On the road again.

We've arrived in Prince Rupert B.C after a stunning drive through the mountains. We're going to miss the Yukon, that's for sure. Time to show us what you got, British Columbia!

In the meantime, here are some of our favourite moments from the beautiful Yukon Territory.

Jono at the top of Dome Road in Dawson. We couldn't believe this view!



Staz and Jono looking epic at the top of Dome Road.



After a few days of destroying our bodies, we decided to climb to the top of a mountain in Tombstone Territorial Park. The climb? Brutal. The pay off? So, so worth it.



An old mining shack at the top of the most rickety road we have yet to drive. It led us all the way to the top of a mountain in Keno City. Stunning views all around, and a glacial pond too!

 

 So long, Yukon. See you again soon, I'm sure.

A whole lotta love.

It's the day after my cousin Georgia's Yukon solstice wedding and the party is still going. Such a beautiful wedding, such a beautiful place, such beautiful people.

Cousin Georgia and Uncle Mike

Yesterday was basically my wedding dream come true. Simple, classy, and, most of all, so full of love. So very full of love that it's almost tangible. There's a real sense of community in this place, made so evident by the labour of love that was Georgia and Kyle's wedding.

Jonna, Anastasia and I were happy to sing for our supper, helping out in the kitchen and serving up the midnight snack. We've made lots of new friends and even gained the prestigious title of "Kitchen Angels."

I also took a small family detour to the cemetary where my great grandmother is buried. We laid my grandfather's ashes and had a splash of whiskey to commemorate him. It was so amazing to see some tangible evidence of my family's history here.

Everyone here has been so kind and gracious, and I think I speak for all three of us when I say we really feel at home here. It's going to be hard to top this!

Tomorrow we're planning on getting out and seeing some of the area, starting with a canoe trip up the Klondike River. Can't wait.

Stay tuned,
Smelly.

Hackin' and Packin'

So, we are here in the YUKON after a ferocious five days of driving across this big ole beautiful country. There were many animals, most left safely viewed from a distance by the side of the road (bears, bison and wild dogs? domestic dogs run wild?) and one poor animal (a seagull) massacred by our windshield.

It's better than I imagined, the nature is bigger than I could fathom. After being warmly welcomed by Smelly's Fraser family we were graciously allowed to accompany the Fraser menfolk on a trek up the old mining road to "Hack n' Pack" some creek ice for all the beer and liquor that shall be consumed at the upcoming nuptials of Smelly's cousin.

That's right. Not only have we been welcomed, fed and given a place to rest in the Yukon by these wonderful people, we got to hack n' haul ice from the creek to the keg.

I like this place. I really really really like this place.
There will be a video to follow, and hopefully some more pictures too.

So tonight, here's to waking up tomorrow and sleeping in the same place and to the larger than life Yukon, and to the people who call it home.

Blog out,
Jono

Checking engines and fun with customs.

So, today was the day. We were up at the crack of dawn, raring to go. And go we did-- for about 4 minutes-- until... disaster.

Through the soft and mystical magic hour glow, the check engine light reared its ugly head. We were back in the driveway before the house was even out of sight. After a quick look under the hood and a spin around the block, my dad delivered his diagnosis.

Me: "So, how does it look?"
Dad: *shrugs* "Fine, I guess."
Me: "Can we drive it?"
Dad: *shrugs* "I would."

And so away we went, again.

We decided to go through the states to save some time and fill up on cheap gas and diner food. We crossed at Sault Ste. Marie where we were greeted by a very interesting customs officer. The experience has already become one of our favourite things to laugh about. Jonna's account is my favourite, so here it is, straight from the pages of her journal:

"We were allowed passage into America by a colourful and power happy desperado of a customs agent who seemed to peg us for what we really are: alcoholic hippie criminal stoners...you know, typical Canadians."

He was obviously trying to scare us; but ended up waving us through to Anastasia's shouts of "check out  the blog!"

After a lot of driving and singing along to mix tapes, we made it to Ashland, Wisconsin-- a bustling metropolis (ahem) along the shore of Lake Superior. We decided to stop at the local Super 8, where, after smuggling a third person into our "two people only" room and adjusting to the smell of chain-smoking cat lady, we have finally settled in for some well deserved rest.

Next stop on the long haul to Dawson: Saskatoon!

Stay tuned.

PS I am happy to report that the check engine light mysteriously turned off after a trip to the local Walmart. What a magical place.

-Danielle

Equipped.

We've finally got a camera in our hands! Thanks to some tireless Craigslist scouring, this little beauty is all ours. It's the same camera I used at good ol' Rye High, so here's hoping I can make some video magic on the road. Stay tuned! -Danielle

Pimped our Ride.

With one week left until we start our trip, Anastasia and I decided it was time for some serious pimping. I think the decal turned out pretty well! We also stuck a compass logo on the front hood. Add some red and white curtains and a bit of memory foam, and this thing is starting to feel like home. Jonna's taking her in for one last check-up this weekend, and then it's wheels to the pavement! Keep an eye out for us; we'd love to meet you!