Day 19 Dawson City, poised for the Dempster!


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 2nd year of a 3 year cycling journey that includes their own country, the USA, Canada and on to Panama. Another interesting character, from the Okanogan, shared advice about his broad experience with traveling in the North. He visits every year for several months at a time.

Today with this 101 km segment tucked away at the Dempster Junction, Bryan wanted a photo with his trusty Cannondale.  This bike that has seen him across Canada, from Abbotsford, BC to the tip of California, and now almost 3000 km on this trip. He will continue with a Giant mountain bike rented from a service here in Dawson City. Bryan still has his trusty, if ancient, Schwinn along but decided to err on the side of caution and have it as a back-up to the newer bike.  



Arriving in Dawson City at 3:00 pm, we were able to prepare for the next leg to Inuvik. That meant doing laundry, grocery shopping and servicing the new bike. Supper out at a good Greek restaurant, a walk by the Yukon River and frozen yogurt rounded out a very good day.






Now, a good night sleep, last minute checks with gas and propane fills tomorrow and then away we go! The true North, strong and free…well hopefully strong and not too expensive.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 20 and 21 On to Inuvik!

Image
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...
Read more

Day 14 On the road again.....

Image
. The Willie Nelson song that greeted me this morning when I pulled out was the perfect accompaniment to begin this sunny day. Sure there was wind from all directions but Bryan said that it was even helpful at times. It’s the sun that makes the difference. The lines from the song, “goin’ places that I've never been” and “seein’ things I may never see again”, confirmed that we were on the right track. Taking a risk can be heart-stopping but the unexpected rewards are so satisfying.  At our second rest of the day, just above the Rancheria River Bridge, I saw more of the stone messages that people had arranged all the way along the route.  Although I may not see it again, I added our name to witness that we had been there.  In the restroom, others had added their sentiments and good wishes, such as “May poetry be with you”. These man-made marks might soon disappear but the Alpine lupines will return each season as cheery ambassadors on the roadside. We have been...
Read more