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Fireweed is the Yukon’s official flower. It is beautiful, so intricate that it makes me want to rush home and get my sketch pad to try and capture it.  Today I was taking a walk along the various trails in town and I noticed something. When fireweed is done, it fluffs like milk weed. What a cool thing to see. I have only ever seen it in full bloom.

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As I was walking a young couple (maybe grade 10 or 11) walked toward me down the narrow forested trail. They were were talking and as they passed me I heard the fella say to her, “What I love about life is…”

My ears perked up.  I was about to hear something big. “I love that I did all of my screwing up in grade 8. I really learned my lesson then and now  I know what I need to know and life is great.”

By then they were passed me and I turned to watch them go. Their heads were close together. I was so impressed that he had learned the lessons of life by the time he left grade 8. I wondered what secrets he would have to pass along to me if I grabbed his arm and asked.  Even now I can remember the way his face glowed with the fresh air, the exertion of walking and the knowledge of life. What a beautiful time for him.

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I love this sign. They don’t say you can’t jump…just that it presents risks.

Can you see the turbulence?

Can you see the turbulence?