Our Travels North Continue
I’m sitting in our camping van, writing to update our readers about our latest adventures, which I pen not as much as a travel log, but to share the blessing of being in God’s glorious creation. And we have been greatly blessed both in the Yukon Territory of northern Canada and in Alaska.
Because we far prefer to travel where we meet the local folks rather than tourists, we like to drive the less traveled highways.
On May 10, 2022 we crossed the border into Canada and took the Yellowhead Highway north, camping in the Lake Louise campground in the Banff National Park, Alberta. But I won’t try to share each day and campground with you. Rather, let me try to give you some thoughts and impressions from this amazing and wonderfully beautiful part of the world God blessed humanity with and the specific blessings God gave us so far on this trip.
First of those blessings: the great vastness and beauty of the land and — especially for someone like me who grew up in the desert — all the rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes filled water! On this trip so far we’ve seen more fresh water than my desert hometown sees in several years combined.
The second blessing: we’ve seen wild birds and other animals that much of humanity only reads about. Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, and many different species of smaller birds plus Black and Grizzly Bears, Moose, a Coyote, Arctic Ground Squirrels as well as Tree Squirrels (more familiar to most people). Also, butterflies, dragonflies and fish.
The third blessing: because the spring was late by at least two weeks, we’ve not had nearly as many mosquitoes and flies as are normal by this time of year. Anyone who has dealt with these blood thirsty insects knows what a blessing it’s been for us!
The fourth blessing: we’ve seen wonderfully beautiful wildflowers of every color, shape, and size. Here are just a few examples:
The fifth blessing: while it has sometimes been quite cold, it has rained very seldom on us except at night when we’ve been asleep. So, we have been able to be outside every day and usually at night too.
The sixth blessing: since both my dear husband Rafe and I are no longer used to cities and large groups of people, the fact that Covid issues kept the border between the United States and Canada closed for a long time was a gift. Many people decided not to come north this year because they weren’t sure about the border situation. Plus, the sharp rise in gasoline prices has discouraged others from making long trips. So, lots of tourists have not traveled to where we’ve been. While this has been difficult for many local businesses, it has made camping much more pleasant for us.
Finally, the seventh blessing: because God has provided the technology, I have been able to stay in frequent contact with my biological and my spiritual families and you readers of Medium. Often we don’t have service, but praise God, we have had it often enough that I can update everyone periodically.
And I have only mentioned a few of God’s blessings. But I thank Him also for so much more, including the delicious foods and drinks He has provided. And our health, the money that allows us to travel, the fresh clean air, the warmth of the sun and so, so much more.
All in all, our trip has been very wonderful. A few things have come up, like the tire Rafe realized badly needed replacing. However, this happened at a very convenient time and place, rather than by the side of the highway where it would be dangerous.
Now we are in Denali National Park and, God willing, we will travel up the Denali Park Highway to see what wildlife is around tomorrow morning. And then we will be camping in a new to us campground, the Teklanika Campground.
I pray that God has blessed your summer plans as wonderfully as He has ours.
