Saturday 7 July 2012

6th July
My turn to write.
Yesterday we left Tulita, and I know both of us were glad to be back on the water. We made a conscious decision to slow down and to split the 50 miles to Norman Wells into 2 days. We have accepted that there are no "campsites" as we have always known them (green soft grass beside a clear flowing mountain stream) and that we have to make do with the banks of the mighty Mackenzie which have been ripped apart by the winter break-up and really are just different degrees of hard packed mud. Thank goodness for our snow pegs! So we are less choosy about where we are going to spend the night and this has relieved some pressure. The illusion that round the next point will be Utopia has been shattered.
A strange day yesterday. I found it difficult to get myself "up" for the next leg and doubted why I was here in the first place, putting myself through all the discomfort, heat, bugs, mud (and heavy thunderstorm). Much of the trip so far has consisted of huge swings in moods (Michael is going thorough similar) and a bunch of different feelings, and yesterday was no exception. At the end of the day, I looked out of my tent and saw a caribou drinking from the banks of the river with the setting sun in the back ground. I was back to living in the "now" and once again feeling grateful for this amazing experience.
Norman Wells. We had read there was camping available at a local adventure centre (Canoe North Adventures) and on asking directions, 2 guys, who worked in the local authorities office, took us and all our gear to the place. On arrival we were told that we could stay in the cabin besides the lake where the business was. And, no charge. Once again we have been blown away by the friendliness and the willingness of the northern Canadian to go that extra yard to make us welcome.
We have accepted their kindness with good grace and plan to stay here for 2 nights. A time to meet people and learn more about their way of life.



1 comment:

  1. Alison Roddy and Kieran8 July 2012 at 12:59

    Hi Guys, been thinking of you lots this weekend
    :-)
    Should I mention why?
    Sending you positive thoughts, stay in the moment have an awesome time.
    Alison, Roddy and Kieran xxx

    ReplyDelete