After weeks of talk and planning, I've finally arrived in Yukon Territory. Why? Gold.
Somewhere in northern BC...for as far as can be seen.
When flying from Vancouver, over a thousand miles of seemingly endless mountains and glaciers are crossed to reach the southern Yukon city of Whitehorse. Here, a hardy population of around 30,000 people consisting of First Nations folk, Territorial government workers, mushers, outdoor enthusiats, extreme endurance athletes and prospectors call this home.
Main Street, Whitehorse
Main Steet again, with balloons in the sky.
A cold morning in Whitehorse...Race Day.
The Yukon Quest is a 1,000 mile sled dog race that runs from Whitehores, YT to Faribanks, AK. I was fortunate to be here to catch the start of this big event... my first ever sled dog race. Around 25 teams entered this year, and include women and men, young and old alike. If conditions are good, it'll take the winning team under 10 days to make the journey. First team to Dawson, YT wins a 3 oz gold nugget!
Some run Huskies, some don't. Most dogs wear booties.
Frontrunner, and last year's winner, #13, Hans Gatt starts the race.
These dogs cannot wait to run! Watch these videos:
A very nice dog-hauler.
Another beauty...our very own Large Marge will fit in nicely up here.
A leader.
I'll soon move on from Whitehorse, and establish a home away from home in a much smaller town called Faro.
Over a hundred miles separates towns along the Robert Campbell Highway....next stop Faro.
View across the Pelly River and Tintina Trench, just outside of Faro.
The Yukon is presently one of the hottest spots on the planet for gold exploration. It's both an exciting place and an exciting time to be here, in the midst of the biggest gold rush since the Klondike.
Famed Yukon poet, Robert Service, said "It isn't the gold I'm wanting, so much as just finding the gold." While I'd love to find my fortune here, I'm happy to have the opportunity to learn about and explore the Yukon.
wow..beautiful
Posted by: alison Shutty | February 07, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Mark, wonderful photos. The town of Whitehorse reminded me a little of Durango. I'm so glad you posted the photos, gives us all an idea about your life away from home. It is a beautiful landscape. We'd love to see more of Faro.
Posted by: Nana | February 07, 2011 at 07:40 PM
wow Mark! How amazing that you get to travel to the Yukon. It must be beautiful. I had no idea you were up there. Where does one fly into to arrive in the Yukon. How cool you go to see a dog race. I one time met the woman who won the ididerade and some of her dogs. What a great story of how they train and what a race like that takes. Enjoy your experience.
Posted by: Aunt Suz | February 07, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Uncle Mark, I watched the dog sled over and over and over at Nana's house. I like the dog sled races and want to watch it again NOW.
Love, Oscar
Posted by: Nana | February 08, 2011 at 01:41 PM