I left Whitehorse for Watson Lake on Sunday, October 3rd – a perfect fall day by any standard. Driving down the Alaska Highway with the sun on my face, rocking out to my mixed CDs (not many radio stations along this stretch of road), life was good. I was headed to WL for a fewContinue reading “Travels in the Borderlands”
Author Archives: dmcadmin
Music of the Northland
Since coming to the Yukon I’ve been lucky to meet and hear some fantastic musicians. It may be a small territory population-wise, but it’s big on talent in this writer’s humble opinion. I met Gerald Edzerdza (on right) in Watson Lake when I interviewed him for my book on northern aviation. It turns out anotherContinue reading “Music of the Northland”
Shacking it Up at Berton House
Upon my arrival in Dawson I realized I didn’t actually have the address for Berton House handy. A quick tour of town would surely reveal it, I thought. First stop: front street. Looking out over the Yukon River I thought I spied a cozy cabin. Maybe this was it? But how to get to it….?Continue reading “Shacking it Up at Berton House”
First Days in Dawson
On a good day the drive between Whitehorse and Dawson is 6 hours. When you hit snow and ice… a little longer (there were a couple of cars still in the ditch from the snowstorm the day before). I strongly recommend stopping at the Braeburn Lodge to fortify yourself with a family-sized cinnamon bun. InContinue reading “First Days in Dawson”
Mud Season at Muktuks
The air was nippy when we arrived at Muktuk Adventures north of Whitehorse, but the sun was warm enough to melt the weekend’s snow and turn the road and yard into a mud pit. The 100+ huskies didn’t seem to mind, and those that weren’t fast asleep on top of their huts barked in greeting.Continue reading “Mud Season at Muktuks”
Crossing the Carcross Desert
After a few wet days in Skagway it was lovely to feel the sun on my face as we drove the Kia back into the Yukon.I’d read about the Carcross Desert in the tourist guides – apparently the smallest desert in the world at 260 hectares – and was game for a hike after I’dContinue reading “Crossing the Carcross Desert”
Putting the White in Whitehorse
Two days after the calendar told us fall had officially begun – and on our first morning in Whitehorse – Doug and I awoke to this wintry scene. All I could think was, “This is going to be a long winter…” The rental didn’t come with a scraper, so out came my ski mitts andContinue reading “Putting the White in Whitehorse”
Skagway at Season’s End
When we woke up in Whitehorse (Yukon) the morning of September 24th, we were greeted by snow – and lots of it. We were due in Skagway (Alaska) that afternoon and saw the forecast there was rain. We told ourselves the things foolish travellers always do: “It’s only a couple of hours away!” “We’ll goContinue reading “Skagway at Season’s End”
A Literary Weekend
This weekend was Alberta Arts Days, the time of year when the Texas of the north proves to the rest of Canada it is not a cultural sinkhole. That it is more than just tarsand and delicious beef. Actually, I don’t think the province cares what the rest of the country thinks – they doContinue reading “A Literary Weekend”
Jasper Photo Diary
Friday, September 10th: Left Edmonton at 7:30am. Hit some construction on the Henday and missed my turn. After a short detour back on the road. Stop in Edson for Tim Horton’s breakfast sandwich combo. Doug at trailhead. Used Don’t Waste Your Time in the Canadian Rockies hiking guide to choose Trip #123: Beaver, Summit andContinue reading “Jasper Photo Diary”