![Nation steps up and sits behind the wheel of the Caterpillar Mining Vehicle at 2017 Mining Day in Thunder Bay](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Nation-at-the-Wheel-of-Caterpillar-Mining-Vehicle-June-2-2017.jpg)
THUNDER BAY – MINING – The Seventh Annual Mining Day was held in Thunder Bay on Saturday June 3rd. The event brought in a solid gathering of people to enjoy learning about mining, explore possible careers in the industry, and to try their hand at panning for gold.
One of the hits of the show was the Toromont underground mining vehicle manufactured by Caterpillar.
For young Nation, this large vehicle was likely one of the highlights of the show. His eyes lit up as he saw the massive underground mining vehicle.
![The 7th Annual mining day in Thunder Bay was held at Marina Park.](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Naton-Mining-Day-2017.jpg)
What was fun was that at one of the booths, the young boy got to play with a very small model of the vehicle. So when he saw the real thing, he simply pointed at it and wanted to get closer.
The tires towered over the young man. Undaunted, Nation wanted to sit in the cab. Once sitting in the vehicle, he looked, and appeared to be very comfortable. The imagination of a child is something very special.
It took a full ten minutes to convince this aspiring miner it was time to let another young person get behind the wheel.
![Nation explores the real thing a Caterpillar Mining Vehicle.](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Mining-Day-2017-2-Mining-vehicle.jpg)
Once out of the vehicle, he decided to walk around the truck and inspect the tires, the lights, and even the engine. Seasoned mine vehicle operators know a circle check is a key part of their work responsibilities.
![Like all responsible machine operators, Nation made sure all was good with the engine](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Nation-Checking-the-Engine-and-Oil-Level.jpg)
There was as always at Mining Day in Thunder Bay, lots to see and do. This annual event lets families get a look at some of the inside of the mining industry.
For young people the opportunity to feel BIG made their days and just seeing the smiles and excitement in the eyes of the youth brings back a lot of memories.