Yukon River Day 2

Day 2 started out with about 35km left to paddle across Lake LaBerge. Again we were very fortunate to have a slight tail wind. The lake seemed to stretch out forever ahead of us. However, we were still in good spirits and excited about the adventures to come. The weather was gorgeous again and we were all beginning to unwind.
Taking a long look down the rest of the lake as we started paddling on day 2.


Brian gave me opportunity to practice my steering skills. I think he just wanted time to eat his trail mix and study his map.

During one of our breaks Brian and Phil climbed to the top of this hill just to stretch their legs.

Taking a lunch break.

Approaching the end of the lake at last.

I did it!

Right at the re-start of the river there is a wreck from one of the many steamboats that plied the river during the gold rush.

I had to take the opportunity to wash my hair in the icy cold water. Now I could finally take off the bandana. The water was so cold, it was almost as it the ice had just come off.

There was an abandoned North West Mounted Police station here also. The building was still standing across from this rusted old truck. The mosquitoes were very thick here and we didn't waste much time.

Back out on the river. There were these boils that kept coming up from the bottom. If you got caught in one it could spin the canoe around.

Brian relaxing at our camp. There were a few camps along the way with tables and outhouses. The trick was finding them at the appropriate time of day. We only managed a couple of these.

Yukon River Day 1

As you can well imagine, this epic adventure will take a few blog posts to cover in appropriate detail.
So, Day 1: June 15. We left Whitehorse in the morning and made it about a third of the way down Lake LaBerge.
Our gear beginning to pile up in preparation for the adventure.

Our canoe all loaded up and ready to go.

Brian ready to get going.

All the canoes are in order ready to be put in the water.


A look at what's ahead.

This was the weather for the first 4 days - not a cloud in the sky.

We saw this van at the bottom of a cliff, so we paddled across the river to check it out. Obviously this was at the beginning of the trip when we had energy for such adventures. There was also another car in the water.

Kendra and Phil enjoying the sun while they paddled.

Our first picnic lunch. We found a beautiful picnic spot along the river.

Rachel getting in some last minute texting.

We had gorgeous scenery the whole way.

The remains of a pier on lower LaBerge.

A look at the long lake ahead of us. It is 50km long. Lucky for us we had a bit of a tail wind instead of a head wind, so we made pretty good time.

Rachel and Phil setting up our first camp. I must give due credit to Brian for finding such a fantastic campsite. It was gorgeous.

Brian down at the canoes. It looks a little like a pirate cove.

I was finally able to relax a little. This was before the day 1 muscle aches set in.

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY NAOMI

June 14 has arrived again. And with it the birthday of Naomi. I'm not sure where the time has gone, but here she is turning 20! Once again I am left reminiscing about my precious daughter. There are so many memories and experiences we've shared. She has grown into such a beautiful young woman. We are so proud of her.

I hope you have a fabulous birthday Naomi. I'm proud to call you my daughter and my friend. I love you with all my heart.

THE PROM

Saturday evening was Josh`s prom. This is an event we were all looking forward to. How often do we get to see the kids dressed up and looking so spectacular. The pictures really tell the story for themselves.

The girls were all trying to share one mirror in the hotel room.

I enjoyed some much needed pampering from Hannah. She gave me a manicure and pedicure.

The finished product.

Josh didn`t need as much pampering:

Naomi and Hannah looking very beautiful.

Brian and I on our walk to freedom.

The theme was vintage Hollywood. The hall looked amazing.





Josh and his grand march partner, Brittany. She is also from Ross River.



Josh and his girlfriend, Karoline.

The highlight for the evening for me was the grad and parent dance.

After the prom we drove Karoline to her home in Tagish, a 2 hour round trip. This meant we were dropping into bed at 1:00 in the morning. We picked Josh up from his dry grad this morning shortly after 6am. He walked into the hotel room, flopped onto the bed and was asleep within seconds When Brian and I returned from dropping Naomi off at the airport it was about 7:30 am. Josh was snoring as though he was trying to set a world record and Hannah was grumbling in the other bed as she tried to sleep in spite of Josh's snoring. Now that it's all over it will take a few days to recuperate.
Josh, we are so proud of you. You have a world of opportunities ahead of you. We know you will succeed in whatever you choose to do. We love you.

JOSH'S GRADUATION

Once again I can't believe how the time has flown. Our youngest child has graduated. Some of you may know the struggle it was to get through this last semester, but it was worth every moment to see the smile on his face. He didn't stop smiling all evening.
I went up front to get a picture of him getting his diploma. After his pose he came right over to me and gave me a big hug. Then after the ceremony was over he hurried over to us and every family member received a big hug from him. This was a very special evening for everyone. Here are some pictures to commemorate the event.