North to the Yukon - prep day

 

Heather and I are taking our first holiday in several years. Selling our property in Okotoks and making the transition to High River took everything we had and left little room for a true vacation. It's time.

We originally started looking at a trip to the United Kingdom: England, Ireland and Scotland. However, as Heather did the research, the cost of accommodations was a little shocking.

"Why don't we go north?" I asked.

Her eyes lit up. Exploring the Yukon has been on her mind for many years. Doing a driving trip would be more affordable AND we could take the dogs with us. It felt perfect.

Our plan is to drive up to Grande Prairie to visit my sister and brother-in-law for a few days before continuing on to Fort Nelson. Our biggest travel day will follow on Friday as we hit Watson Lake and Whitehorse before arriving at our cabin destination. 

My creativity will move from painting to writing and photography for the next three weeks. The latter will be categorized as "research" for future paintings. The writing will comprise the "North to the Yukon" blog series. We have three primary stops where we will establish home base for stretches of three or four days:  a cabin south of Whitehorse, Dawson City and Haines Junction. 

Heather has meticulously planned this trip. Bless her. It is a strength. I typically only start thinking deeply about major trips a couple of days before departure. Now that we're so close, excitement is building. Meanwhile, the dogs have no idea what's going on. They know something's up when their dog beds go out to the car. 

What am I looking forward to the most?

1. Spending time at the farm near Grande Prairie. It was the best part of our six months spent between homes. 

2. Seeing a part of Canada that is completely new to me. The drive, though long, will be very special.

3. Not being on a rigid timeline, we can stop, explore and savour the flavour of the north.

4. Spending three or four days in one place so we can feel settled and explore each area.

5. Reading, writing and taking pictures.

More to come as we venture north to the Yukon.