North to Inuvik, NWT

What better way to spend the Canada 150 Summer Solstice but in two of Canada’s Northern communities as they celebrate Aboriginal Day? In both places we were warmly welcomed into their home territory with smiles, hellos and conversation. Our first welcome was at the Happy Valley RV park on the edge of downtown Inuvik by the owner who is a teacher. She and I compared notes as she settled us into our spot for the next 2 nights with the Mackenzie River not too far away. We walked the main street that was like in any small town in the south but with utilidors and piling-raised buildings that Bryan found so very interesting. One difference was the sun that shone brightly all night. Maybe that was why everyone smiled so easily. From the Tundra Tour personnel, to the helpful woman at the visitor Information, the community librarians, the elderly women who chatted on the sidewalk, to all the children and adults ready with a hello and smile, we were welcomed. Inuvik is home ...

Monday morning was filled with promise as we considered the journey ahead.  We were further encouraged by Murray and Helen Gress from Tisdale who happened to run into us again at the Dempster junction. A quick visit and we were on our way from kilometre 4, skipping past the bridge repairs that were just underway. Bryan was trying out a rental bike from Dawson City for the week ahead, topped up with his own Aerobars, water bottle cages and a good cleaning. Within the 6 km he pedaled, Bryan was hit by gravel from a semi and fought with the 6 inches of loose gravel on the shoulder.  In the interest of safety, he got back into the RV, looking for better conditions further down the highway. That never happened.  As we continued, things got worse. The thick gravel and ridge on the edge, ungraded road, continuous rumble bumps, steep drops off the shoulder, and thick, hanging dust made our decision for us. Bryan would likely join me in the RV for the rest of the trip t...

We will admit to a raised level of anticipation last night that kept us awake a little. Dawson City has been a goal for the past week and we are so close to it. More than that, it marks the last leg of our northerly journey to Inuvik that has been in our thoughts for over 2 years.  Yes, there is some trepidation about what realities are ahead but we will continue to meet the challenges as best we can. Faith is about continuing without knowing what is to come, so we will keep moving forward. The trip so far has certainly been full and rewarding, with answered prayers all along. Before our first rest stop today, Bryan saw his first lynx, curious but cautiously keeping her distance as he rolled past. Later on, he watched a bald eagle fishing from a stump in the stream. Other mammals on the road included fellow cyclists who shared their hellos and stories. One couple from New Zealand is on their 2 nd year of a 3 year cycling journey that includes their own country, the USA, Can...