Going there? You betcha!
Presented is the station as of July 30, 2016. Still standing, watching over a yard that sees use, but nothing that resembles the early days. Recanting facts provided by Mr. Mooney himself, how the line into the hills was the old line to the docks at Michipicoten, which saw use by the Wisconsin Central hauling products from the long gone sinter plant to waiting boats in the harbour.
We heard a southbound hollering for something around midnight the previous night, presumably a moose or bear on the tracks. The only indication of trains passing through.
PS. Last one to leave the Hawk turns out the lights. ;)
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Finally!! The chance to get a shot of the station with no clutter whatsoever. Rather sad, though. Is the “Last one to leave Hawk” sign still up? Sounds like it.
Hi Arnold,
It is indeed still standing. Took a picture of it to boot. The Bear Hotel is for sale as well.
Behind me two yard tracks in was a cut of ballast hoppers with large rocks waiting for the crusher. The green bungalow housed some crew members who had zero interest in enforcing the no trespassing signs. It was a silence that was both humbling and somewhat depressing.
I (we) tried to follow the old ROW into Michipicoten, but the gravel road that led to the old harbour had a felled chain across the road. I put the front tires of the van across it, then decided against it. No sense encouraging trouble so far away from home with the entire family in the van.
It was an epic weekend, however, and I already long to return.
Thanks. Yeah, the old Hotel. There used to be a whole row of businesses all on the same side of the street and the community actually looked like, well, it was somewhat busy. Last time I was there it was downright depressing, but never have I seen it as empty as in your photo. As far as Michipicoten is concerned, there were a number of cottages along the waters’ edge, so there must still be a road that will take you to where the old dock area was; although I can understand you not being able to follow the ROW. They sure didn’t leave much laying around when they took that line up.
Clinton: that old road into the harbour got some of it washed away in some bad rain a few years ago. I think there’s an alternate way in the back from the far end of the road but I haven’t made it in there.
Hi Chris,
That would definitely explain the chain across the road.
When we go up again next year, I’ll push a little further and see if any repairs have been made.