Sweet Summer Solstice

June 21

Happy Abo Day! Or for you Southerners, Happy Aboriginal Day! Kurt left early to take Bronwyn and Keegan back to Fort McPherson to go to Camp Klondike with Paul Hanthorn. Paul came back for a load of campers. Now in case you weren't following, that means another 800 km back dow

n the Dempster, from which we just came. They were a bit apprehensive about the unknown and Keegan wasn't keen on the U-turn, but all in all, I think they were excited about the sudden change in plans and a chance to spend time with their

friends.

The rest of us got moving barely before noon, and went to enjoy the festivities for Aboriginal Day. The event was to begin at noon and we got there two hours late, which in Northern time means we were an hour early. They served free burgers and did a blanket toss. A 64 year old elder stood on a blanket with a group of people holding on to the blanket all around. Then 1-2-3, all the people leaned back to spring him into the air-- WAY into the air. It was like a man-powered trampoline. Then there was a traditional feast with muktuk, caribout stew,

and Arctic char to begin at 5 pm. But not knowing when it would actually begin, and with the natives (meaning our entourage) getting restless , and having experien

ced it before, we cut our losses and headed back to the trailer. We did go back later, though, to watch the jigging contest. It was entertaining. And we did get to eat some bannock.

Josiah and Mackenzie held the fort for the evening, so Kurt and I, with baby Estelle in tow, could participate in the Midnight Sun Fun Run. What a great way to enjoy the summer solstice! The 5 km race began at midnight. There was also a 10 km and half-marathon. We were just heading do

wn a hill, when Kurt took his hand briefly off the buggy holding Estelle, and said, "Catch your baby!" A joke of course, but it would be a great incentive to pick up the pace! My fitness leaves something to be desired and I slowed down at the half way mark. I was passed by a 70 year old lady. Good times! If that's not an incentive to get in shape, nothing is---except maybe a runaway buggy with my baby inside. Anyways, we had fun and got to bed at 4 am, with the sun shining bright.