Already the end of a chapter. I cannot believe how fast this immersion went by! There is so much I want to say that I don’t know where to start…
For my final week, I didn’t stay at my place and mourn. I went to hike Tin Can Hill trail and the least I can say is that winter Yellowknife and Summer, or almost summer, Yellowknife could not be more different. In winter, all you see is bright white snow shining under the moon or sunlight. At that time of the year, the aurora borealis are sometimes the only light in the sky and it is so cold that snow and ice can create a dangerous combination. But in summer, the landscape changes completely. Instead of being dominated by snow, grey, pinkish, and black rocks, mixing with the brown and green of the trees creates a totally different view. The days get longer and the sun apologizes for its absence during the winter months by shining brighter and longer, leading to the phenomenon known as the midnight sun.
Rock statue and drawing representing unity
Spring landscape on Tin Can Hill Trail
I also went to the Bristol Monument. The monument is dedicated to the northern pilot who helped discover Northern Canada. The Wardair Canada LTD had donated a Bristol Freighter 170 MK 31 to commemorate this accomplishment. With its bright blue color, this aircraft can be seen from the parking lot of the airport and is situated right beside the Yellowknife Welcome sign. Oh, and last piece of advice; when hiking in spring, watch out for these icy puddles! They are not as thick as they seem, and your feet will end wet if you step on them.
The aircraft at Bristol Monument
One of the ice puddles I encountered. I call them ice trap.
Even if I have passed 6 weeks in the polar bear country, I don’t feel ready to leave just yet. I know that sounds contradictory, but even if I want to see my family again, I don’t want to leave Yellowknife. Here, I found serenity, peace, and the strength I needed to finally be able to turn the page of the past chapter to write a new one.
Myself in front of Frame lake
I will miss the northern lights, the snow, the air, the feeling of the north and the people I met on this journey. Hopefully the future will permit me to come back to the Northwest Territories and continue exploring different cultures and parts of our vast world. This is not a goodbye, but a untill we meet again!
The last night I enjoyed northern lights
Ps: Here is my top 5 best pictures. Enjoy!
Ptarmigan in the snow.
Legislative assembly.
Cabin at the entrance of Prospector’s trail
Northern Lights or Dancing sky if you prefer
Small trees, a symbol of resistence
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