Still a bit road buzzed...a long day of driving (1100 kms) and Otis and I made it home! I don't think Otis knew where he was, until he started climbing the stairs, then he ran upstairs and just rolled, drank water, rolled on the bed....yes, we are home! The drive was beautiful...and long. The trip has been awesome. Tomorrow I will post highlights, funny moments, and Otis tails... and now, signing off until the next adventure! [View Full Entry]

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The sun is setting, quiet night noises, a end of perfect day. Got up early, wasn't sure if it was Central Time or Eastern Time (Decided to go Eastern, because I was going to be driving into it sooner than later). Enjoyed the quietness and the warmth of the morning. Woke up to Otis wagging his tail against the tent and getting wet! Morning dew on the tent. Got on the road around 11, and tried to find where I was to pay for my campsite...the places I tried, were all closed, so drove on... I love the drive along the [View Full Entry]

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Today is the day to get back on the road. It has been so, absolutely, breathtaking, wonderful, awesome to spend such quality time with Nigel and Mel. They are such an inspiration for me - how they have embraced their lives up north...making the most of it...camping, hiking, garage sales, heading out late at night to watch and maybe capture the northern lights! Nigel and Mel work and play well!!!! Got the car loaded and on the road before 11! (got gas and ice). The drive was very quiet and didn't seem as long as when I drove to Yellowknife just [View Full Entry]

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Another day of driving! I still haven't made it to Edmonton! Stopped at Peace River, what a beautiful town! the scenery along the way has been extremely beautiful! wheat, canola, green pines...even saw a coyote when I left Hutch Lake! Lots of different birds. Today, magpies, hawks, ravens...With driving, you never know what is going to be around the bend. In Alberta, I was driving, and I came across, soft green, rolling hills known as Swan Hills. Beautiful! Once again, found a campsite where it is self serve. Set up, cooked, went for a walk about and turn in early. Otis [View Full Entry]

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Woke up early to Otis barking at the caretaker of the campgrounds I was staying at in Swan Hills! It was 5:30 am! At first I thought it was some kind of wild animal (bear, maybe) and then I saw the flashlight and knew a bear wouldn't be carrying a flashlight! At least I know, Otis will protect me! Breakfast, a short walk and packed up the tent tent to head into Edmonton. (At least West Edmonton Mall). Lots of construction when I got onto the Yellowhead Highway. Before I got there, I saw a deer and some captive bison along [View Full Entry]

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Got caught up with some blogs, and now back on the road to Winnipeg! First stop Half Pints Brewery Company. My friend Richard wanted me to check it out, and I'm glad I did! It was a real treat! Locally owned. Husband was a home brewer, the passion took over and the wife is an accountant! (Nicole is the one who gave me the tour and their story). Their market is Western Canada, with one place in Toronto (which I now have to find!). (By the way, the beer is great, I have been enjoying the beer over the last couple [View Full Entry]

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Woke up early to rain and thunder....able to get back to sleep, thank goodness! Another bright and sunny and hot day today, great day for driving. Started talking to my neighbour and discovered he is from Guelph! Small world. He is still traveling and heading into the states before he heads back to Guelph. Packed up and back on the road. Spent the morning wondering around Saskatoon. Another beautiful city, and very friendly people. Otis and I enjoyed some of the walking trails around the city and the Saskachewan River. Drove off the highway to a small town, with a salt [View Full Entry]

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Another beautiful day! High in the late 20's! Finally it feels like summer on my trip! We all had a lazy morning, drinking coffee, working on pictures (see Nigel's flickr site for more northern lights: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nigelfearon/ and click on Julie in Yellowknife). Waiting to hear from Nigel's friend to go rock climbing. Unfortunately, we never heard during the day from Nigel's friend (he was out on the lake fishing on this beautiful day!). We played cards, did grocery shopping and had homemade pizza for supper, ymmmm! After supper Nigel, Otis and I went for a walk up [View Full Entry]

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My last weekend in Yellowknife! On Friday, Nigel and Mel invited their friends, Michael, Bianca and Shannon over for games (pictionary, eventually). Shannon brought her dog, Otis (a Boston Terrier) over as well, so the 2 Otis's could meet and play together! What a riot! Shannon's last day at work was on Friday...she's on her last 3 weeks before her baby is due. Her husband is away, so she came to join us! I asked all of them how they ended up in Yellowknife! Fun stories. I liked the fact Michael and Bianca came from Vancouver in February because they wanted [View Full Entry]

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As I said on my previous post, Nigel, Mel and I (with Otis, of course) decided we should go for a hike after lunch! It is such a beautiful day! Sunny and warm! The first trail we were going to go on was Prosperous Trail, but to get to it, you have to pay to go into the park and all of us didn't bring any money. After consulting the hiker's book, we decided to go to Ranney Hill! Bug spray on, dog leashed, cameras ready (except Mel forgot to put her memory card back into her camera), off we went. [View Full Entry]

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