Finally, time to catch up.

Hey everybody, you've all been so patient with my short commentaries attached to pictures I thought, since I finally have a little time, that I would catch you all up.

Life has been exciting as always here. Everything is constantly changing for us which keeps us on our toes. As I mentioned before, school is done on Wednesday for Scott and surprisingly he's quite relaxed. None of the usual scramble to get marks in, etc. This is because he had a much easier semester than the last. He taught shop, of course, and some gym, a CAPP (Career and Personal Planning) class, and a tutorial. Compared to the Accounting, Earth Science and no preps of last semester. He's quite happy with what his schedule looks like for next year (so far). He'll be teaching a little more shop, along with running the Math Essentials program (easier math), and I believe he will also have one computer class. This is exactly what he wanted so we are quite happy. The administration at the school will be changing completely next year. Our vice principal has left for another job and they've decided not to replace her. Our principal has taken up a superintendent position and we are quite happy for him and think he will do well. We may have our criticisms about these folks (as most people do their bosses) but really, they've both been very nice to us and we wish them the best. (And just in case you think the last few sentences have been ass-kissing, keep in mind that we have not shared more than the occasional picture from our blog with anyone in town or at school.) Another interesting thing that has happened with Scott and school was that a couple of his shop kids were extremely successful at the Yukon Skills Canada competition. Cougar came in first with his welding. And Kylie got silver for her woodworking. Awesome kids. Scott is very proud and they are both just back from the national skills competition in Halifax (Scott decided it was a bad time at school for him to be away for a week), I haven't heard yet how they did. Anyways, that sums up the goings on at school for Scott. He also has been hard at work on his Beetle and it is very nearly ready to be insured. All it needs is the back up lights fixed and Scott is pretty sure he has that covered. We're likely to get insurance on it later this week, depending on if the insurance company requires an inspection. There's been lots of yard work to do since the snow so suddenly disappeared; Scott’s been working hard on that, too. He's been happy and healthy and all in all making me a very happy girl. As for me, things have been at least as hectic. As soon as I was done subbing, Breakfast program, and tutoring I went and got myself another job. I am the new surgical assistant for our vet. Crazy, I know. It's hard to get skilled labour up here. So I spent two days training last week, not nearly enough but the assistant who is leaving the position is not available on Tuesday. So tomorrow I'm on my own. Warning**the following few sentences should be avoided by those people easily grossed out**I've been there for 3 surgeries and did most of the work (of the assistant) for the last one. The first two were a tumour and a castration (neuter), and the one that I did most of the work was a spay, the most invasive surgery. I don't actually touch anything in the surgical site but I do all of the calculations and drawing of the drugs, set up and operate the anaesthetic machine, monitor pulse and respiration, and lots more. It's really scary and wonderful. I haven't even felt faint yet at the sight of the innards of poor defenceless creatures! I feel like since I've been in Dawson I've been challenged in such enormous ways: first the subbing (in most places you have to be a certified teacher to substitute), now this. Not to mention, the extreme weather and remoteness. This is such an adventure. I'm so glad to be able to share it like this. And because you can never challenge yourself enough and no adventure is too big, we've decided that I should finally decide what I want to do when I grow up and pursue the education required to fulfill it. I've signed up to do the Bachelor of General Studies-Arts and Science program at Athabasca University, which is an accredited distance learning school (though it has a campus also). That is a 3 year program and once I've completed that, provided my grades are sufficient, I'll apply to a post degree program somewhere down south and obtain my bachelor of education that way. I've already got the 100 unpaid hours working with children I need to graduate. lol. And the current principal at the school is writing me a letter of reference for my portfolio. I've received my first two courses in the mail already although technically I don't start until July 1. Like I said before, it's all very exciting. So, the vet's assistant job is only a couple or 3 days a week so I'll have time to pursue my studies. I won't sub much in the next couple of years, choosing instead to have a full course load so I can complete the first degree in as short of time as possible. Thank goodness I'm surrounded by teachers! So anyways, that's what is going on with me. As for the both of us, we are rediscovering Dawson in the spring by walking, biking, exploring...it's a truly beautiful place with unbelievable history. I have to say, I don't think we are ever coming back. At least not for a very long time. We are in love with the Yukon. We are likely to buy some land somewhere, build ourselves a log cabin, and just wait out our days. lol. Just like most other people here. You all should come for a visit. There's a reason so many people make the long journey out here each summer.

Speaking of making the long trek. We are about to have our second visitors in Dawson!!! Scott's parents are coming! In about 2 and a half weeks they will be arriving in Whitehorse, picking up a rented rv and making the 6 hour journey to Dawson. It will be a blast! We are planning on taking them everywhere here! They will never want to leave. You too should make the trip. Summer, fall, winter...it's all amazing. And really, the mosquitoes haven't been so bad. And if you are afraid of bears then just come in the winter (bring your parka). Regardless of when you come it will be a grand adventure. (Okay, I have to stop now before I have to charge you travel agent fees).

So, as much as we adore Dawson, we're going to take off during the hottest part of the summer. Our plans are to spend July in the Queen Charlotte islands. It should be nice and cool and I don't imagine many people take their kids there so it should be fairly quiet compared to lots of places we hope. We've arranged for some friends to come housesit (can't really take the cats with us but Milo's coming, of course) and we're quite excited. We'll be taking off as soon as Scott's parents depart. Also, during the month of June I'll be housesitting in a place that has no internet. It's just down the hill but they have a parrot and so I have to spend lots of time there. My point is you probably won't get much more than pics for most of the summer. Keep coming back though, as I'm sure we'll have many more exciting adventures to share.

Well, I hope this long, long post gives you a clear picture of life with us in Dawson. We miss you all and hope to see you soon.

Quick picture proof that we live in the land of the midnight sun...or at least we will in a few weeks. I took this pic 2 minutes ago...midnight. You have to love it.

So last night around quarter to ten we decide to go for a drive on Hunker Creek road. It's finally dry enough that we feel confident in the drive. We'd never done it before. So the following pictures are taken on the loop we did. It takes about 2 hours and brings you back down Bonanza creek road right outside of town. Keep in mind that the closer valleys you see in these pics are the infamous sites of the Klondike Gold Rush over a hundred years ago. There is still mining equipment here and there on all of the lower parts of the drive. Surprisingly, the only wildlife we saw was a big old porcupine. It was gorgeous and we only drove about 70 km. We can't wait to do it again. We think we might camp at the highest point on Wednesday night if Lynne isn't in surgery on Thursday morning (there's a tale for another post).

nothing but gorgeous

The Ogilvies

Can you believe I can take pictures like this so late at night?

on the way back. This pic had to have been taken around 11:30pm

So yesterday we decided to go for a little drive over part of the Top of the World highway. The ferry and road have only been open since Thursday when the river ice had dissappeared enough to allow the Ferry to cross safely. The river only broke what, a week and a half ago? Not even. And this weekend suddenly the tourists have flooded Dawson. All of the businesses have pulled down the boards and opened for customers. It's crazy! However, now there is frozen yogurt and places to shop! We are nearly invisible again amongst the tourists. We recognize few as we walk down the streets. Just last week we had to stop and talk to everyone we passed! It's definately Spring. And guess what else?! There's only one week of school left. Just one week! Next Wednesday is the last official day of school and it's not even a whole one! Anyways...back to the picture. Here is us sitting in line (In line!!!!) for the ferry. We just happened to arrive just at the changing of shifts so we had to wait about 15 minutes. See that girl on a bike-people ride their bikes up this giant, never ending, steep hill. It's really quite a feat. We saw the grade one teacher and her husband near the top-our respect for them soared. So, following this pic are a selection of the 50 pictures we managed to take in about an hour. It's truly a beautiful place. Don't let the town fool you-we are in the middle of nowhere. The Top of the World highway is open only a few months of the year and goes to Chicken, Alaska. We haven't driven the entire 60 km to the border which, by the way is only open 9-5. lol

on the George Black ferry

looking downriver

west dawson

Dawson is pretty from this point of view.

bye bye town.

There was still snow up there! Not much though. It sure disappeared fast.

The view from the top of the world.

Na na na-na na.

I think this pic best represents why they call this the top of the world highway. Do you see how close those high clouds are? We should have brought an altimeter, we will next time.

Don't hate us. You could be living here, too.

Hey...we live over there.

This pic and the next are my attempt at taking a picture of where we live from across the river...

do you see it? I sure as heck don't.

Milo had a good time, too. (That just sounds like a good caption, in reality Milo just sleeps most of the time in the van. And when he's not sleeping he's trying to figure out ways to climb into Lynne's lap without her really noticing.)

Our return to town.

A new view, updated by the grandiose entrance of Spring.

Hangin' out in the driveway with the dog.

Yesterday we decided to forgo all chores and head out to Mayo for a little camping. We drove up the precariously muddly road to Mayo lake though saw no wildlife save about a billion bunnies. On the way home we detoured and rode our bikes up the North Fork Road a few kilometers up the Dempster. What a wonderful weekend. Now we're back and Scott's working on the Beetle while I finally get some planting done. Hopefully we'll have carrots, peppers, and peas by the time Scott's parents come in mid June for their visit. Doubtful? Consider that it never gets dark now and that our actual sun time (sunrise to sunset) is currently over 19 hours.

A beaver out past Mayo on the road to Keno city

taken at the same pull over on the Mayo road as the next one

return trip from Mayo

More pictures for all you Beetles fans.

getting around Dawson

It runs!!! As soon as I heard it start I ran and got the camera. Immediately after this pic was taken we drove around our driveway! I'm so excited. Spring is here!!!

It was so warm today we ate our dinner on the deck.

everything is green and wonderful...

and a couple of days ago the river broke.

Well, apparently I can't (or just don't know how to post a movie.) At least this pick shows the river a couple of minutes before.

Check this out, folks. We didn't stay for the big show. It kind of jammed up again after awhile but I bet it breaks all the way tonight.

3 Pics I just took. It's like midnight. I got a freakin mosquito bite on my elbow standing on the deck taking these pics. You can imagine what it's like to try and sleep when it's this light out. Last night at 1:30 when I went to bed it was only dim, not nearly dark out. It's pretty wonderful actually.

taken from our deck

Nearly all the snow is gone but the Yukon river still hasn't officially broken yet.