Day 18 – Sunday July 14, 2013

We left our nice little KOA site in Great Falls, MT and headed south to Yellowstone National Park. It was mostly sunny and temperatures hovered around +25C but reached as high as +30C. Julie notes “The song playing on the local radio channel was ‘Do the hustle!’ so we hustled up some yogurt and berries and coffee for breakfast and hit the road, looking forward to some warm, shorts weather.”

Nice little KOA site in Great Falls, MT

We made a brief roadside stop at Sluice Boxes scenic lookout. Julie notes “We were an unwilling audience to a helmets vs no helmets discussion amongst some motorcyclists as we read the historical info. The wife of one of the bikers seemed to also be an unwilling audience as she tried to strike up a different conversation with anyone she could, EVEN us! It IS a strange sight to see bikers zip by with mostly graying locks flapping in the breeze. ‘Ride safely and well ahead or behind us’ is my prayer for them all.”

Sluice Boxes scenic lookout

We stopped under the Big Skies of Montana so the sidekick could make us some lunch. Julie notes “Do you want fries with that?”

The big skies of Montana

We entered Yellowstone at the town of Gardiner passing under the Roosevelt Arch. ‘Julie notes “Not to be confused with the Golden Arches. We drove back and forth several times trying to find the intercom to order those fries mentioned above.”

Roosevelt Arch, Gardiner

Some spectacular scenery awaited us in Yellowstone but it is extremely popular and very, very busy in mid-July. This is probably not the best time to visit. Julie notes “Note to self, there is a reason seniors such as ourselves, travel in the fall. ‘People, people everywhere and a not a drop to drink, or a stop to think, or a pot to stink.’??? I know there is another saying in there somewhere. The tame onlookers were everywhere but behaving very respectfully as they watched the wild elk, bison, perhaps a bear in the distance, trumpeter swans, geese and birds of all manner.”

We took a small boardwalk around the Norris geysers. Julie notes “We kept saying ‘This is so cool!’ but it was actually very hot. We may be oxy morons. But the colours of the different thermophile organisms that have adapted to the different temperatures of water were, well I’ll say it again, very cool. Not colours you see on your usual nature walk.”

Old geezers with the old geysers? Julie notes “Well at least one old geezer! And this note goes out to my dad who signed his daily emails with an OG, for Old Geezer. Miss you dad. You would’ve loved to see this.”

We carried on through many of the park roads looking for a campsite for the night. One of those side trips took us over the Dunraven Pass pass at 8,859′. All of the campsites were full and we were starting to think we would have to drive quite a ways south out of the park to find a spot. Luckily, however, one of the agents at Bridge Bay campground found us a site and reserved it for us at the next campground on our way south, Grant Village campground. It was getting late, but we set up the BBQ, cooked some nice Costco Belmont burgers, and had a fire. We were both tired after a long but enjoyable day (except for the other people who think they should be here too!) Julie notes “Speaking of fire, we saw much evidence of the fire of 1988. But Mother Nature is amazing at reclaiming and reforesting the landscape. I am looking forward to reading more about that at the Visitor Centre tomorrow, so that I can immediately forget it and misquote all kinds of facts.”

Julie notes “‘mmmmmm’, because her mouth is full.

…over and out folks, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Or Yogi and BooBoo or the Old Geysers

Day 17 – Saturday, July 13, 2013

We packed up this morning in Calgary and got ready to head south. Jaime’s friends Terri-Lynn and Jay have an almost 2 year old son, Fin. He loves big trucks. Before we could leave he needed a turn behind the wheel in the big-arse dually diesel Chevy. J He loved the truck, wheels & tires, and camper almost as much as I do. Julie notes “Fin used to be a well-rounded little tyke who danced with his Auntie Jaime and fed babies, raced cars and tweeted with the birds. I am afraid we may have spoiled that with ‘the big truck’. His eyes were like saucers and grin as broad as can be. Just like when Brad looks at me, if I am standing in front of the dually. Brad was sure tickled to have such a big, little fan. We highly recommend that camping spot. Showers are top rate, coffee plentiful and the hosts very friendly. They give away free homemade ketchup and hugs to their guests.”

The Julie’s Dually fan club – Fin and Brad

Once we convinced Fin he would have to stay in Calgary with his parents, we headed out on the open highway towards the US border.

A large trestle in Lethbridge, AB

 Julie notes “We also saw a restaurant and liquor store in a ‘revamped’ forestry teepee burner and a Ric’s Grill in a ‘refurbished’ water tower. But we ate supper in our ‘resealed’ truck camper. Brad redid the roof before leaving and that is good because we have had a lot of rain. Thank you Brad.”

The Sweetgrass hills of Montana in the distance.

Crossing the border into the US at Coutts, MT. They had the drug sniffing dog on patrol today circling each vehicle as it passed through US Customs. The van ahead of us was asked to pull over for further investigation. We sailed on through as good innocent Canadian citizens. Julie notes “All I can say is thank goodness the dog wasn’t craving Uncle Herb’s famous popcorn as I may have had that scent on my breath, and my fingers and where I wiped my fingers on my pant legs. We were all ready to declare everything right down to the last slice of cucumber in our fridge but we looked too boring I guess and he sent us on.”

Crossing the border into the US at Coutts, MT.

You’re too boring. Carry on.

We drove into Montana as far as Great Falls. We are staying at the KOA in Great Falls. They provide a couple hours of folk music in the pavilion. Tonight’s entertainment was provided by Grant Stephens. When he broke a guitar string the performance was over. All in all he is a pretty good guitar player and entertainer. Julie notes “They also provide wi-fi but unfortunately it is spelled more like w-iffy as we could not connect at our site. So to download some pictures from our gmail Brad headed with tablet in hand on the 5 minute trek to the wi-fi zone. Then back again to the camper for the code written on the campground receipt. Then back to the wi-fi zone, then back to the camper because what I had handed him was the grocery store receipt, not the campground receipt. Then back to the wi-fi zone and then success and back again. Now you can imagine how hard it was for me to read my book with all these interruptions not to mention eat my popcorn without choking because I was laughing a fair bit. Brad wasn’t having any issues with too much laughing by that time.”

Grant Stephens – not a Gordon Lightfoot fan and comes with no spare strings attached

Julie notes “This first KOA experience was better than I expected. The sites are close together but well treed and thought has been put into the design of the campground. Amenities seem nice, although we won’t be using most of them. W-iffy, wi-fi but we need to start weaning ourselves off anyway, right? And our neighbours thoughtfully played their music full blast so that we wouldn’t have to waste power running our own music. Luckily we liked the music they were playing. But they shouldn’t give up their day jobs to become signers.”

Yellowstone Park tomorrow? We’ll see.

The Muleskinner and his sidekick

Or rather Yogi and BooBoo “Did you pack a picnic basket?

Day 16 – Friday, July 12, 2013

Busted Belts or Oh my darling Serpentine!

We left Kamloops this morning after coffee and breakfast with Aunt Lynne and Uncle Herb. I must say that I have never seen two people settle into a new place so quickly. They look right at home after 2 days. Julie notes “It was with a few tears that I left my Aunt and Uncle in their new digs. As is the Holmes way, they have faced adversity head on and moved forward. Aunt Lynne sent us off with wise words to live by … “Enjoy each other, good times and bad, because you never know when it all may change.” We will try our best to follow that advice (but I may need some extra resolve where Brad is concerned). Aunt Lynne also stocked us up with a couple of bags of Uncle Herb’s famous secret recipe popcorn. Only one bag survived the trip through the pass.”

We traveled the Trans Canada highway east from Kamloops towards Calgary, our destination for the day. It has been many years since we traveled that route. The scenery is quite spectacular. I’m not sure if we will be able to compete with the beauty of the Canadian Rockies for the rest of our trip – we’ll see, I guess. Julie notes “I agree with Brad on that note. We live in a beautiful place. But we’ll try to keep an open mind as we travel on. I have been practicing my Spanish as we travel along and so far can fluently say “The lady eats an apple.” That should get us far! I have noticed Brad speaking to passing motorists in what I assume is Spanish. He keeps yelling something like “Dum-Ass!” which I gather is Spanish for “Good driving my friend!”

One of the avalanche tunnels along the highway.

Today’s wildlife count; We did see a mountain goat along the highway but we were not able to get a picture so the photo below will have to do. Julie notes “Speaking of wild life, Brad claimed there were some ‘low flying ducks’ in bed the other night. I knew better. And an irate trucker flipped us ‘the bird’ and we are still puzzled why but will add that to the list of ‘foul’. Crazy fools on ‘hogs’ in rain and hail also make the list.”

Wildlife at Roger’s Pass.

We arrived in Golden, BC for a Tim Horton’s coffee. Julie went in to get the coffees while I waited in the truck. I started hearing a slight engine rattle but not alarming. I wasn’t sure what it was. I was going to find out in a few minutes though! We pulled back out on the highway and within a block I lost all power – steering and brakes. We pulled off the highway onto a service road using the old “armstrong” method of braking and steering. Julie notes “We are not promoting any Lance Armstrong products.”

I opened the hood to find a broken serpentine belt – oh my darling, serpentine. An idler pulley had seized and caused the belt to break. I called Alpine Auto Centre at 3:00 PM on a Friday afternoon. They sent out a technician to check on our situation. He quickly found the cause and said he would fix us up right where we sat. Off he went to get the parts and returned in short order with a new belt and pulley. He and his assistant had it installed in a few minutes and we were back on the road within an hour and a half. Amazing service from Alpine at a very reasonable price. Julie notes “Heroes come in all shapes and sizes!”

Oh my darling, serpentine!

Amazing service from Alpine

Julie notes “Heroes come in all shapes and sizes!”

We arrived late in Calgary at our daughter Jaime’s place for a sushi feast – the second broken belt of the day J

Sushi feast strains another belt today

Julie, Jaime and her friend Terri-Lynn toasting the opening of the sushi feast! Julie doesn’t think you will be able to tell which one is which. I just humour her.

…that’s the post for today folks, carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Day 15 – Thursday, July 11, 2013

We started off the day in the Big Berland Forestry campsite at a balmy 5C and rain. We headed off to Hinton, AB to fuel up and grab a Tim Horton’s breakfast but not before we were hit with a 5 minute hail storm. Now I understand why they build canopies over fueling stations.

Hooray for canopies!

What the hail?!

The sun tried to peak through the overcast sky on the way into Jasper, AB.

We carried on into BC and through Mount Robson Provincial Park. Mount Robson was not to be seen on this cloudy day. Did you know that Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies? Julie notes “Yes we all know that because you mention it every time we pass by here! Only ~130 days together to go?”

Mount Robson where are you?

We stopped in Blue River, BC at Mike Wiegele’s Heli-Ski resort restaurant for lunch. Julie notes “We first worked up an appetite exploring all the ‘closed for the season’ buildings on the other side of the road. If we get this confused in little old Blue River, how will we cope in foreign lands?”

We headed to Kamloops, BC to visit Julie’s Aunt Lynne and Uncle Herb in their new condo right downtown. They have a view over the North Thompson River valley to the north and the city skyline to the south.

The Kamloops’ view – Mount Peter and Paul

They moved in on July 9^th and are already looking quite at home by July 11^th. Julie notes “It was so great to see AL and UH looking so comfortable in their new digs. And pass on some hugs from family across the land.”

AL and AH looking comfy in their new home

Julie and I headed over to the Noble Pig after supper and a visit with Lynne and Herb. I sampled their craft beer brewed on-site, I think. Very good.

The Nobel Pig beer sampler

Julie notes “I had a gin and tonic. It was good too. And the animal count so far on this trip is: one soggy black bear, a few white tail deer, one looked like a new fawn, a couple mule deer, a few elk taking their chances outside of the Jasper Park pearly gates, and after my second gin and tonic, a herd of pink elephants.”

That’s it for today folks.

…carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Day 14 – Wednesday, July 10, 2013

After a day of packing, organizing, and saying our good-byes to friends and family, we were on the road again at 5:20 PM.

Leaving the homestead in the hands of our capable children, nephew, and their friends.

Leaving the homestead to the responsible ones!

The camper is loaded and ready to roll. Our home for the next 130+ days!

Our home for the next 130+ days!

My navigator has the map at hand. Will we get out of town?

The scenery on Highway 40 south of Grande Prairie on the way to Grande Cache, AB.

We are camped for the night in a little forestry campsite on the Berland River. We have camped here many times. There is only other camper here tonight. It is 12C with a light drizzle. Our sweltering friends in the south and east probably can’t even imagine that temperature right now.

Onwards to Kamloops, BC tomorrow for a brief visit with Julie’s Aunt Lynne and Uncle Herb. They just moved into a new condo in downtown Kamloops yesterday. I hope they are ready for us J

…carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick

 Day 13 – Monday, April 8, 2013

Today we drove about 840 kilometres from Muncho Lake, BC to our home in Grande Prairie, AB.  We wanted to get home today so that Julie could catch a flight to Toronto on Tuesday to see her mom and dad, both of whom are in the Kingston General Hospital.

Today was another good wildlife sighting day.  First we spotted two elk alongside the highway.  They were moving into the bush so it was tough to get a good photo.  They always seem to be mooning us.  We’re starting to think it’s us?

The illusive elk moons!

We travelled through Stone Mountain Provincial Park across the Summit Pass.  There is a lonely Summit Cafe sitting near the top of the pass waiting for summer, I guess.

Hibernating ’til summer

As we approached Fort Nelson, BC we spotted two moose along the highway munching on tender willow branches.  They soon scooted into the bush as well.

The two moose scoot

Moose on the loose!

Just before Fort Nelson, BC we spotted two caribou.   We stopped for brunch in Fort Nelson at the hotel we had stayed in on the way north.  However, it was closed so we found Grandma Lee’s bakery.   While we were looking for a place to eat we drove by the Super 8. Check out the photo! You can’t make this stuff up!

Who could resist this deal?

When we got home, one of the first things we witnessed were 2 small mule deer in our front yard nibbling on the Saskatoon bushes.

Home deer home!

Well folks, that is the end of this phase of our Tuktoyaktuk to Ushuaia adventure.  We plan on leaving around the first of July for the rest of the North, Central, and South America excursion.

All of the pictures have now been uploaded to the photo gallery.

We will be making some further posts between now and then but maybe not as frequently.  Stay tuned for more adventures from the muleskinner and his sidekick.  Adios amigos.

Day 12 – Sunday, April 7, 2013

We left our beautiful hotel in Whitehorse pretty early, for us.  I had gotten a really good deal the day before at the nicest hotel in Whitehorse, the Coast High Country Inn.  Our timing was perfect.  When we arrived at the hotel we met the controller who happened to also be Renate from the Northern Lights Resort & Spa.  I used my charms (not that I can help it – it comes naturally)  and got a 30% discount and an upgrade to a Jacuzzi suite.  WooHoo!

The view from our window and the jacuzzi.

We headed to the nearest Tim Horton’s.  This would be our first Timmies in nearly two weeks.  Can you say W-I-T-H-D-R-A-W-A-L? But as luck would have it, they screwed up Julie’s “high maintenance” tea order so after a few other stops in Whitehorse we found another Tim Horton’s where she got it sorted out.

Our first stop for the day was Swan Haven on Marsh Lake, part of the Yukon River system, about 40 km from Whitehorse.  This is a critical stopover for swans (trumpeter and tundra) on their long migration north to their summer nesting grounds.  We were able to spot quite a few swans out on the open water however, they were a long ways from the shore and viewing area.  Binoculars were required.

Almost spotting a few swans at Swan Haven on Marsh Lake, part of the Yukon River system. Who forgot to pack the binoculars?

And then there was this odd looking wildlife nearby…

The service was a bit squirrely!

We spotted some more swans at a different crossing of the Yukon River.

We carried on to Teslin where we stopped for coffee.  The Teslin bridge is quite an impressive structure.

The Teslin bridge is quite an impressive structure.

We spotted more bison along this stretch of road.  They seem plentiful and are a common sighting along the highway.

We made it to Watson Lake in time for a late lunch.  We had already eaten at Kathy’s Kitchen on the way through on Day 2 and wanted to try some of the other fine cuisine Watson Lake had to offer.  According to trip advisor, we should try BeeJay’s Cafe.  The reviews said don’t be afraid of the outside.  So we tried not to be.  Actually pretty cute and clean in there.  And we were hungry.  The food was so-so.  We wouldn’t recommend it but there are not that many choices in Watson Lake.

Don’t be afraid they said.

The highlight of the day, and a much rarer sighting than the bison was to follow.  We spotted a Canada Lynx sitting in the snow on the side of the highway.  He stayed put even when we coasted right up beside him.  We have never seen one in the wild before, so this was a real treat.  The paws are huge and he was able to stay on top of the snow.  An amazing sighting for us!

Exciting lynx siting!

The fabled lynx moon shot

We crossed back into beautiful British Columbia.  Actually, you cross back and forth between BC and the Yukon quite a few times as the Alaska Highway straddles the border for quite a distance.

Beautiful BC!

It was then on to our stop for the night at Muncho Lake.  A beautiful provincial park in the Rockies.  We were booked in for the night at the Northern Rockies Lodge.  A famous stop on the Alaska Highway.

Muncho Lake

Northern Rockies Lodge a famous stop on the Alaskan Highway

…on to our home in Grande Prairie tomorrow.

…take care all, the muleskinner and his sidekick.  The sidekick was unable to make her usual snarky remarks in this post, er – I mean humorous anecdotes.  She apologizes to all.

Day 11 – Saturday, April 6, 2013

We woke up in the Aurora Inn in Dawson City to temperatures of -26C. After some coffee, yogurt and berries we headed out.  Julie notes “Not that I’m complaining BUT someone ate the last of the yogurt. I’ll let you guess who.”  I tried airing up the dually but at those temperatures I was freezing my fingers before getting much air in the inside dually.  Julie notes “He kept mumbling through frozen lips something about needing an extender on his valve. My brother suggested via email it could be a shrinkage issue due to cold. It all sounded too personal so I ignored him, even when he was wrangling the retractable air hose, fiddling with freezing extenders and very noisily (and rather annoyingly I might add) pounding on the side of the truck for me to turn off the engine  Why do I always have to do everything?  And did I mention I didn’t even get any yogurt for breakfast!”  We headed out for Whitehorse the way we were air/tire wise. But first we stopped by the post office so Julie could mail a couple of items.

Dawson City post office

One of the many old historic buildings in Dawson on the banks of the Yukon river.

We made a stop at the convenience store in Stewart Crossing and Julie celebrated with a Stewart Root Beer.  Julie notes “Just want to thank our good friend Denise and her forebearers for discovering this great river, building the bridge, starting this settlement and inventing this root beer. Denise says all the Stewarts are related so I figure she can pass on the gratitude.”

Toasting our friend Denise Stewart and her potential forebears with a Stewart Root Beer at Stewart Crossing

Todays drive was about 550 kilometres. We drove by the very picturesque Fox Lake not far from Whitehorse. Julie notes “Prior to this we drove along at least 25 kms of the remains of the 1987 Fox Lake forest fire. I’m sure there was new growth hiding under the snow but a reminder of nature’s force.  Also yesterday we forgot to mention the crazy ptarmigans that seemed to be racing along side and in front of our truck.  Or they were playing chicken, which is maybe how they got their nickname Arctic chicken.  Snow buntings and grouse were plentiful too.  A bald eagle rose up beside us and I got to watch it through the sunroof, zoom over the truck at very close range.  Not to be confused with the slightly balding eagle scout at very close range beside me IN the truck.”

We drove by the very picturesque Fox Lake not far from Whitehorse.

Ever since our first day on the road when we met the guy living his dream, I’ve been on the lookout for a new rig.  This one needs a bit of work but the price is right. But it’s hard to keep up with the neighbours,  Julie  notes “This is what happens when you gamble for pink slips at the casino.”

Julie notes “Pretend I’m Ellen and tell us your caption for this picture below. Just add a comment. Winner gets a free subscription to this blog!”

After so many days on the road eating at diners and out of our cooler we decided to treat ourselves to a ‘”nice” dinner out.  Antoinette’s was featured on the Canadian Food TV show “You Gotta Eat Here” and was rated #3 on trip advisor.  The food and service was outstanding and we got to meet the owner and chef herself, Antoinette.  A great evening out!

 Antoinette’s was featured on the Canadian Food TV show “You Gotta Eat Here” and was rated #3 on trip advisor.

Antoinette GreenOliph of Antoinette’s Restaurant standing with some travelling giants

…carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick

One last note from Julie “The iTunes spoke to me today with some shout outs to my family. “Golden Years” by Holly Dunn started us down the road as we think of our parents and soon us growing old together. Soon followed by Bill Withers “Lean on me.” and the Hollies “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother” for all you folks out there propping up your loved ones as needed. Your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. Thank you!”

Day 10 – Friday, April 5, 2013 

Today we drove the southern half of the Dempster highway from Eagle Plains to Dawson, YT.  This was Day 6 in reverse. Julie  notes “Just to clarify, we aren’t actually driving in reverse. Although that would add to the excitement around those bends!”  Julie was catching up with her family this morning from the hotel so we got a late start.  She had to use the phone in the hotel room as it is the only viable communications method from that location.   It was -26C with some serious wind chill.  I got really cold standing on the roof holding a coat hanger up in the air for an antennae. 😉  Julie notes  “We also talked him into wearing a tinfoil hat and standing on one leg.  Reception was great both on the phone and from the few passing motorists.”  It warmed up to a pleasant -4C by the time we arrived in Dawson.

There was some drifting snow in places because of the wind but otherwise the highway was in good driving condition.  Julie notes “iTunes shuffled out ‘North to Alaska’ when we headed out on the Dempster yesterday. Even though we were headed ‘south’ to the Alaskan highway, we sang along boisterously.”

Some more scenery along the Dempster. 

And more splendid scenery along the Dempster. 

Stunning Dempster views – Tombstone Territorial Park

Tombstone Territorial Park

We checked into our hotel, the Aurora Inn, and had a good Skype visit with granddaughter Melodie and her parents.  We then headed out for supper to the #1 Trip Advisor rated restaurant, The Drunken Goat.  I just know Julie will have something to say at this point in the story.  Just a hunch. Julie notes “I think everyone who knows the drunken goat (also known as the old goat, among other things) will be saying the same thing.”

No show tonight?? Julie notes ‘Luckily I travel with my own personal comedy show. And if I want a really good laugh I just need a mirror. What is with my hair in this picture?”

After a good Greek meal, we got kicked out of there to make room for the young crowd and went in search of the white beard crowd. We headed over to Diamond Tooth Gerties to see a comedian.  Wrong.  No show tonight.  Comedian was only on stage tomorrow. 

Diamond Tooth Gerties – but no show tonight sorry!

So instead, I lost $20 in 5 minutes on the roulette wheel and Julie was up a whole dollar on the one armed bandit.  Julie notes ” I learned my gambling savvy from Kenny Rogers who told me via the iTunes “You gotta know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em, know when to walk away…”this was also my laundry day anthem.”

Up a dollar! Quit while you’re ahead they say!

…take care, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Day 9 – Thursday, April 4, 2013

This is really Day 7 in reverse.  We have started our trek towards home. We left Inuvik at -23C and snowing but it cleared up as we drove south.  It had warmed up to -16C by the time we arrived in Eagle Plains. It was a great drive of about 370 kilometres.  The Dempster is in very good driving condition.  It is mostly smooth high grade frozen gravel and ice with varied and spectacular scenery and a couple of ice bridge crossings. Today we crossed both the Mackenzie and Peel river ice bridges.

The Mackenzie river near Tsiigehtchic

We made a stop in Fort McPherson for coffee at the Northern store and also visited the local Fort McPherson Tent & Canvas Shop. They don’t carry too much stock but we got a brochure. We also made a stop at Margaret’s Handi-Craft Shop and ordered a small handmade gift for our granddaughter. Julie notes “pssst Don’t tell Melodie! It’s a birthday surprise.”

Margaret in her home work space crafting her beautiful creations

Margaret, a retired teacher, was busily making many more native crafts.  Julie notes “She was excitedly working on a tiny pair of moccasins for a baby to be. Her work is beautiful and highly sought after.”

Scenery along the Dempster

We crossed back into the Yukon and set the clocks back an hour.   It was cold with a wind chill at the top of this pass where the boundary is located.  

Chilly Yukon boundary, Julie notes “Luckily we didn’t freeze in these positions.  As classy as we look, it might be time to get some professional help.  With the jazzy poses that is.”

From this high pass you can see the road for miles in the distance.  Julie notes “Does anyone see a washroom along that long Canadian highway. No me neither.”

Julie was reading a brochure along the way about bear safety. They recommend you climb at least 4m up a tree to escape a grizzly. The unfortunate truth about that strategy, however, is that the trees are all 3 metres or less. Also, if the bear follows you up the tree, you will know it wasn’t a grizzly. haha  Julie wanted to stop and practice.  

I asked Julie to check out the trees to see if they would save her from a bear. Julie notes “Nice trick Brad! Luckily I’m pretty fast for an old gal and caught up with the truck before you got too far.”

I couldn’t resist picking her up, even if she was wrong. 😉

Driving these long Canadian highways gives us plenty of time to have numerous ‘discussions’ on all matters related to the north. Is the Arctic circle a line or an area? Can you be in the Arctic circle or are you above or below the Arctic circle? How do you pronounce Inuvik? Who was the mad trapper of rat river?  After one such ‘discussion’ Julie got out and decided to hitchhike.  Julie notes “Well Brad said ‘it’s my way or the highway’ and since his way was wrong the highway was my only option.”

That’s it for today from Eagle Plains, YT.  Off to Dawson City tomorrow after some family phone calls.