The Truth North Strong and Free

July 1

Keegan was dog-tired. He had been tormented all night by the bugs, from sleeping outside in our 'patio.' But we managed to get out the door to enjoy the Canada Day festivities, which started on time! There were the usual floats, kids riding their bikes, mounties and a police truck pulling an RCMP boat. The kids scrambled for the 'loot': candy, carabiners, and pens. Someone even passed out books. Then it was off to the park for the honeybucket race. The participants made their own race vehicle, incorporating a toilet. Then the legion served a huge cake, 'as big as me,' according to Bronwyn. We recognized two people we met last time we were here, and it was nice to see them again. There was a mini-carnival, but it was so busy and hot (20 degrees) we went over to the Gwich'in (formerly Loucheux Indian, I believe) celebration where they were offering a free meal of Arctic char and fixings. We didn't stay long. The little guys had had enough, so we sought refuge from the heat and bugs in the trailer.


The 'fruit truck' was in town, so I picked up some produce. O glorious day! A fellow goes to BC, picks up fruit and veggies, and other items and trucks it up to Inuvik and sells it from his refrigerated trailer about every 2 weeks during the summer. The prices are a bit cheaper and the produce fresher. We ate cherries and corn on the cob tonight (not together!). And I just have to make some bruschetta with my fresh tomatoes and cilantro. Yum!