Day 7 – Tuesday, April 2, 2013
I forgot to mention yesterday, April 1, that is was 33 years ago that we left Camborne, ON for a few years in the West. Who would have thought that 33 years later we would be in Eagle Plains, YT? Julie notes “We celebrated in the hotel restaurant surrounded by an amazing display of stuffed wildlife including musk ox, moose and mountain goats and historical pictures telling the story of the Mad Trapper of Rat River. This might seem strange to some but I’ve been travelling with a mad old goat for years, 33 years in fact.”
Eagle Plains – everything you need in convenient stop
We arrived in Inuvik, NT today after driving the northern half of the Dempster highway from Eagle Plains, YT. Another amazing drive. The temperature today varied from a high of -16C to a low of -24C. Julie notes ‘Until yesterday our temps had been wavering plus and minus 6 degrees around zero. We remembered what serious wind chill felt like today. Brad has blocked the weather app from my phone so that every day is a surprise. He HAS however emphasized a couple times today that he is getting his long johns out for tomorrow. That is a bit worrisome.”
We crossed the Arctic Circle – 66o 33′ North. WooHoo! Julie notes “It may look like we’re having fun but we’re really just trying to stay warm.”
Shortly after leaving Eagle Plains, YT we crossed the Arctic Circle – 66o 33′ North. WooHoo!
After crossing the Arctic Circle, I tried to convince Julie it was like joining the mile high club, but she wouldn’t be fooled so easily, (again) haha :-). Julie notes “You can only fool me with that kind of line four times and then I’m on to you!”
The scenery along the Dempster was spectacular!
A long Canadian hard road – as Sam Roberts sings in his song.
Time to set the clocks ahead an hour. Julie notes “Looks like we are trying to set our internal clocks in this picture but again we are just trying to keep warm. No Arctic Circle Mile High monkey business here either! Brrrr but Wow!”
Soon after crossing the Arctic Circle, we crossed into the Northwest Territories. Time to set the clocks ahead an hour.
Fort McPherson mail drop
We stopped in Fort McPherson, an aboriginal community of about 900 people on the banks of the Peel River, long enough for Julie to mail a postcard to some family.
We crossed the MacKenzie River ice bridge at Tsiigehtchic (Arctic Red River). After a brief tour of the hamlet, we stopped for lunch in the middle of the mighty MacKenzie River. Julie notes” And in case you are wondering, NO Arctic Circle Mile High funny business in the middle of the MacKenzie River either!”
Tsiigehtchic (Arctic Red River) church keeping an eye on the couple ‘parking’ in the middle of the Mackenzie River
A church is perched high on the banks of the river. Julie notes “Probably to keep an eye on people parked in the middle of river who are thinking about joining the Arctic Circle Mile High club.”
The wildlife sighting for today were foxes. Julie notes “Oh I assumed there would be another picture of me here! hmmph. Definitely NO Arctic Circle Mile High foxy business for him!”
Our Lady of Victory, Inuvik – referred to as the Igloo Church
We arrived in Inuvik with time to tour a bit of the town.
Downtown Inuvik
The Nova Hotel, Inuvik
We found our hotel and prepared to check-in. The Nova hotel was rated high on Trip Advisor and did not disappoint. Julie notes “Well it might still disappoint someone who really wants to be inducted into the Arctic Circle Mile High club.”
Where else in the world can you check into your hotel with 4 dog sleds parked out front? Julie notes ‘Well that just turned me to mush. haha get it?”
But where else in the world can you check into your hotel with 4 dog sleds parked out front? Julie notes ‘Well that just turned me to mush. haha get it?”
…over and out from Inuvik, Brad notes “wink, wink.”
…on to the Ice Road tomorrow to Tuktoyaktuk
Looks like you are living your dream – you crazy people! So glad you came out West 33 years ago! Love ya and have fun doing whatever you are doing – wink, wink!
One of the kids teachers from St. Gerard’s Shanda Grandy-Turco lives is Tuktoyaktuk. She is married to an RCMP officer and they are stationed there. I should have thought of that sooner. She is on face book so if you need someone to show you around I could message her. Lola
Thanks Lola, I think we will be alright, but if we get a chance we may just look them up. …the muleskinner
Ha! I never fall for that mile high club either Julie.
At least not this week!
Who’d a thunk it 33 years ago that you would be comtemplating the Mile High Club in that part of the world. Love the igloo church.