Aug 5-10 Whitehorse, Teslin, Watson Lake, Liard River Hot Springs and Muncho Lake

Saturday, Aug 5, day in Whitehorse

Started the day at Mc Bride Museum followed by a Walking Tour of Historical buildings.

Canada Games Centre,

All aboard the SS Klondike ,

 Museum of Natural Science

  then the World's Largest Weather Vane,

 a 2 pm tour of Yukon Brewery. Sampled seven of their product, and yes, we have some in our fridge now.

Big grocery shop and the rest of the afternoon at Miles Canyon 

and the world's longest wooden fish ladder. The fish are just getting here now after a 2000 km swim from the Bering Strait , a count of 26 through the ladder today and a total of 90 so far this week.

Play a tune by the falls!

Met a group of H4H folks, shared stories and as I was peering into the fish ladder, a lady from Toronto said, " I saw a hatchery in Port Alberni where they were collecting the eggs from the fish". Really! Turns out to be the sister-in-law of Anne Flemming

Shared fond memories of this lovely lady who always called me "Paderno Queen"!

Sunday, Aug 6

Attended Whitehorse United Church to hear Rev Bev Brazier who had been my sister's minister in Mirimichi and who had travelled with her to Guatemala on a mission trip.

Great service, just so happened to be the Blessing of the Animals Sunday. Those animals were so well behaved! About 20 dogs sat through the service then lined up quietly to receive their blessing. Some of my favourite camp songs were sung:

All Gods Critters have a Place in the Choir

If I Were a Butterfly

Explorers theme song, This is Our Makers World etc

Drove to Teslin and when I went to the drop box with our camping registration, Dave's cousin, Bruce Wiseman drove in. I could tell from the side of his head he was definitely a Wiseman so I hollered at him and he told me later that he was wondering who this tourist lady was!

Long story short, great visit at our campsite then a dinner invitation. Met his son Robert, wife Danielle and grandchildren Leighton and Laughlin then grand daughter Amber at the store. Dave was able to fill in many missing spots on his family tree as we chuckled over childhood memories. Wonderful evening.

Monday, Aug 7-Wed, Aug 9

A stop at the Wiseman's to drop off a book. Pleasantly surprised to receive Bruce's carving of a dog sled and moose, some burls, a walking stick of sweet willow and a whole tub of fresh produce--- onions, kale, lettuce, peppers and tomatoes. Thank you Bruce and Patty!

First stop, Rancheria Falls , a ten minute boardwalk to a double set of falls

then on to Watson Lake and its Signpost Forest

 and Borealis Science Centre.

Enjoyed the three hour paddle on Watson Lake after dinner so much, we decided to stay an extra day at this campground.

Biked and kayaked on Tuesday, Dave was so well rested on Wednesday morning, I heard him loading the bikes at 7 am, then get into the storage under my head for the tow kit, pack away the propane tank and grill but when he started cranking up the hitch!!! Enough already!!  It is only 7:20 and departure time is 9!

First stop today was Contact Creek for the last cheap Yukon gas, shortly thereafter, a herd of 23 wood buffalo grazing by the side of the road.

Very small communities of Fireside, now closed down,  and Coal River.

Liard River Hot Springs Campground by noon. What a treat! Soaked in the natural springs for some time, then were entertained by the park rangers who used bear cannons to move the bear out of our campsite but the little guy climbed a tree so the whole campground was asked to be quiet so he would come down! Eventually he did and was herded off into the forest. There are too many bears in this area and they all have their own territory so some are homeless, get attacked by the bigger bears in the bush who are guarding their territory.

After dinner, a Kings Cribbage challenge and Bugger Bridge, we head back to the hot pools until 10:30. Everyone will sleep well tonight.

By the way, the Kings Cribbage challenge is tied after 26 days! Tomorrow the tie breaker as it is the last night before we go our separate ways; the Pattersons leave us at Fort Nelson heading to Yellowknife and we continue on to Fort St John to spend some time with the Wuthrich's before heading to Gunn to pick up our grandson

Thurs, Aug 10   Muncho Lake

First stop Salt Lick viewing. Too late or too early, the sheep are there at dawn or dusk. Nice 1.5 km loop however and then 4 sheep right on the side of the road within miles of the official lookout spot.

Lunch at Summit Lake. Young caribou on the highway. 

Stop for the night in Fort Nelson at Triple G campground, the most expensive to date at a whopping $47.12 per night! And a warm 29 degrees.