Summer in the Yukon

Hi all,

School is out and I am finally taking 5 minutes to complete another blog.

Anna, Larry and Kate at Ecole Whitehorse Elementary - second last day of school.

Just before school was out, our Toronto friends Anna and Larry joined us (and were fabulously unfazed by the building chaos) to celebrate the end of the school year, Anna's b-day and the Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay from Haines Junction, Yukon to Haines, Alaska. It is 238.2 km of mountain passes, ocean views, climbs and descents. Paul and Larry did their two team relay and Anna and we girls provided exemplary support from the comfort of a 4 wheeled vehicle. The day was calm and smiles were on the faces - at least until the last 3 kilometers...

Start of the race.

Art shot - Anna.

Car bound girls - happy to get out and stretch and cheer.

Larry coming up fast in his 4th leg.

Paul takes off.

Larry and Anna.

Kate being Kate.

Cheers from Paul's fans.

Kate, Mira and Anna along the coast in Haines, Alaska.

Lupins, Irises and Sweet Peas.

Wee hike on a nice day on the coast.

Trouble?

Kate enjoying a spa day in our backyard.

A neighbour - en route to Skagway for the 4th of July.

We spent Canada Day in Whitehorse and as is tradition, a large contingent of Hillcrest folk headed to the Dyea Flats, Skagway, Alaska for July 4th Celebrations. The flats were wonderful. The kids ( 8 of them) spent hours running and playing in the long grass - fortunately this year, the bears were not around. The parade and festivities were a highlight. Kate won a couple of running races and pocketed $4 in winnings and Mira and Sacha each won their division for the 5km morning run and got to pick out books at the local book store. Mommy and Kate finished the race but well in the back. Seems that 4 nights of going to bed REALLY late under the midnight sun tapped Kate of some of her natural energy. Fun was had by all though.

Mira and Kate being 'Uncle Sam' in Skagway.

Kids preparing for the annual egg toss - no one made it to the finals but we now know why there are no eggs at the local grocery store.

One of Mira's jobs this summer has been caring for wee Seth - who is really cute. :)

So that is all the news from the North right now. I am off with the girls for a few days of camping and then off to Ontario. Paul is slaving on the house - go Paul go!

Happy Holidays all. sharon

Spring in the Yukon

Hi all... It is finally spring! We have had balmy 21 degrees this past week and rain and snow and other nasty stuff but it is spring - finally!

House renos continue - Paul gets lots of feedback from the neighbors in the 'hood.

Mother's Day was great. We had a wee brunch at our house and participated in the Breast Cancer Fundraiser - Run for Mom, which is always great fun. The 5 km run/walk/stroll/roll is well attended and a bit of party.

Flowers for mom!

Mira and Kate.

The crowds gather for the Run for Mom. Kate did it on her scooter and Mira on roller blades.

Views from the path in downtown Whitehorse - river is almost clear.

Kate and her friend Emie lounging along the route.

Paul, Mira and Emie.

Mira's diorama of life under the sea.

We survived another dance performance week. Practices on numerous days and three performances - it was busy. Kate loved the attention on the big stage. Both girls danced their hearts out. Great show.

Sadie, Emie and Kate pose in their costumes.

Kate.

Kate.

Mira danced acro-dance.

Mira strikes a pose.

Well hi to all... hope has spring has made it to you.. or if you get this in NZ, hope your winter is mild. Cheers to all. sharon

Races, Renos, Recuperating and Relaxin' - March Break

Hi all - Wow February and March have sailed by and what a few months it has been!

We still have tons of snow but the days are stretching and stretching - now at 12 hours of day light and the sun has HEAT! We feel confident that we have made it through another really long, brutally cold winter!

So here are the updates......

RACES: Mira and Kate have been busy racing with their cross-country skiing. Both girls are really having a blast on skis. Mira has placed a couple of times this year and is pleased with her results. Kate is a dare devil and we are glad that she has to climb the hills before she can head down them - helps to keep the hills in check. Kate is now done her Jack Rabbit program and Mira has another month or so of her squad.

Mount Lorne Loppet

Looking chilly, Mira!

Kate looking relaxed at the start!

Hockey Day in Canada - Whitehorse - Kate in front of the snow sculpture of hockey players.

Cabane à sucre - Rendez-vous in Whitehorse - it was too cold for the real cabana à sucre (maple syrup poured on the snow to make maple syrup taffy)- volunteers had fled to warmer venues and we had to settle for the snow sculptures.

RENOS: Well the renos continue - like a domino effect, every turn opens up a new project. We are now comfortably living, all four of us, in just under 700 sq feet, while the basement gets pulled apart. Interesting wiring and other creative changed done in the past, has prompted us (read Paul) to redo the wiring and the heating! We have made some interesting discoveries as well..... it is a wonder that the walls are as straight as they are! Check it out:

Whiskey bottles found in the supporting wall (prices still on them -$ 4,75 each).

These were all found in one corner of the building! I think the construction folks may have had an issue.

RECUPERATING: I am happy to have February behind me! I am proud to say I am now feeling 100% better... looking forward to starting back at running in the next week or so. Whoo hoo!

February spring flowers - thanks Anna and Larry!

RELAXIN'

When Paul's trip to Vancouver got bumped earlier in the month, we decided to all head to Vangroovy in the quest for Spring. We were expecting hurricane-gale force winds with torrential rains but the weather gods blessed us with showers, sun and Springtime flowers!

Finn, Emie, Mira and Kate in front of a Bill Reid sculpture at the Aquarium.

Bird.

Frog.

Reno man looking relaxed in Stanley Park.

Aliens at the Science World - Finn, Mira, Emie, and Kate.

Fun exemplified.

Vision of health.

Kate and Mira - note: no winter jackets, hats, mitts, boots, snow pants, scarves, .........:)

View from our suite.. Stanley Park and Harbour. Look at that Blue Sky!

Lion in a tree.

Cherry Blossoms in full bloom!

Kate practicing her climbing skills.

Whole fan-damily.

Cheers, all. I hope has found you where every you may be.

Sharon