Moody sky over Whitehorse (from the Alaska Hwy)

Moody sky over Whitehorse (from the Alaska Hwy)

What is it about the Yukon…or is it the north in general that draws me? I was born and lived in Northern Ontario until I was in grade three, not very long and yet something clicked over in my brain then. Although I have lived in Southern Canada since then I have yearned for the north. The first thing I told Fred, once I realized that we might have a life together was, “I have to live in the north…I don’t care where but the north.” He said…no problem, fine and then real life set in. I have carried this love for the north ever since. People are going to Costa Rica and Cuba. I want to go to Baffin Island. They dream of Hawaii and I want to go to the North West Territories. Having some of my children in the Yukon makes me feel lucky because although I don.t see my grand baby often enough, I get to come here quite a bit.

Northern wild life

Northern wild life

Crossing the BC Yukon border set my heart pounding but some of you will remember that I had much the same experience at many stops along the way in BC. Karen will remember me saying, “When I grow up I want to….” (Are you still keeping track Karen?) Today I saw a beautiful film about the Yukon at the Whitehorse Info Centre.  I think it was called “As the Crow Flies.”  It was a highly idealized and sentimental look at Yukon life. I bought into it completely. When it was done, I was ready to move in, throw my whole life over and become a territorialite. Within the text, freedom was a theme. Freedom to be who you are, freedom to be in nature. Freedom to make a difference.

Yukon Info Centre - was it life altering?

Yukon Info Centre - was it life altering?

It is true, here and probably in many northern communities you see the results of the work you have done. You are not a cog in a wheel. Nature is a 10 minute walk from anywhere in town.  Is that possible in communities of a million. Can you manage to avoid becoming just a number? I think so and yet, it is harder to see a path to being who you are.

Not far from Desirees house

Not far from Desirees house

In my search for quick cash for gas I was offered a job here today. A good job, one that would make use of my skills and talents. I could move in an instant. I am not as torn as you might think. I will continue to find Canada and keep looking for my heart (a fickle thing that is always looking for a place that my not exist)…but I will not be surprised to find that “I is who I is and if I ain’t who I is than who is I?” (thanks Kathyrn)

The real Sam Magee's original cabin built in the late 1800's

The real Sam Magee's original cabin built in the late 1800's

I have internet here but….no time to get to it. I will keep trying to post as I look for a route that won’t damage my faithful Vincent.