On the Road Again!!

Here we are  back on the road again!  This time we are headed north to tour northern Canada and hopefully catch some of Alaska.

We started out a week ago on June 17 and spent the night at Allan at my brother's place where we had a great visit, terrific supper, and a doggy bag as well - it doesn't get much better I must say.  This was our first, and only sighting of moose as we saw a couple of young ones run across the  field as we were leaving.

Since we had to leave the province on the 18th for insurance purposes, we hit the pedal and got just past Cold Lake, AB.  We came across a community hall that had a sign "Camper Parking" and an arrow showing where to park so that is where we stopped and set up camp.  It wasn't long before someone came along and told us that was only for parking for events at the hall.  As we always say, it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission, which we did, and got to spend the night.

Destruction of a Forest Fire

Then it was on to Peace River, AB where they have a great little campground (free) next to the municipal building and near the community park - another terrific spot.  We decided this would be a good place to top off our propane.  Since there wasn't much to top off, the nice your fellow did it for free!!

Here we are at the 60th parallel - the border of the Northwest Territories!!









As we travelled north, we stayed at a territorial park near a couple of waterfalls and took a short hike to scenic viewpoints. 

Louise Falls

Evelyn Falls

Alexandra Falls

We were careful on our hike - there was no ice!

On our way to Yellowknife, we decided that since it was national  Aboriginal Day, we would stop at Behchoko which is a Dene community.  We parked and within minutes a young fellow came and welcomed us and invited us to the festivities which was very interesting - especially the duck plucking and the hand games.  We were very intrigued with the hand games and after watching for a few hours, and asking lots of questions, we did get some idea of how it was played.  Teams play as in a tournament and the games can last quite long.  When we left at 10, they still had 8 games to play so we have no idea how late they went.

The ducks are hunted- up to two weeks prior to the event

The plucking contest begins

The birds are then roasted

6 man canoe races - men, women, and mixed

Hand Games - very competitive

Then it was off to Yellowknife for a couple of days where we had a great visit with cousins, Dennis & Annette, and did some touring.  At Old Town there is a monument dedicated to the bush pilots as they basically opened up the north.  There are a number of house boats in the harbor where people live year round.  Apparently, when it freezes over during the winter, the ice sometimes freezes them crooked and that is how they stay until spring.  Spring and fall also creates some interesting means of travel as they try to maneuver through the partially frozen or partially broken ice.

Wood Bison roam freely

An interesting picnic bench made from mine equipment

The Wildcat Cafe is a vintage log cabin structure that represents the mining camp style of early Yellowknife.

A true Canadian

Whirlygigs line the fence behind a house on Ragged Ass Rd.

Love how they decorate the garbage bins

 The trip is going great.  We have found that their is no discrimination - they don't care of your size or gender or race or religion - the mosquitoes love us all!!  Thanks for checking in and until next week........