Still stuck in the Arctic

At the Peel River ferry were told the Dempster still closed and may be several more days...ferrymen are great sources of intel. Ferries are pretty cool too.

 

Drove to the closed gate across the Dempster by James Creek and got ready for another overnight as the prognosis didn't sound good. About 20 other rigs staged and waiting too.
Fished and set up camp.

Learned that the only thing more irritating than black flies are bored and nosy retirees from BC who kept popping into camp to tell us how to build a fire and properly care for a dutch oven. Or the drone that circled Burf! while he had slipped into the woods hoping for a peaceful squat. Jeez...

Awakened before sunrise next morning to "pack up boys, we're opening the road for one caravan in 15 minutes!"
Assholes and elbows breaking camp and packing but were 10th in line, a testament to our camping rhythm!
Headed south towards the Circle with the crowds and found out the reason for the rollover was a Canadream RV who forced the rig to the lowest wet side of the road and he flipped off the wet shoulder. Can't provision for humans...

Stopped and left Kali some ruffed grouse wings on our way past. First time I've gotten to revisit one of her resting places and a few more tears.
Fished a creek recommend by the mounties in Dawson and it was loaded with grayling!

Then sped south hoping to reenter XM satellite range for LSU @ UT. Drove out of coverage at 4672 miles north and back in at 5690 headed south, so over a thousand miles beyond sat range. Horns were up 7-3 at that point but that didn't last long...

Back in to Dawson and once again it was packed. Got the last room in the Westminister and Burf! took the floor again. Did enjoy meeting 1/3 of the incoming class at Yukon Institute of Cultural Art - Amira, Dylan, Saskia and Bethany are bright and talented, should have wonderful futures. At least that's the view from their "new Texas Dads" as they christened us.
Burf! also joined the Sourtoe Club in Dawson, downing a shot of Yukon whiskey without swallowing or biting the frostbitten toe in the glass!

Gave the rig a quick wash for visibility and gas can access then moved further south, shooting grouse and catching grayling into Carmacks where we got a cabin on the Yukon River, did laundry and reprovisioned.

Headed down to fish a while then off for the Canol Road, the only one in Yukon we haven't traveled!
No services for next few days along the route, so may be a while before the next update, but don't worry for us.
We're ready for any contingency - provided we can get far enough away from humans!