What an incredible first full week in Yellowknife. I've spent time re-connecting with my Northern family and my Northern church family, settling into the manse, remembering the routines of ministry, writing, and exploring this beautiful place.
We did a fair number of YK hotspots this week. Uncle Snowking took us on a tour of the houseboats of Yellowknife Bay, we drove, walked (and for me, swam!) around Old Town. Despite a little smoke in the air, we found a clear day to take in the view from Pilots' Monument. We went for an amazing walk through the local cemetery, which is unlike any we have down South. We also found ourselves on the Frame Lake Trail a few times, and at Somba 'Ke Park for the YK Farmers' Market and Warm the Rocks. Our big excursion was to Hidden Lake Territorial Park, where we hiked to Cameron Falls, which is one of my very favourite places in the world.
Of course, no Yellowknife experience would be complete without a trip to YKEA, the fancy name for the salvage-friendly Yellowknife Dump. I scored a bathrobe, a plaid shirt, and a great (handmade!) picnic blanket. The thrift store also did not disappoint, with some brand new -70C rated workboots for a friend, and a music stand and ice cream scoop for me. I don't know if I will have room in my suitcase for the super-cute boots I found, but that's an August problem.
This week, I've been invited to join the Wednesday hiking group, and a friend has lent me a bicycle, so I'm able to get around town quickly now that my personal chauffeur (Joel) is somewhere on the road to Fort Providence. It's bright and sunny and time to get out in that amazing 20-hour daylight.
My husband Derek arrives on Saturday, and I can't wait to have him here!
Onwards...
