Whitehorse, Yukon

 

We have been here 2days restocking provisions, getting oil changed, tires rotated and generally checking things out in the car. This morning I take the Casita to have leak in toilet repaired along with a crack in the PVC pipe grey water line. We should be on our way to Haines junction by noon or so.

I can't help but think of Sgt. Preston of the Royal Mounted Police. I'm sure some of you remember the old radio show with Preston and his dog, King, bringing law and order to the Yukon. In my mind he was tall and handsome and there was lots of snow. Here we are by the Klondike River and no snow! How I loved that show. I must have been around 8yrs old. Of course, my favorite part was the dog.

Here is a picture of the stern wheel boat that was used to take supplies back and forth to Dawson City during the gold rush days. It is amazing that they were able to navigate the Yukon River. The river is very fast flowing, especially this time of year.

We visited the Kwanlin Dun Cultural center to see the exhibit. This exhibit was of master carvings done by several artists. A Maori master carver from New Zealand had two pieces on display and was mentoring young native carvers in Whitehorse.

The next day we stopped by the Northern Cultural Expressions Society's gallery and carving studio. Several young native men were carving and we were fortunate to have one carver tell us the creation story of the Raven, creator of the earth, stars, sun and moon. An elder woman showed us photos of regalia made by the young women of the tribe. They were stunning and obviously painstakingly created. These young people were learning to carry on the traditions of their elders.

The Whitehorse "horse" was designed by an artist and created by a welder. A powerful work of art. He stands atop a hill overlooking Whitehorse.

 

 

I picked up the trailer at 1:30, $418 worth of repairs, and we started for Haines Junction 98mi away. Since it was late we camped just outside of town in a Yukon Govt. Campground. Very nice, albeit with Mosquitos. The next morning we visited Da Ku cultural center and enjoyed an exhibit of exquisite Indian clothing and carvings. Outside of the wonderful world we travel through these First Nation Cultural Centers are the highlight of our day. Mid-morning hunger set in and fortunately, there was a quaint, fabulous bakery in town. Oh Boy! Yum, yum. Of course, we had to stop and refuel before heading on up the road.