We Have Arrived!

Well, we reached our destination and have been in Yellowknife for just over 2 weeks now.  Still a few more boxes to unpack, but beginning to feel settled in our new home.

Last I blogged, we were in Swift Current, Sk.  I'm happy to report that the trip continued to go smoothly.  Stops were made in Calgary, Edmonton, (got to see another old friend), Grimshaw and High Level AB.  We went through towns named: Honey Bunny, PiaPot and Sunshine.  I think Sunshine would be a wonderful place to live!

Throughout our trip we were constantly monitoring highway 3, which is the highway between Fort Providence and Yellowknife.  Because of forest fires, the highway had been closed on and off for a month before we arrived.  We were hearing lots of stories of people being stuck in Fort Providence for days at a time, waiting for the highway to open.  We left High Level early in the morning because we had noticed that the highway seemed to be closed by mid afternoon most days.  Very strange leaving High Level.  Travelled for an hour before we even saw another vehicle.  Just trees.  Lots and lots of trees.  I kept thinking we really didn't want to have a break down here.  Luckily, when we got to Fort Providence the highway was open, so we were able to drive right through.  It was a strange drive.  The forest was black from fires on both sides of the highway.  It was very smoky!  Every once in awhile you could see small fires burning.  It felt like we were driving through a forest fire.  We saw lots of bison.  Some by themselves and some in groups.  We made good time and arrived in Yellowknife on Sunday Aug.10th at 2:00.

We got the keys to our new home the next day.  We are very lucky to have a four bedroom, detached house, with a shed and a good size backyard.  During our house hunting trip we were told we would be getting a 3 bedroom townhouse.  So when we found out two weeks before we left Barrie that we were getting this house, we were thrilled.  All the townhouses only have one parking spot.  Our driveway has room for both of our vehicles. 

We spent the next few days getting to know Yellowknife. as we arranged for internet/cable/phone service,and our quest for window coverings.  Our furniture arrived on Thursday.  It all went well.     The next week was spent unpacking and figuring out where to put things.

Yellowknife has almost a Maritime feel to it.  Things move at a slower pace.  People are very friendly.  Have noticed there are lots of people from the Maritimes

living in Yellowknife.  Lots of rocks, water and pine trees.  Looks like what I imagine parts of Newfoundland would look like.  There is lots of road construction going on around the city.  I guess they are trying to get things done before the cold weather starts.  It's already beginning to feel like Fall here.  A few warm days, but mostly around 14-17 degrees.  Single digits in the mornings.

My next Yellowknife adventure is to try and get a job!  Stay tuned.  Hopefully in my next blog, I'll be able to tell you all about my new job, and a bit more about where we are living.

On The Road Again.......

Hi Everyone:  I'm typing this from a hotel room as we travel across Canada on our way to Yellowknife.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks!   Last days at work, lots of good byes, pre-pack day, pack day, moving van day, cleaning day, and finally heading out on the open road day.

So far, so good, (knock on wood).  The gang at Sears took me out for supper.  They are a wonderful group of people, and I will miss them. This crazy way of life really makes you apprecite the friends you meet at every posting.  You never forget them as you move onto the new place to make new friends.

My Aunt and Uncle had us over for an afternoon of drinks, food and great company. Nice to see my cousins again.

The last weeks have flown by.  During the pre-pack they packed the entire kitchen, which threw me a bit.  Hadn't planned on that, but was very thankful the next day when the packers were all done by 4:00. Then we were off to the hotel.  The moving van showed up the next day, and I must admit I was a bit nervous to see these 3 young guys - all looked like teenagers get off the truck.  They were fantastic!  Worked really hard all day and were finished by 5. Believe me whe I say I know how fortunate we are to have packers and movers do all the heavy lifting.

The last day we spent cleaning.  We always leave our homes cleaner than when we got them.  Really glad we have room service for the next 10 days of travel.  Tired of cleaning!

My brother David had us over for a great BBQ supper on our last night.  It has been so nice living by him for the last 3 years.  You don't know how much you miss not having family around, until you don't.

So, Friday, Aug.1st we hit the road.  Two adults and one cat (a cat that hates to be in a vehicle), She meowed for the first 15 min., and then surprisingly she calmed down.  After 7.5 hours we arrived at our first stop, Sault Ste. Marie.  The next day was a longer drive to Thunder Bay. Stayed at a great hotel with a beautiful pool and a nice restaurant.  Kenora was the next stop. Found a place to do some laundry. There was some festival going on, and it was busy everywhere. Went for a walk that night and saw a fantastic fireworks show.  Also watched a mother deer and 2 babies cross the road at the lights. Cars all stopped as they wondered through like it was a daily occurance.

Yesterday, August 4th we finally crossed into Manitoba.  You really don't ralize how huge Ontario is until you drive through it. Stopped to visit some friends in Portage La Prairie, and then drove here to Brandon.  It's early morning as I write.  Rick is snoring and Snickers,  (the cat) is happily curled up next to me.  Next stop Swift Current, Sk.!