August 29
I have to tell you two things that happened at the ferry. First, I must rewind. Kurt biked to the Peel River ferry crossing with the kids shortly after his return from the DEW line. Bronwyn, Keegan, and Josiah all thought it was great fun to stand on the ferry cable so they could feel it vibrate. The ferry was halfway across when over the loudspeaker, Kurt and the kids were reprimanded. "PLEASE GET OFF THE CABLE, YOU COULD HURT YOURSELF!" An outing with Daddy is never uneventful.
I remembered the incident because there is a new situation at the ferry crossing. The ferry is now closed. The Peel River has risen very high, with debris catching on the cables. They need to change the landing but they can't because the water's too high. They tried, though, and it just turned to mud. Isn't it always amazing that even with all we are capable of doing, in the end, we are still at the mercy of nature and the One who sustains it all. We don't have as much control over our lives as we think we do. You should see the line-up of not-so-happy campers waiting to get across, with absolutely nothing they can do about it.
But at least they had some entertainment. An SUV pulled up to the front of the line, and two guys jumped out. One went to the ferry crossing guard and the other to the wildlife officer, and both offered a $500 bribe to be taken across. Because of their suspicious behavior, the incident was reported to the police. The RCMP soon showed up and nabbed the driver, and they had a LONG line of witnesses to point them in the direction of the two bribers, who were making a run for it. They were apprehended and the RCMP took their vehicle apart piece by piece. They found a stash of cash from a drug sale. And the three men are now biding their time, not at the ferry crossing, but in the Ft. McPherson jail.
And how do we know all this? Well, that's the kind of day it's been. Try to follow me: Remember, now, Dan and Heather, the two teachers, are staying at the Hanthorns. After brunch, Dave and his wife, Michelle, stopped by, on their way to Whitehorse, so Kurt could give him back the $50 he borrowed. But since the ferry was closed, they hung around with us, waiting for the go-ahead. Then they decided to drive back to Inuvik, then changed their minds and decided to camp by the ferry. (They might have to cancel their flight if the ferry doesn't open.) Then Dan and Heather invited a couple, David and Charlotte, for dinner who were also stranded in McPhoo, who they had run into at least five times since Dawson. David was the one who told us about the drug bust, and now they are sleeping overnight at the Hanthorns, too. When we were doing all the introductions, they assumed Kurt and I were the residents of the house, because I was the one cooking supper for everyone. So there we were, Wayne, Kurt and I and the kids, Dan and Heather and their daughter, Ruth, and lastly David and Charlotte, sitting around the kitchen table, eating our meal, and none of us actually live there. The only ones who really belong there are the three dogs. To top it all off, the missionary team returning from Sachs Harbour came back, and have parked their RV next to ours. And if Paul and Lynn ask nicely, maybe, just maybe, we will let them have their house back when they return on Monday.
Just another run-of-the-mill day in Fort McPherson.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Sponge
August 26-28
It's a good thing Kurt packed a lunch for his job on the Horton River. He left for Inuvik without his credit cards! He stayed at the crewhouse for a night, so at least he had free accommodation. He did his job, and flew back into Inuvik. But he had no more food and no gas money to fuel up for the drive back to McPhoo. He had to sponge $50 dollars from Dave (the guy he did the job with) so he could buy diesel. Kurt also took our propane bottles with him to be filled but had to leave them behind. We're still working on getting them back here, so I've been cooking in the Hanthorn house and the trailer has been on the chilly side.
Before he could drive back from Inuvik, Kurt also had to find Rose, his return passenger. I only just 'happened' to be in the Hanthorn's house when Rose called me, because I only just happened to be in the house when Kurt called me a few minutes earlier to say he had to find Rose. Rose said,"Tell your husband I'm waiting at Northmart." So I did. What amazes me here is how people catch a ride here and there and are never concerned how it's all going to work out. They are not dependent on cell phones (there's no cell phone service here, not even in the hamlet), there are no rigid schedules to keep, and some are happy to catch a ride whenever, with whomever's available. And of course I see God's hand in it all. Kurt returned at 11 pm, and he was very hungry, so we filled him up with grilled cheese sandwiches and cookies.
Two new teachers arrived, Dan and Heather,old friends of Paul and Lynn's. School started here on Wednesday. Their housing is not ready so they are staying in the Hanthorn house and we watched their little girl, Ruth, after school. She fit right in; from a glance she could pass for Diana and Naomi's little sister, or should I say other little sister. I also heard that Dan has done some drywalling...and they might move into the church apartment when it's finished. Sounds like it could be a win-win situation. Oh, on that note,Kurt and Keegan did some more skirting on the church. The Aussie missioinary family is painting, and Wayne has started tiling.
Yesterday evening, I was putting Ezra and Evangeline to bed, and the older ones were bringing our supper dishes to the trailer. Seven neighbourhood children showed up and one pressed her face against our screen door to peer inside.
"Whatcha doing in there?"
"Cleaning up and putting kids to bed."
They all started asking questions. "Do you have any more chicken nuggets?"
My guys had already consumed the leftovers. "No, sorry."
"How about fries? You have any more fries?"
"Sorry, all gone."
A boy asked, "Do you have any juice to drink?"
"I can give you some water."
"Don't you drink anything besides water?"
"Not really. Water is the best thing for you." Bronwyn gave them all a glass of water.
"Do you have any more oranges?" We had given some of them oranges last time.
"No," Bronwyn replied, "But you can have an apple if you want one."
They all did, and followed her into our trailer. Now let me tell you, our trailer is pretty cramped with the 11 of us already, so 7 more added to the mix, sure made for a tight squeeze. I suggested moving the snack outside where they could all sit on our bench. They finished their apples and asked for more. Bronwyn gave them the rest of what we had. They wanted to come in to play but as it was bedtime, I recommended that it was a good time to go home. And I will have to buy some more fruit.
It's a good thing Kurt packed a lunch for his job on the Horton River. He left for Inuvik without his credit cards! He stayed at the crewhouse for a night, so at least he had free accommodation. He did his job, and flew back into Inuvik. But he had no more food and no gas money to fuel up for the drive back to McPhoo. He had to sponge $50 dollars from Dave (the guy he did the job with) so he could buy diesel. Kurt also took our propane bottles with him to be filled but had to leave them behind. We're still working on getting them back here, so I've been cooking in the Hanthorn house and the trailer has been on the chilly side.
Before he could drive back from Inuvik, Kurt also had to find Rose, his return passenger. I only just 'happened' to be in the Hanthorn's house when Rose called me, because I only just happened to be in the house when Kurt called me a few minutes earlier to say he had to find Rose. Rose said,"Tell your husband I'm waiting at Northmart." So I did. What amazes me here is how people catch a ride here and there and are never concerned how it's all going to work out. They are not dependent on cell phones (there's no cell phone service here, not even in the hamlet), there are no rigid schedules to keep, and some are happy to catch a ride whenever, with whomever's available. And of course I see God's hand in it all. Kurt returned at 11 pm, and he was very hungry, so we filled him up with grilled cheese sandwiches and cookies.
Two new teachers arrived, Dan and Heather,old friends of Paul and Lynn's. School started here on Wednesday. Their housing is not ready so they are staying in the Hanthorn house and we watched their little girl, Ruth, after school. She fit right in; from a glance she could pass for Diana and Naomi's little sister, or should I say other little sister. I also heard that Dan has done some drywalling...and they might move into the church apartment when it's finished. Sounds like it could be a win-win situation. Oh, on that note,Kurt and Keegan did some more skirting on the church. The Aussie missioinary family is painting, and Wayne has started tiling.
Yesterday evening, I was putting Ezra and Evangeline to bed, and the older ones were bringing our supper dishes to the trailer. Seven neighbourhood children showed up and one pressed her face against our screen door to peer inside.
"Whatcha doing in there?"
"Cleaning up and putting kids to bed."
They all started asking questions. "Do you have any more chicken nuggets?"
My guys had already consumed the leftovers. "No, sorry."
"How about fries? You have any more fries?"
"Sorry, all gone."
A boy asked, "Do you have any juice to drink?"
"I can give you some water."
"Don't you drink anything besides water?"
"Not really. Water is the best thing for you." Bronwyn gave them all a glass of water.
"Do you have any more oranges?" We had given some of them oranges last time.
"No," Bronwyn replied, "But you can have an apple if you want one."
They all did, and followed her into our trailer. Now let me tell you, our trailer is pretty cramped with the 11 of us already, so 7 more added to the mix, sure made for a tight squeeze. I suggested moving the snack outside where they could all sit on our bench. They finished their apples and asked for more. Bronwyn gave them the rest of what we had. They wanted to come in to play but as it was bedtime, I recommended that it was a good time to go home. And I will have to buy some more fruit.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuktoyaktuk and Tsiigehtchic
August 19-25
Wow, a week already. It could be difficult to give you the condensed version, but I’ll try. Kurt called on Thursday (19th) during Lynn’s yard sale for the church to say he was coming back early. After supper in the teepee and some food prep for Friday, EstelIe and I were off to Inuvik. We arrived at 1:30 am and slept at the crewhouse.
I left the kids alone overnight because Kurt had arranged for me to meet him in Tuktoyaktuk! Tuk is a small community situated on the coast of the Arctic Ocean, 180 km north of Inuvik. The baby and I took the DC-3 charter plane in the morning. It was a half hour flight and Estelle amused herself on her first plane ride by playing with one of the window screws. Kurt was waiting for us upon arrival. He finished up his sampling while I picked cloudberries. We ate lunch at the Gruben camp, toured the hamlet with Kurt’s coworkers, Ryan and Tina, and I dipped my hand in the Arctic Ocean for the first time. It gave me pause to think about where I was on the planet.
We drove out to look at the pingoes, unique landforms only found where there is permafrost. The one we saw, Ibyuk Pingo, is the tallest in Canada. Then, it was back to the airport for our flight back on a Twin Otter. However, it did not turn out to be a simple affair. The pilot loaded the quad trailer, before the quad, contrary to recommendations, and so there was only room for 4 passengers. There were 5 of us. He was in less than a conciliatory mood after loading the equipment, and said, “I’m leaving now. I’ll take four of you. Figure it out.” We had a moment of crisis. Kurt offered to stay behind, but our credit cards were packed in a bag already loaded so he couldn’t pay for another flight. That wasn’t going to work too well. Jeremy, from the work team, offered, but Tina said Franz Co. was responsible and couldn’t leave him. And the pilot said again. “Four people. Let’s go.” Just then, the logistics coordinator, Roger, in Tuk said, “Hey, there’s a charter plane going back empty. One of you can go on there.’ So Jeremy went, and Kurt came with me. And no one had to pay for another seat. Thank the Lord. In spite of the hair-raising experience, it was a glorious flight home. The skies were clear and the view of the Mackenzie Delta was awe-inspiring. I feel blessed to have seen it and even more blessed that I have a husband who made it possible for me.
While I was touring Tuk with Kurt on Friday, the Hanthorns left for a week-long camp in Whitehorse, and we are living pseudo-lives for the week. Mackenzie is taking care of Sarah and Annah’s dogs, Keegan has Joel’s dog under his charge, Bronwyn is filling in at the Tent and Canvas shop for Sarah, Josiah and Keegan are going to swim team while Annah and Ruth are gone, and Kurt led the music at church on Sunday.
I’m so glad Kurt was here to move the trailer and clean the daycare. It took us two days to do a thorough clean. Ten people can do a lot of damage after living in one place for a month. We moved our trailer into the Hanthorns yard. (We had to leave the daycare because school starts on the 26th). Since we moved, we gave some oranges to some girls who were hungry, a fellow came by for a drink of juice and a visit, and I gave a lovely lady, Rose, (whom I met at church) a ride to her cabin. We are happy to be the alternate stop in the Hanthorns' absence. I am sure I am only beginning to realize just how much they have given of themselves to their community.
On Sunday(23rd), we went to Tsiigehtchic (SIG-a-chic) to watch the Canoe Races. We caught the last one, the kids played in the sand and we had a picnic. There were also free caribou ribs, arctic whitefish, and potatoes roasted on an open fired for everyone. We walked to the point to look at the view. We saw the ferry coming over to our side and we hightailed it down and we caught it just in time to head back to McPhoo. It was a nice day.
For those of you interested in the church building project, a finishing carpenter, Kevin, was here for a few days, and installed the bathroom sinks and door frames. He was a really nice guy. Paul did some painting and Wayne (Lynn’s dad), who never stops working over there, is getting ready for the plumber to come this week. Kurt and Keegan helped Wayne and another teen, Brandon, with the skirting today. It’s slow going but progress is being made, step by step.
Kurt got a call for a one day job on the Horton River, so he headed back to Inuvik tonight, with Rose as his passenger, and he'll be back tomorrow night. It's good the kids got to see Kurt. Ezra was just saying before Kurt got back, "I miss my Daddy." And Evangeline chimed in, "Ya, I don't have a daddy no more." Heart-wrenching, isn't it?
O ya, Kurt got me wireless internet at the Hanthorns. There are about 40 new pictures in the album!
Wow, a week already. It could be difficult to give you the condensed version, but I’ll try. Kurt called on Thursday (19th) during Lynn’s yard sale for the church to say he was coming back early. After supper in the teepee and some food prep for Friday, EstelIe and I were off to Inuvik. We arrived at 1:30 am and slept at the crewhouse.
I left the kids alone overnight because Kurt had arranged for me to meet him in Tuktoyaktuk! Tuk is a small community situated on the coast of the Arctic Ocean, 180 km north of Inuvik. The baby and I took the DC-3 charter plane in the morning. It was a half hour flight and Estelle amused herself on her first plane ride by playing with one of the window screws. Kurt was waiting for us upon arrival. He finished up his sampling while I picked cloudberries. We ate lunch at the Gruben camp, toured the hamlet with Kurt’s coworkers, Ryan and Tina, and I dipped my hand in the Arctic Ocean for the first time. It gave me pause to think about where I was on the planet.
We drove out to look at the pingoes, unique landforms only found where there is permafrost. The one we saw, Ibyuk Pingo, is the tallest in Canada. Then, it was back to the airport for our flight back on a Twin Otter. However, it did not turn out to be a simple affair. The pilot loaded the quad trailer, before the quad, contrary to recommendations, and so there was only room for 4 passengers. There were 5 of us. He was in less than a conciliatory mood after loading the equipment, and said, “I’m leaving now. I’ll take four of you. Figure it out.” We had a moment of crisis. Kurt offered to stay behind, but our credit cards were packed in a bag already loaded so he couldn’t pay for another flight. That wasn’t going to work too well. Jeremy, from the work team, offered, but Tina said Franz Co. was responsible and couldn’t leave him. And the pilot said again. “Four people. Let’s go.” Just then, the logistics coordinator, Roger, in Tuk said, “Hey, there’s a charter plane going back empty. One of you can go on there.’ So Jeremy went, and Kurt came with me. And no one had to pay for another seat. Thank the Lord. In spite of the hair-raising experience, it was a glorious flight home. The skies were clear and the view of the Mackenzie Delta was awe-inspiring. I feel blessed to have seen it and even more blessed that I have a husband who made it possible for me.
While I was touring Tuk with Kurt on Friday, the Hanthorns left for a week-long camp in Whitehorse, and we are living pseudo-lives for the week. Mackenzie is taking care of Sarah and Annah’s dogs, Keegan has Joel’s dog under his charge, Bronwyn is filling in at the Tent and Canvas shop for Sarah, Josiah and Keegan are going to swim team while Annah and Ruth are gone, and Kurt led the music at church on Sunday.
I’m so glad Kurt was here to move the trailer and clean the daycare. It took us two days to do a thorough clean. Ten people can do a lot of damage after living in one place for a month. We moved our trailer into the Hanthorns yard. (We had to leave the daycare because school starts on the 26th). Since we moved, we gave some oranges to some girls who were hungry, a fellow came by for a drink of juice and a visit, and I gave a lovely lady, Rose, (whom I met at church) a ride to her cabin. We are happy to be the alternate stop in the Hanthorns' absence. I am sure I am only beginning to realize just how much they have given of themselves to their community.
On Sunday(23rd), we went to Tsiigehtchic (SIG-a-chic) to watch the Canoe Races. We caught the last one, the kids played in the sand and we had a picnic. There were also free caribou ribs, arctic whitefish, and potatoes roasted on an open fired for everyone. We walked to the point to look at the view. We saw the ferry coming over to our side and we hightailed it down and we caught it just in time to head back to McPhoo. It was a nice day.
For those of you interested in the church building project, a finishing carpenter, Kevin, was here for a few days, and installed the bathroom sinks and door frames. He was a really nice guy. Paul did some painting and Wayne (Lynn’s dad), who never stops working over there, is getting ready for the plumber to come this week. Kurt and Keegan helped Wayne and another teen, Brandon, with the skirting today. It’s slow going but progress is being made, step by step.
Kurt got a call for a one day job on the Horton River, so he headed back to Inuvik tonight, with Rose as his passenger, and he'll be back tomorrow night. It's good the kids got to see Kurt. Ezra was just saying before Kurt got back, "I miss my Daddy." And Evangeline chimed in, "Ya, I don't have a daddy no more." Heart-wrenching, isn't it?
O ya, Kurt got me wireless internet at the Hanthorns. There are about 40 new pictures in the album!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Comedy of Errors
August 13-18
Bronwyn filled in as associate lifeguard at the pool on Saturday. She wasn’t there long. The support beam for the pool lining was weakening, and the lifeguard was concerned that if it 'went', 90,000 gallons of water would get sucked into the hole and take any swimmers with it. Needless to say, he closed the pool for safety reasons. It worked out well, because we went hiking an hour south of McPhoo in the mountains with Lynn and her kids, her dad, and her brother. It was too steep for Evangeline’s legs or liking, and Sarah carted her most of the way up. God Bless her! Ezra was reluctant, but once he put his mind to it, he kept up with Jo, who was leading the pack of young ones. Lynn used gummies as incentive for any cheerful hikers.
We were just about to the top when a storm rolled in. Diana told me later when the rain hit her face ‘it felt like bullets.’ The morale of the younger hikers (mostly mine) started to falter. Estelle was in the front pack under a blanket and slept through the whole thing. We decided to head down as the water made the rocks slippery. I used Keegan as a support. I fell three times, and Estelle STILL didn’t wake up. A little rain always makes a hike more memorable and I had a good time. Lynn and I took the wet little ones home in our van. Bronwyn and Keegan stayed with the others and they went for another hike on the other side of the highway because the sky cleared as we neared the bottom. They saw about 80 caribou, some at close range. Bronwyn said it was the most beautiful area she had ever seen, with room to run for ‘miles’. So they did.
On the drive home, I passed someone who had pulled to the side to let me by. Or so I thought...they were just pulling over at the ferry, so it looked like I was just passing them to be first on the ferry. Lynn joked, “I should’ve sunk into my seat, so no one could see me riding with an impatient Southerner.” In the evening, a neighbor brought the Hanthorns some fresh caribou meat, and Josiah, Mackenzie, and Keegan stayed to watch the carving.
On Sunday, Lynn had a group of ladies over at 8 pm. Only I got the time wrong and showed up at the Hanthorns’ at six. They were still clearing supper dishes, so I thought I’d better help. I started washing the floors, but they couldn’t figure out why I was so intent on the job. When we realized the miscommunication, we all had a good laugh.
I’ve talked to Kurt a few times by SAT phone. He was at Clinton Point for a few days, and is now at Nicholson point. (If you want to look on google earth) Our phone calls are brief but his work seems to be going fine. A new company got the contract for the DEW line monitoring. Since Kurt has done this many times before, he warned the new site leader that some of the items they wanted to bring (one being a quad) wouldn’t fit on the plane. They said they were going to try anyway. Sure enough, the quad wouldn’t fit, and they almost left without a cook tent, until they found a smaller one. Kurt also said this is his first job with no cook on site and the crew will be responsible for making their own meals. Hopefully, they will find time to work apart from their food preparation.
We did math with the Hanthorns again this morning, followed by biking and then supper together in their teepee. We sang some worship songs until the winds came up, threatening to take the teepee tarp with it. That put an end to our fun and games. We made a quick retreat inside. Apparently, the winds were so strong they closed the ferry. It got up to 20 degrees this afternoon, and now it's back to 7 degrees. It almost reminds me of living in Alberta.
Bronwyn filled in as associate lifeguard at the pool on Saturday. She wasn’t there long. The support beam for the pool lining was weakening, and the lifeguard was concerned that if it 'went', 90,000 gallons of water would get sucked into the hole and take any swimmers with it. Needless to say, he closed the pool for safety reasons. It worked out well, because we went hiking an hour south of McPhoo in the mountains with Lynn and her kids, her dad, and her brother. It was too steep for Evangeline’s legs or liking, and Sarah carted her most of the way up. God Bless her! Ezra was reluctant, but once he put his mind to it, he kept up with Jo, who was leading the pack of young ones. Lynn used gummies as incentive for any cheerful hikers.
We were just about to the top when a storm rolled in. Diana told me later when the rain hit her face ‘it felt like bullets.’ The morale of the younger hikers (mostly mine) started to falter. Estelle was in the front pack under a blanket and slept through the whole thing. We decided to head down as the water made the rocks slippery. I used Keegan as a support. I fell three times, and Estelle STILL didn’t wake up. A little rain always makes a hike more memorable and I had a good time. Lynn and I took the wet little ones home in our van. Bronwyn and Keegan stayed with the others and they went for another hike on the other side of the highway because the sky cleared as we neared the bottom. They saw about 80 caribou, some at close range. Bronwyn said it was the most beautiful area she had ever seen, with room to run for ‘miles’. So they did.
On the drive home, I passed someone who had pulled to the side to let me by. Or so I thought...they were just pulling over at the ferry, so it looked like I was just passing them to be first on the ferry. Lynn joked, “I should’ve sunk into my seat, so no one could see me riding with an impatient Southerner.” In the evening, a neighbor brought the Hanthorns some fresh caribou meat, and Josiah, Mackenzie, and Keegan stayed to watch the carving.
On Sunday, Lynn had a group of ladies over at 8 pm. Only I got the time wrong and showed up at the Hanthorns’ at six. They were still clearing supper dishes, so I thought I’d better help. I started washing the floors, but they couldn’t figure out why I was so intent on the job. When we realized the miscommunication, we all had a good laugh.
I’ve talked to Kurt a few times by SAT phone. He was at Clinton Point for a few days, and is now at Nicholson point. (If you want to look on google earth) Our phone calls are brief but his work seems to be going fine. A new company got the contract for the DEW line monitoring. Since Kurt has done this many times before, he warned the new site leader that some of the items they wanted to bring (one being a quad) wouldn’t fit on the plane. They said they were going to try anyway. Sure enough, the quad wouldn’t fit, and they almost left without a cook tent, until they found a smaller one. Kurt also said this is his first job with no cook on site and the crew will be responsible for making their own meals. Hopefully, they will find time to work apart from their food preparation.
We did math with the Hanthorns again this morning, followed by biking and then supper together in their teepee. We sang some worship songs until the winds came up, threatening to take the teepee tarp with it. That put an end to our fun and games. We made a quick retreat inside. Apparently, the winds were so strong they closed the ferry. It got up to 20 degrees this afternoon, and now it's back to 7 degrees. It almost reminds me of living in Alberta.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Family Reunion
Since it's been chilly, we've all been sleeping on mattresses in the daycare. All of us, except Keegan, that is. He is in his glory, sleeping in the cold, AND in my comfy feather bed. He's been too hot at night ever since we got here. And he's got no ventilation through his window because he covered it up with cardboard to block out the sun.
I should tell you how Ezra has been amusing us. Lynn wants the kids to call her by her first name. However, I have so ingrained in my children's brains that they should address their elders as 'Mr. of Mrs.', they find it difficult to do otherwise. Ezra, being his usual precocious self, has had no qualms making toy and food requests, but he calls her with, "MR. Hanthorn. MR. Hanthoooooooorn!" Naturally, I don't think Lynn always realizes Ezra's talking to her, which just makes him say it louder and more insistently. I've given up trying to correct him.
We had another Math morning on Tuesday. I made viking cereal so the Hanthorns could try our daily breakfast. Then Annah and Ruth taught guitar chords, and Bronwyn showed everyone the ropes- or should I say STRINGS-on the violin. Would you believe, after our 'lessons', Lynn informed us that someone gave their family a violin that very day. Now they have one of their own. God works in mysterious and wonderful ways.
In the afternoon, we cleaned and packed so we could pick Kurt up at the airport. We waited for Kurt's call, and it finally came, but Kurt said his plane was delayed until 2 am. We decided to wait until the morning to make the drive.
Scott, one of the biologists, had a meeting in Inuvik and thought it would be a good idea to drive our vehicles to Inuvik together as a safety measure. It's kind of nice that up here people traveling still have to depend on God and the good will of their fellow man instead of their cellphones. We got off to a good start, but Scott forgot his wallet and had to turn back.. We continued on alone and made the first ferry. It was late coming over so Scott managed to catch up with us on the ferry. He asked me if I had asked the deckhand to hold the ferry for him. "No", I said sheepishly but I sure wish I had thought of that. I'm glad he didn't miss it on my account. So much for looking out for MY fellow man. The roads were the worst I've driven on here. They were wet, slick, with potholes you could get lost in, by Scott's description. We had to dodge them the whole way. It was a long 3 hours, but the conditions sure kept me alert. It was not like a head-nodding drive to Edson.
We picked up Kurt and it was so good to be together as a family again. We immediately drove back to the fruit truck we passed on the way in. I've had to buy some produce in McPhoo, and not only is it even more expensive than in Inuvik, but often of poor quality. so we leaped at the chance for some fresh food and other staples. I was elated and told Bill, the fruit man, he made my day. Kurt joked, "She didn't even say that when she saw me." Bill retorted, "Well, you better trade her in then!" OK, maybe I should have rephrased that. Bill made my day great day of being reunited with my husband EVEN BETTER.
We went to the crew house and gorged ourselves on fruit. It was wonderful. We picked up some Northern souvenirs, played some fun games we learned from the Hanthorns, and went swimming.
We stayed overnight at the crewhouse and went swimming again on Thursday. It was gratifying to see how the kids' swimming skills have improved with some skilled instruction. Bronwyn did her 40 lengths in half the time it took her before. Keegan's front crawl is looking great, and even Josiah and Mackenzie did 40 lengths each. Diana and Naomi were like fish, with their flippers on. Naomi looked so funny swimming underwater with her eyes wide-open. They bugged out like she was in a perpetual state of surprise. Estelle and Evangeline floated on their backs in the hot tub. Ezra floated calmly on his back or crunched up like a ball, like he was born in the water. Come to think of it, he WAS born in the water!
We ran into Paul again at the pool. (He was the one who recommended us as tourists of the week.) We rendezvoused with his later at the Inuvik Community Greenhouse. It is the most northern greenhouse in North America and the only community greenhouse of its kind in the world. Its purpose is to ensure a more successful harvest and allow production of a greater variety of crops in an area where fresh economical produce is often unavailable. Paul gave us beet greens, bok choy, lettuce, and a bunch of herbs from his plot. You can't get fresher than that.
Kurt had a good stint at Johnson's Point. He saw two polar bears and some seals floating by on some ice in the distance. I hope he adds to my blog and fills you in on all the details. (Hint, hint, Kurt) I drove Kurt to the airport this morning, and maybe just maybe, we'll get to see him in 10 days or so.
I should tell you how Ezra has been amusing us. Lynn wants the kids to call her by her first name. However, I have so ingrained in my children's brains that they should address their elders as 'Mr. of Mrs.', they find it difficult to do otherwise. Ezra, being his usual precocious self, has had no qualms making toy and food requests, but he calls her with, "MR. Hanthorn. MR. Hanthoooooooorn!" Naturally, I don't think Lynn always realizes Ezra's talking to her, which just makes him say it louder and more insistently. I've given up trying to correct him.
We had another Math morning on Tuesday. I made viking cereal so the Hanthorns could try our daily breakfast. Then Annah and Ruth taught guitar chords, and Bronwyn showed everyone the ropes- or should I say STRINGS-on the violin. Would you believe, after our 'lessons', Lynn informed us that someone gave their family a violin that very day. Now they have one of their own. God works in mysterious and wonderful ways.
In the afternoon, we cleaned and packed so we could pick Kurt up at the airport. We waited for Kurt's call, and it finally came, but Kurt said his plane was delayed until 2 am. We decided to wait until the morning to make the drive.
Scott, one of the biologists, had a meeting in Inuvik and thought it would be a good idea to drive our vehicles to Inuvik together as a safety measure. It's kind of nice that up here people traveling still have to depend on God and the good will of their fellow man instead of their cellphones. We got off to a good start, but Scott forgot his wallet and had to turn back.. We continued on alone and made the first ferry. It was late coming over so Scott managed to catch up with us on the ferry. He asked me if I had asked the deckhand to hold the ferry for him. "No", I said sheepishly but I sure wish I had thought of that. I'm glad he didn't miss it on my account. So much for looking out for MY fellow man. The roads were the worst I've driven on here. They were wet, slick, with potholes you could get lost in, by Scott's description. We had to dodge them the whole way. It was a long 3 hours, but the conditions sure kept me alert. It was not like a head-nodding drive to Edson.
We picked up Kurt and it was so good to be together as a family again. We immediately drove back to the fruit truck we passed on the way in. I've had to buy some produce in McPhoo, and not only is it even more expensive than in Inuvik, but often of poor quality. so we leaped at the chance for some fresh food and other staples. I was elated and told Bill, the fruit man, he made my day. Kurt joked, "She didn't even say that when she saw me." Bill retorted, "Well, you better trade her in then!" OK, maybe I should have rephrased that. Bill made my day great day of being reunited with my husband EVEN BETTER.
We went to the crew house and gorged ourselves on fruit. It was wonderful. We picked up some Northern souvenirs, played some fun games we learned from the Hanthorns, and went swimming.
We stayed overnight at the crewhouse and went swimming again on Thursday. It was gratifying to see how the kids' swimming skills have improved with some skilled instruction. Bronwyn did her 40 lengths in half the time it took her before. Keegan's front crawl is looking great, and even Josiah and Mackenzie did 40 lengths each. Diana and Naomi were like fish, with their flippers on. Naomi looked so funny swimming underwater with her eyes wide-open. They bugged out like she was in a perpetual state of surprise. Estelle and Evangeline floated on their backs in the hot tub. Ezra floated calmly on his back or crunched up like a ball, like he was born in the water. Come to think of it, he WAS born in the water!
We ran into Paul again at the pool. (He was the one who recommended us as tourists of the week.) We rendezvoused with his later at the Inuvik Community Greenhouse. It is the most northern greenhouse in North America and the only community greenhouse of its kind in the world. Its purpose is to ensure a more successful harvest and allow production of a greater variety of crops in an area where fresh economical produce is often unavailable. Paul gave us beet greens, bok choy, lettuce, and a bunch of herbs from his plot. You can't get fresher than that.
Kurt had a good stint at Johnson's Point. He saw two polar bears and some seals floating by on some ice in the distance. I hope he adds to my blog and fills you in on all the details. (Hint, hint, Kurt) I drove Kurt to the airport this morning, and maybe just maybe, we'll get to see him in 10 days or so.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Mud and Math Mania
August 8-10
On Saturday afternoon, Josiah and Mackenzie biked to ‘8 Mile’ with Jesse and Judah. It is 8 miles to the Peel River ferry, and while they rode their bikes, Sarah, Annah, Joel, and Ruthie, and Keegan jogged. Lynn was impressed with Keegan’s willingness to join in. Lynn and I went for our walk around town with the little gaffers, and tried to avoid some of the dogs-and the playground. As soon as Naomi and Ezra see monkey bars and the like, it’s hard to keep them contained in a buggy. We did stop at some raspberry bushes to sample the berries, though. I think Estelle has the most fun on our walks. I carry her in the front pack and she wildly flails her arms and legs. When we go up and down hills, the motion sways her vigorously from side to side and she is downright gleeful.
After our walk, we met the cyclists and joggers down by the ferry. Lynn and Paul have a simple cabin and it was a nice spot for a picnic. When we got there, both Keegan and Joel were fast asleep inside. After everyone was refreshed with some food and drink, we went down to the riverbank and the kids had a blast sliding down a muddy bank into a water hole. Even Diana and Naomi joined in. But, boy, were they ever dirty, covered in mud from head to toe! They had to dip into the very cold Peel River to wash the mud off before we could take them home. Keegan, Ruthie, and Annah rode the bikes home. In the evening, Lynn invited Bronwyn, Keegan, and I over to try some caribou their neighbours brought over. It was good. Keegan and Bronwyn stayed until 1 am, playing ‘Cops and Robbers’ outside.
BRRRR! It rained all through the night and it was chilly when we woke on Sunday morning. Seven degrees. It’s a good thing Lynn told us to bring rubber boots with us. We tramped through the mud and muck to go to church. Because of the cold, we spent the afternoon in the daycare. After supper we went to sing with the Hanthorns, but we barely arrived when two of the biologists staying with them for the week came in the door. Their truck got stuck in the mud along the Dempster. Needing all the able bodies they could muster, Bronwyn and Keegan piled in the van with all the others to help pull them out. It took three hours before they returned. Paul said it was a very slow, inch-by-inch process, but they were successful.
Monday morning, Annah, ,Ruth, and Judah, came to the daycare just after 9 am to do math with our kids. They got lots done and we ate pancakes afterwards. Jesse came over too. Jesse and Judah played with Josiah and company, Ruth helped Keegan with his guitar chords, and Bronwyn taught Annah and Ruth some tunes on the violin. They have amazing concentration and practiced for at least 2 hours.
We were interrupted by a knock on the door and when I answered it, there were three cyclists standing there. They were Jan, Teresa, and Paul (he said to call him Paul, because I couldn’t say his real name) from the Czech Republic. They had flown into Inuvik to begin a bike journey down the Dempster Highway into Alaska. In Inuvik, one of their bikes was stolen from the same campground where we had stayed. They found it discarded in the bushes and made it to McPhoo last night. But alas, in the morning, they discovered someone had taken one of their bicycle seats. JUST the bicycle seat. They saw our bikes locked up outside our trailer and asked if they could buy a seat from us. Annah thought they had some extras at home, but they didn’t, so I gave them the seat from Kurt’s bike. I told them to consider it a Canadian souvenir. I assured them that their experience was not the norm for travelers in Canada and we wished them well. They took our address and hopefully they will contact us along their journey, or let us know when they reach Anchorage.
The kids went swimming, cold as it was, but most of them didn't last long. Keegan, Bronwyn, and Annah basically got a private swim lesson during the teen swim because they were the only ones there. Bronwyn, Mackenzie, and Annah went to swim team and FROZE! We hung out at the Hanthorns for a while, then back at the daycare, Kenzie, Keegan, and Josiah were so spurred on by the morning math lesson, they all did more. I think Mackenzie did about 5 lessons today, and Keegan has done 6 lessons in the past two days. Wowsers! Who knew the North was good for the brain too.
On Saturday afternoon, Josiah and Mackenzie biked to ‘8 Mile’ with Jesse and Judah. It is 8 miles to the Peel River ferry, and while they rode their bikes, Sarah, Annah, Joel, and Ruthie, and Keegan jogged. Lynn was impressed with Keegan’s willingness to join in. Lynn and I went for our walk around town with the little gaffers, and tried to avoid some of the dogs-and the playground. As soon as Naomi and Ezra see monkey bars and the like, it’s hard to keep them contained in a buggy. We did stop at some raspberry bushes to sample the berries, though. I think Estelle has the most fun on our walks. I carry her in the front pack and she wildly flails her arms and legs. When we go up and down hills, the motion sways her vigorously from side to side and she is downright gleeful.
After our walk, we met the cyclists and joggers down by the ferry. Lynn and Paul have a simple cabin and it was a nice spot for a picnic. When we got there, both Keegan and Joel were fast asleep inside. After everyone was refreshed with some food and drink, we went down to the riverbank and the kids had a blast sliding down a muddy bank into a water hole. Even Diana and Naomi joined in. But, boy, were they ever dirty, covered in mud from head to toe! They had to dip into the very cold Peel River to wash the mud off before we could take them home. Keegan, Ruthie, and Annah rode the bikes home. In the evening, Lynn invited Bronwyn, Keegan, and I over to try some caribou their neighbours brought over. It was good. Keegan and Bronwyn stayed until 1 am, playing ‘Cops and Robbers’ outside.
BRRRR! It rained all through the night and it was chilly when we woke on Sunday morning. Seven degrees. It’s a good thing Lynn told us to bring rubber boots with us. We tramped through the mud and muck to go to church. Because of the cold, we spent the afternoon in the daycare. After supper we went to sing with the Hanthorns, but we barely arrived when two of the biologists staying with them for the week came in the door. Their truck got stuck in the mud along the Dempster. Needing all the able bodies they could muster, Bronwyn and Keegan piled in the van with all the others to help pull them out. It took three hours before they returned. Paul said it was a very slow, inch-by-inch process, but they were successful.
Monday morning, Annah, ,Ruth, and Judah, came to the daycare just after 9 am to do math with our kids. They got lots done and we ate pancakes afterwards. Jesse came over too. Jesse and Judah played with Josiah and company, Ruth helped Keegan with his guitar chords, and Bronwyn taught Annah and Ruth some tunes on the violin. They have amazing concentration and practiced for at least 2 hours.
We were interrupted by a knock on the door and when I answered it, there were three cyclists standing there. They were Jan, Teresa, and Paul (he said to call him Paul, because I couldn’t say his real name) from the Czech Republic. They had flown into Inuvik to begin a bike journey down the Dempster Highway into Alaska. In Inuvik, one of their bikes was stolen from the same campground where we had stayed. They found it discarded in the bushes and made it to McPhoo last night. But alas, in the morning, they discovered someone had taken one of their bicycle seats. JUST the bicycle seat. They saw our bikes locked up outside our trailer and asked if they could buy a seat from us. Annah thought they had some extras at home, but they didn’t, so I gave them the seat from Kurt’s bike. I told them to consider it a Canadian souvenir. I assured them that their experience was not the norm for travelers in Canada and we wished them well. They took our address and hopefully they will contact us along their journey, or let us know when they reach Anchorage.
The kids went swimming, cold as it was, but most of them didn't last long. Keegan, Bronwyn, and Annah basically got a private swim lesson during the teen swim because they were the only ones there. Bronwyn, Mackenzie, and Annah went to swim team and FROZE! We hung out at the Hanthorns for a while, then back at the daycare, Kenzie, Keegan, and Josiah were so spurred on by the morning math lesson, they all did more. I think Mackenzie did about 5 lessons today, and Keegan has done 6 lessons in the past two days. Wowsers! Who knew the North was good for the brain too.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Participaction
August 4-8
The weather has been beautiful-sunny and warm, though a little muggy. It is starting to cool down at night and it actually gets a little dark between 2 and 3 AM now. Not that I should know!!! Keegan still sleeps with his blanket over his head at night to block out the sun. He does insist that he needs the fan blowing every night because he gets too hot. The bugs have definitely subsided and by next week, they should be gone, I am told. I talked to Kurt and he said it is snowing on Banks Island.
Lynn and I have been walking daily together, pushing little guys in our buggies. We actually get some exercise, pushing the kids up and down the hills. The hamlet doesn’t look like much but when I walked around the outskirts, the view was beautiful. Ft. McPhoo is surrounded by lakes, and in the distance beyond the hills and valleys, I could see the Richardson Mountains. I spotted one particularly beautiful large lake beyond the fireweed, and I asked Lynn if it had a name. “Oh, that’s Sewage Lake, where the town waste gets dumped.” Well, I guess that explains why it’s so green and lush around there. There are a couple of roads on our route with a dog on every doorstep. Fortunately most of them are tied up but they sure make a ruckus, tugging at their chains, when we walk by, especially when we bring the Hanthorns’ dogs along. I guess we can consider it good dog aversion therapy. Naomi, Diana, and Mackenzie had fun walking the Hanthorns’ three dogs on their leashes.
The kids are feeling comfortable and familiar with their surroundings now. Naomi and Diana walk the two blocks to and from the pool by themselves. I send them all, but Bronwyn and Keegan, together for the public swim. However, the lifeguard spoke with me one day because he was concerned that Ezra swam unsupervised all by his lonesome. I was as surprised as he was- so much for my buddy system. Mackenzie and Josiah both assured me that the other was on the job. With swimming lessons, a youth swim, a teen swim, a Bronze Medallion class, and swim team, the oldest are sometimes at the pool for 5-6 hours a day. Mackenzie even decided to join the swim team with Bronwyn. Robert, at the pool, asked them if they had too many chores at home they were trying to avoid. “You practically live here!” But he’s been good to us and gave us a special “Cheaper by the Dozen’ rate since we’re there so often. Lynn gave him freshly baked cinnamon bread and cookies and Kenzie’s working on some gingersnaps right now. Robert is extremely appreciative for the baked goodies.
The kids go biking and jogging with the Hanthorns, too. Every time they do, they come back wet. They can’t resist jumping into the nearest lake or mudpit on their outings, and there’s no shortage of water and mud around. Bronwyn told me last night they had been up to their waists in mud. They must have cleaned up pretty well because I hadn’t even noticed. Mackenzie and Josiah biked around town with Jesse and Judah, but got side-tracked by the wild raspberries on the side of the road. We caught up with them when we were walking. Keegan went jogging today and surprised himself that he was more than capable of holding his own. If I’m not mistaken, he’s a little taller and leaner now, but I see him every day. You will have to be the judge when you see him again.
Jesse turned 7 on Thursday, and we went to his birthday party. The Hanthorns set up a teepee in their backyard with a firepit. We roasted marshmallows, ate cake, and a group of boys ended up wrestling on the trampoline. Ezra was eating his cake and ice cream by the fire, when he exclaimed, “Ow, my forehead is cold!” That seemed odd. I thought he meant he was too hot by the fire, until I realized he must have ate his ice cream too fast. He was having a ‘brain freeze.’ Lynn put Esther’s frilly baby Gwich’in hat on Estelle. If I can get some pictures loaded, I’ll show you, but the internet is so slow here.
Keegan and Bronwyn went to a youth night at the Hanthorns. They had pizza and had some good clean fun playing games the other teens. They got back to the trailer at 3 AM! Kenzie had locked the daycare door so Bronwyn was locked out and had to sleep in the trailer on the 'table bed.' It made a for a short night for Bronwyn, because she filled in for a girl, working at the swimming pool. Lynn showed up at our door at 1 pm so we could all go swimming together. A good thing she brought Joel with her, because that's probably the only reason Keegan got out of bed without a fuss. He was still in a dead sleep.
Lynn made me a very generous offer. She said she would take all the kids if I wanted to fly with Estelle to see Kurt where he’s working. It was a nice idea but when I checked with Kurt, he said they would never allow a baby on site. A nice idea, all the same. But God willing, and if it stops snowing, Kurt will be back the beginning of next week.
The weather has been beautiful-sunny and warm, though a little muggy. It is starting to cool down at night and it actually gets a little dark between 2 and 3 AM now. Not that I should know!!! Keegan still sleeps with his blanket over his head at night to block out the sun. He does insist that he needs the fan blowing every night because he gets too hot. The bugs have definitely subsided and by next week, they should be gone, I am told. I talked to Kurt and he said it is snowing on Banks Island.
Lynn and I have been walking daily together, pushing little guys in our buggies. We actually get some exercise, pushing the kids up and down the hills. The hamlet doesn’t look like much but when I walked around the outskirts, the view was beautiful. Ft. McPhoo is surrounded by lakes, and in the distance beyond the hills and valleys, I could see the Richardson Mountains. I spotted one particularly beautiful large lake beyond the fireweed, and I asked Lynn if it had a name. “Oh, that’s Sewage Lake, where the town waste gets dumped.” Well, I guess that explains why it’s so green and lush around there. There are a couple of roads on our route with a dog on every doorstep. Fortunately most of them are tied up but they sure make a ruckus, tugging at their chains, when we walk by, especially when we bring the Hanthorns’ dogs along. I guess we can consider it good dog aversion therapy. Naomi, Diana, and Mackenzie had fun walking the Hanthorns’ three dogs on their leashes.
The kids are feeling comfortable and familiar with their surroundings now. Naomi and Diana walk the two blocks to and from the pool by themselves. I send them all, but Bronwyn and Keegan, together for the public swim. However, the lifeguard spoke with me one day because he was concerned that Ezra swam unsupervised all by his lonesome. I was as surprised as he was- so much for my buddy system. Mackenzie and Josiah both assured me that the other was on the job. With swimming lessons, a youth swim, a teen swim, a Bronze Medallion class, and swim team, the oldest are sometimes at the pool for 5-6 hours a day. Mackenzie even decided to join the swim team with Bronwyn. Robert, at the pool, asked them if they had too many chores at home they were trying to avoid. “You practically live here!” But he’s been good to us and gave us a special “Cheaper by the Dozen’ rate since we’re there so often. Lynn gave him freshly baked cinnamon bread and cookies and Kenzie’s working on some gingersnaps right now. Robert is extremely appreciative for the baked goodies.
The kids go biking and jogging with the Hanthorns, too. Every time they do, they come back wet. They can’t resist jumping into the nearest lake or mudpit on their outings, and there’s no shortage of water and mud around. Bronwyn told me last night they had been up to their waists in mud. They must have cleaned up pretty well because I hadn’t even noticed. Mackenzie and Josiah biked around town with Jesse and Judah, but got side-tracked by the wild raspberries on the side of the road. We caught up with them when we were walking. Keegan went jogging today and surprised himself that he was more than capable of holding his own. If I’m not mistaken, he’s a little taller and leaner now, but I see him every day. You will have to be the judge when you see him again.
Jesse turned 7 on Thursday, and we went to his birthday party. The Hanthorns set up a teepee in their backyard with a firepit. We roasted marshmallows, ate cake, and a group of boys ended up wrestling on the trampoline. Ezra was eating his cake and ice cream by the fire, when he exclaimed, “Ow, my forehead is cold!” That seemed odd. I thought he meant he was too hot by the fire, until I realized he must have ate his ice cream too fast. He was having a ‘brain freeze.’ Lynn put Esther’s frilly baby Gwich’in hat on Estelle. If I can get some pictures loaded, I’ll show you, but the internet is so slow here.
Keegan and Bronwyn went to a youth night at the Hanthorns. They had pizza and had some good clean fun playing games the other teens. They got back to the trailer at 3 AM! Kenzie had locked the daycare door so Bronwyn was locked out and had to sleep in the trailer on the 'table bed.' It made a for a short night for Bronwyn, because she filled in for a girl, working at the swimming pool. Lynn showed up at our door at 1 pm so we could all go swimming together. A good thing she brought Joel with her, because that's probably the only reason Keegan got out of bed without a fuss. He was still in a dead sleep.
Lynn made me a very generous offer. She said she would take all the kids if I wanted to fly with Estelle to see Kurt where he’s working. It was a nice idea but when I checked with Kurt, he said they would never allow a baby on site. A nice idea, all the same. But God willing, and if it stops snowing, Kurt will be back the beginning of next week.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Music at Muddy Midway
JULY 28-AUGUST 3
Wow. We’ve found some time to breathe and I’ve found a place to blog. Sarah works at a canvas tent shop and said I could use the internet. The kids are still swimming. Bronwyn went to public swim time so Evangeline and Ezra could have a go. I think there were more kids than water, and Evangeline could not cope with the chaos. She cried the whole time. Ezra handled his fears more admirably. He asked, “Bronwyn, could you please take me to a part of the pool where I won’t get kicked in the face?”
Annah invited Bronwyn to join the swim team, and she jumped at the chance. It’s four nights a week! At least, it’s only a block away. She might even get to compete in Inuvik, and they going to be outfitted with matching swim caps and suits- at no extra cost! The team is called the Bumblebees.
Ike and Michele left on the 29th. In the afternoon, Bronwyn painted a Northern landscape with Michele in her trailer, while Keegan helped in the church. Bronwyn, Keegan, and Boo were an hour late returning from their Bronze Medallion class. Their instructor, wants to do a three hour class instead of two. We ate supper with Ike and Michele and then we said our goodbyes. As soon as they drove away, Josiah said, “Now, I want to go home.” Naomi chimed in, “Ya, me too. I miss Pumpkin.” Leave it to Naomi, to think of the cat first!
It was very hot for about 3 days, between 24-30 degrees. We were uncomfortable, but the bugs must have been, too, because they became sparse. The kids were glad to be able to swim. Keegan and Joel were fortunate to have an individual swim lesson. Their instructor, Robert, is so passionate and serious about not just learning the skills, but mastering them, so he’s been pretty tough on the boys. I think it’s good for them, but I saw how Robert could be intimidating. I went to pay for the lesson, and he said to me, “Lesson? What lesson? When did we have that conversation? Last week?”
I replied, “No, you told us yesterday to come.”
“Oh,” he said, “I got about 2 hours of sleep last night, I can’t remember anything I said yesterday.”
“Do you want us to come back another day?”
“No, no, I’m here all day anyway so let’s do it now.”
All-righty then. After all was said and done, Keegan said it was a very good lesson.
I finished cleaning the school after the last of the workers left, and Lynn and I both got a laundry basket of books from the library for the kids. Hopefully, Diana and Josiah will have lots of opportunity to practice their reading.
The weekend of July 31-Aug 2 was the Midway Music Festival, 40 km south of Fort McPhoo. On Friday, Bronwyn, Keegan, Mackenzie, and Josiah went biking in the morning with the Hanthorns and their cousin, Abby. Josiah kept up with the bigger Hanthorns. Having bigger wheels with Kelsey’s old bike really helped! In the evening, I drove three people from town to Midway, because just over the ferry, Lynn realized she did not have enough fuel, and had to turn around, so I took her passengers. Sarah, Annah, and Joel started walking down the Dempster until they caught a ride from someone. Helen, a lady from church, invited us to her tent and I tried her duck soup. The whole duck gets thrown in the pot. We watched some square dancing and jigging and we got home at 2:30 am.
On Saturday, Joel, Annah, Ruth, Judah-Ben, Jesse, Bronwyn, and Keegan all headed down the Dempster on their bikes towards Midway. Lynn followed after them an hour and a half later to check on them. It was a good thing too, because although the morning was beautiful, it started to rain. No-it was a downpour. Jesse, 6, went 11 km to the ferry, before Lynn picked him up. Joel and Annah made it the entire 40 km without incident, but the rest were caught in the rain. Keegan and Ruth got drenched just before the last downhill to Midway. Judah and Bronwyn got the worst of it. She had missed the ferry with everyone else on it, because she had stopped twice, trying to refasten her makeshift snack bag. But it was just as well, because Judah was thankful he didn’t get left behind. The road is extremely hilly, and she kept thinking Midway would just be over the next hill. She thought that about 11 times. Lynn finally caught up with them along the emergency airstrip. Judah could go no further. His wheels were caked with an inch of mud. Mackenzie and Abby were in the van with Lynn and they cheered the cyclists on. They encouraged Bronwyn and she made it the rest of the way. What a trooper. By the time I arrived with my little ones, Lynn’s mom, Muriel, Esther and Jadynn, everyone was wet and cold. I dragged out the extra coats and blankets and soon everyone felt a whole lot better.
The Gwich’in set up their canvas tents, teepees, and cabins and Lynn’s friends, Connie and Susan, let us warm up in theirs. There was a woodstove in the middle and it wasn’t long before we were too hot. We moved to a nearby teepee with a barrel stove and roasted burgers and smokies. When, Susan, saw me with Estelle, she put Estelle on my back, covered her with a shawl, and fastened a leather baby belt under her. She was cozy and I remarked, “It keeps my back warm, too. I should have tried this a long time ago.” Susan said, “Well, don’t have another baby just to keep your back warm!”
Lynn stayed late with her oldest and Bronwyn, Keegan, Mackenzie, and Josiah. Keegan and Bronwyn both tried square dancing and had a good time. I drove home and took Lynn’s mom, and Esther and Jadynn with me. When I pulled out on to the Dempster I turned right, but the van went left. All the rain had made the road like ice. We slid towards the opposite ditch. Just at the last possible moment, the van straightened out. Fortunately, the rest of the ride home was uneventful, but we did take it slow.
We went to Midway again on Sunday after church. Being Sunday, Paul was able to come with us, too. Keegan decided to stay home, so I left Ezra and Evangeline with him. Amazingly enough, even with all the rain, the road was still dusty. It sure runs off fast. We hung out in the teepee again and ate lunch and Bronwyn and I tried swan meat. It did NOT taste like chicken; it was more like roast beef. We had hot tea steeped over the fire, and with a little sugar, Naomi and Diana were converted to tea drinkers. It helped that it warmed them up too. Naomi was in her glory as she picked berries the whole weekend- black currants, blueberries, and even a few cloudberries (called ‘knuckles’ by the Gwich’in). Cloudberries look like white raspberries, but taste similar to apples. Berry picking was the one think Naomi was insistent on doing again in the Arctic. Mackenzie and Diana joined in the fun. Josiah found $10 in the mud and that made his day. Bronwyn danced again in her moccasins with the Hanthorns and had a blast. It was another very late night. Due to all the excitement of the weekend, we did a lot of sleeping and I washed a lot of muddy laundry.
Wow. We’ve found some time to breathe and I’ve found a place to blog. Sarah works at a canvas tent shop and said I could use the internet. The kids are still swimming. Bronwyn went to public swim time so Evangeline and Ezra could have a go. I think there were more kids than water, and Evangeline could not cope with the chaos. She cried the whole time. Ezra handled his fears more admirably. He asked, “Bronwyn, could you please take me to a part of the pool where I won’t get kicked in the face?”
Annah invited Bronwyn to join the swim team, and she jumped at the chance. It’s four nights a week! At least, it’s only a block away. She might even get to compete in Inuvik, and they going to be outfitted with matching swim caps and suits- at no extra cost! The team is called the Bumblebees.
Ike and Michele left on the 29th. In the afternoon, Bronwyn painted a Northern landscape with Michele in her trailer, while Keegan helped in the church. Bronwyn, Keegan, and Boo were an hour late returning from their Bronze Medallion class. Their instructor, wants to do a three hour class instead of two. We ate supper with Ike and Michele and then we said our goodbyes. As soon as they drove away, Josiah said, “Now, I want to go home.” Naomi chimed in, “Ya, me too. I miss Pumpkin.” Leave it to Naomi, to think of the cat first!
It was very hot for about 3 days, between 24-30 degrees. We were uncomfortable, but the bugs must have been, too, because they became sparse. The kids were glad to be able to swim. Keegan and Joel were fortunate to have an individual swim lesson. Their instructor, Robert, is so passionate and serious about not just learning the skills, but mastering them, so he’s been pretty tough on the boys. I think it’s good for them, but I saw how Robert could be intimidating. I went to pay for the lesson, and he said to me, “Lesson? What lesson? When did we have that conversation? Last week?”
I replied, “No, you told us yesterday to come.”
“Oh,” he said, “I got about 2 hours of sleep last night, I can’t remember anything I said yesterday.”
“Do you want us to come back another day?”
“No, no, I’m here all day anyway so let’s do it now.”
All-righty then. After all was said and done, Keegan said it was a very good lesson.
I finished cleaning the school after the last of the workers left, and Lynn and I both got a laundry basket of books from the library for the kids. Hopefully, Diana and Josiah will have lots of opportunity to practice their reading.
The weekend of July 31-Aug 2 was the Midway Music Festival, 40 km south of Fort McPhoo. On Friday, Bronwyn, Keegan, Mackenzie, and Josiah went biking in the morning with the Hanthorns and their cousin, Abby. Josiah kept up with the bigger Hanthorns. Having bigger wheels with Kelsey’s old bike really helped! In the evening, I drove three people from town to Midway, because just over the ferry, Lynn realized she did not have enough fuel, and had to turn around, so I took her passengers. Sarah, Annah, and Joel started walking down the Dempster until they caught a ride from someone. Helen, a lady from church, invited us to her tent and I tried her duck soup. The whole duck gets thrown in the pot. We watched some square dancing and jigging and we got home at 2:30 am.
On Saturday, Joel, Annah, Ruth, Judah-Ben, Jesse, Bronwyn, and Keegan all headed down the Dempster on their bikes towards Midway. Lynn followed after them an hour and a half later to check on them. It was a good thing too, because although the morning was beautiful, it started to rain. No-it was a downpour. Jesse, 6, went 11 km to the ferry, before Lynn picked him up. Joel and Annah made it the entire 40 km without incident, but the rest were caught in the rain. Keegan and Ruth got drenched just before the last downhill to Midway. Judah and Bronwyn got the worst of it. She had missed the ferry with everyone else on it, because she had stopped twice, trying to refasten her makeshift snack bag. But it was just as well, because Judah was thankful he didn’t get left behind. The road is extremely hilly, and she kept thinking Midway would just be over the next hill. She thought that about 11 times. Lynn finally caught up with them along the emergency airstrip. Judah could go no further. His wheels were caked with an inch of mud. Mackenzie and Abby were in the van with Lynn and they cheered the cyclists on. They encouraged Bronwyn and she made it the rest of the way. What a trooper. By the time I arrived with my little ones, Lynn’s mom, Muriel, Esther and Jadynn, everyone was wet and cold. I dragged out the extra coats and blankets and soon everyone felt a whole lot better.
The Gwich’in set up their canvas tents, teepees, and cabins and Lynn’s friends, Connie and Susan, let us warm up in theirs. There was a woodstove in the middle and it wasn’t long before we were too hot. We moved to a nearby teepee with a barrel stove and roasted burgers and smokies. When, Susan, saw me with Estelle, she put Estelle on my back, covered her with a shawl, and fastened a leather baby belt under her. She was cozy and I remarked, “It keeps my back warm, too. I should have tried this a long time ago.” Susan said, “Well, don’t have another baby just to keep your back warm!”
Lynn stayed late with her oldest and Bronwyn, Keegan, Mackenzie, and Josiah. Keegan and Bronwyn both tried square dancing and had a good time. I drove home and took Lynn’s mom, and Esther and Jadynn with me. When I pulled out on to the Dempster I turned right, but the van went left. All the rain had made the road like ice. We slid towards the opposite ditch. Just at the last possible moment, the van straightened out. Fortunately, the rest of the ride home was uneventful, but we did take it slow.
We went to Midway again on Sunday after church. Being Sunday, Paul was able to come with us, too. Keegan decided to stay home, so I left Ezra and Evangeline with him. Amazingly enough, even with all the rain, the road was still dusty. It sure runs off fast. We hung out in the teepee again and ate lunch and Bronwyn and I tried swan meat. It did NOT taste like chicken; it was more like roast beef. We had hot tea steeped over the fire, and with a little sugar, Naomi and Diana were converted to tea drinkers. It helped that it warmed them up too. Naomi was in her glory as she picked berries the whole weekend- black currants, blueberries, and even a few cloudberries (called ‘knuckles’ by the Gwich’in). Cloudberries look like white raspberries, but taste similar to apples. Berry picking was the one think Naomi was insistent on doing again in the Arctic. Mackenzie and Diana joined in the fun. Josiah found $10 in the mud and that made his day. Bronwyn danced again in her moccasins with the Hanthorns and had a blast. It was another very late night. Due to all the excitement of the weekend, we did a lot of sleeping and I washed a lot of muddy laundry.
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