It’s now been a little over three months here in Whitehorse and I’m happy to let you all know that I’ve been really enjoying it. After settling in, I started working as a substitute teacher, picked up some work as an assistant guide for overnight outdoor ed trips, and even taught a few trumpet lessons. While I concede that these past few weeks of -30c to -40c haven’t been all that fun, it hasn’t dampened my growing attachment to this awesome city.
I have to admit, my camera hasn’t been getting much use these days. It’s too cold to take outside, and I haven’t been all that inspired to shoot lots. However, I did get some nice pictures in the past 3 months. Here are some of the highlights.
Classic Autumn Walbran
In October, I was lucky enough to have a few days between my last guiding contract and the big move north. As is tradition, I called up Will for a few days of trailbuilding in the Walbran. Will brought his friend Greener along and he ended up being a great addition to the team. We only had a day and a half and so we decided to focus on material prepping for an upcoming boardwalk project. We drove in at night during a torrential downpour, but luck was on our side and the weather cleared the following morning. We spent a glorious day organizing slats and stringers and got everything ready for the new project.
A Northerly Road Trip
After stuffing Janet (my ol' trusty 1998 Rav4) to the absolute brim, my buddy Steve and I spent three days road tripping north. We hit up the hot-springs in Liard, drove through some beautiful mountains, froze our butts camping, and had a few roadside bison and caribou sightings.
Janet did really well on the drive up, proving once again that the banged up, rusted, and dirty old girl still has the power and strength to take me anywhere the road goes. Unfortunately, no one could have foreseen the trials and tribulations of the January cold…..
The doors no longer close properly, the engine sounds very sad, the tires have frozen into a square’ish oval shape, and oil is leaking from a bunch of places :-/. Thoughts and prayers during these trying times….
Haines Alaska
While I’ve been almost exclusively in Whitehorse since getting here, I did get a few weekend trips away. For the November long weekend I headed to Haines, Alaska with some friends for the annual eagle festival.
We were able to enjoy watching hundreds of eagles feasting on decaying fish along the river. It was great to spend a bit of time on the coast and hike among the massive mountains that guard the little coastal town of Haines.
