Alaska’s capital is the third largest city in the state and is located on the North American mainland, making it unreachable by road. Good thing we arrived by cruise ship! Continue reading
I just finished reading My Maasai Life by Robin Wiszowaty, feeling completely inspired. This book touched me and not only because I had been to the places she was talking about and could talk for hours of the incredible love and generosity of the people I lived with and met during my time volunteering there, but also because her story reminds me of why I went to Kenya in the first place – to experience a culture vastly different from my own, to learn as much as I could from the locals and to inspire change in myself and others. Like Robin, I felt restless and was searching for something new as I finished school, trying to figure out what to do next in my life.
On January 12th, 2008 (my 24th birthday), I boarded a plane to Kenya in search of something new – a change, inspiration, a chance to break free from the busy North American academic life I’d had up until this point. Not everyone was excited about this idea and many thought I was crazy, especially since in December the results of the recent election in Kenya had led to widespread violence in the country I dreamed of going to. That was all everyone at home saw on the news and as the date of my departure grew closer those around me became more anxious about whether or not I should be going. In the end, I caught that plane and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
My time in Kenya was spent mainly in an orphanage outside Nairobi where I played “Mzungu mama” to over 30 of the most amazing children I have ever known.
In My Massai Life, Wiszowaty says, “Everybody has a unique role to play in making our world a better place, and there are many places where you can make a difference. My story shows that one can visit as more than just a tourist, observing from the outside.”
Did I make the world a better place by volunteering in a Kenyan orphanage for several months? Maybe not. But spending time with those kids, giving them all the love and hugs I could definitely changed me, and I hope it let them know that they are special and that someone does care.
We all have pictures in our minds of what Africa looks like. I know I did, but what I saw when I got off the plane at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and drove into Nairobi wasn’t exactly what I had expected. I also wasn’t expecting the warmth and generosity I received from everyone I met. People who had so little themselves still invited us into their homes and cooked huge meals to honour us. Back home, most of us wouldn’t dream of inviting a complete stranger into our home, and yet this was a constant occurrence while I was there. By experiencing a culture completely different from my own, I learned a lot about the kind of person I want to be and the one I’m still working towards becoming.
In life, some people seek stability and routine, while others crave change and fight to break away from our everyday lives and experience something new and be inspired along the path of life.
“I hope my story shows that finding the direction your life might take isn’t necessarily about falling in love with any particular place. It’s about seeking those opportunities to find what truly defines, enlightens and inspires you. I invite you to seek your own path, wherever it might take you.” ~ Robin Wiszowaty, My Maasai Life.
Uncommon Journeys is located in the Ibex Valley, just outside Whitehorse, and is surrounded by beautiful Northern-Canadian wilderness. The company was founded and continues to be run by Rod and Martha Taylor. The couple are well-respected members in the Yukon tourism industry and are both experienced wilderness guides. Their love of the Yukon outdoors and their beautiful sled dogs led them to opening Uncommon Journeys, which allows them to share this love with those seeking adventure in the Canadian North.Walking into a dog kennel, you expect a lot of noise, especially with over 50 dogs living here. But the kennel was virtually silent as the dogs quietly watched us as we learned all about their lives at Uncommon Journeys. The dogs here are considered part of the family and around 80 per cent of the dogs found at Uncommon Journeys were born and raised here. The remaining 20 per cent were brought to the kennel from world-class sled dog racers who wanted their dogs to go to a nice “retirement” home after finishing their racing careers!
These dogs are quite a friendly bunch and love meeting the thousands of guests that visit Uncommon Journeys each year to learn about dog sledding and the Alaskan Huskies who live here. After hearing stories about how the dogs are trained, socialized and cared for, we got to head into the main dog yard to meet the energetic beasts. Though they are all tied to their doghouses, this doesn’t stop them from running over to lick your hand and rub up against you as you pass by. They are very affectionate dogs who love to be petted and to give you some kisses or even a high five!
The main reason these dogs are so calm and affectionate is the way they are socialized. Here, the mother gives birth in the Taylor’s house and the puppies are around people from the moment they’re born. When it’s time for the pups to open their eyes, the mother is taken away momentarily so that the first thing the puppies see are Rod and Martha, who become their “parents.” The pups love to follow “Mom” and “Dad” around the house as they begin to explore. Then, Rod and Martha’s six-year-old daughter and her friends take over the puppy socializing by spending hours playing with the pups. By the time the puppies begin their sled dog training, they are so used to human interaction, loud noises and rowdy play that nothing shocks or spooks them and they genuinely love being around people. Even as adults, there is a “dog of the day” at Uncommon Journeys, and that lucky dog gets to roam free, eat with the family, and sometimes even curl up at the foot of the Taylor’s bed!
It doesn’t take long to realize that these dogs are truly loved and the care they receive here is incredible. Uncommon Journeys is the first kennel in Canada to be certified at P.R.I.D.E’s highest level. P.R.I.D.E, Providing Responsible Information on a Dog’s Environment, was started by a group of top dog mushers in Alaska to support the humane treatment and care of sled dogs and has since grown to represent mushing interests across North America and the world.
Walking into that dog yard, it’s hard not to fall in love with these friendly Alaskan Huskies. However, they didn’t look like I expected them too. Alaskan Huskies, unlike the beautiful Siberian Husky, don’t have a unified look. I learned that this is because there was a huge shortage of dogs in the North during the Gold Rush, so people began to steal any dog they could find that was bigger than a Schnauzer from Seattle to ship up North! Over time, a new breed of dog developed that could withstand cold Arctic temperatures and that loved to run and pull a sled. While there was quite a range of appearances found in the dogs in the kennel, there was no mistaking that these were Alaskan Huskies as soon as the harnesses came out!
Before we left, the staff hitched up a team of dogs so we could see them in action. Since there wasn’t any snow, they were hitched up to a modified ATV with the brakes on. Brakes or no brakes, as soon as the peg was lifted, they were gone, whizzing past us in a matter of seconds.
It was definitely an impressive sight and after spending a few hours here learning about the dogs, I began to think that maybe dog sledding through the Yukon wilderness might be a great future adventure….I’ll just need to bring A LOT of warm clothes!
Clips from the Beaver Creek Rendezvous at the Westmark Inn in Beaver Creek, Yukon
While out on the water in Florida, most people are looking to avoid an encounter with the wetlands 8-foot alligators. However, as we board our airboat with Captain Bob and head out into the Indian River County Marshlands in Vero Beach, gators are exactly what we are hoping to find.
And the rivers all run God knows where;
There’s a land where the mountains are nameless
There are lives that are erring and aimless,
There are hardships that nobody reckons;
And deaths that just hang by a hair;
There are valleys unpeopled and still;
There’s a land—oh, it beckons and beckons,
And I want to go back—and I will.
~Robert William Service, Spell of the Yukon
It may have been gold that brought Canada’s Yukon Territory to the world’s attention during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898, but it’s the rich history, vast wilderness and beautiful scenery that keeps intrepid travelers heading into Canada’s North.
As someone who is always cold, driving through the Yukon may not seem like the best vacation for me, but after looking at photos of the beautiful landscape found in the Canadian North, I bundled up, grabbed my camera and set off on a fantastic road trip.
From Skagway, Alaska, we took theWhite Pass & Yukon Route train to Fraser, B.C and then continued by bus into the Yukon Territory.
I’ve always been curious about the Canadian North, and its vastness and beauty had me captivated immediately. Our first stop was in the small village of Carcross, Yukon, where the Klondike waterways, scenic drives and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad all converge.
Carcross was originally named Caribou Crossing, after the herds of caribou that swam the narrows between Bennett Lake and Nares Lake, but was later shortened to simply “Carcross.”
This historic town is perhaps the most photographed town in the Yukon. 
Buildings dating back as far as 1898 can still be found in use here, like Mathew’s General Store, where you can find everything from moccasins and furs to ice cream and postcards.
Just outside of town lie the barren sand dunes of the world’s smallest desert, the Carcross Desert.
Continuing north along the South Klondike Highway, are the turquoise-green waters of Emerald Lake. The striking rare green colour of this water is created from the sunlight reflecting off of the Mari, a white calcium carbonate that settles on the bottom of the lake. Beyond Emerald Lake stands the Gray Ridge Mountain at an elevation of 6085 ft, making this stop a gorgeous photo opportunity.
In between each settlement, you find yourself with miles and miles of nature and open road. There’s definitely no rush hour or traffic congestion on the Yukon’s highways!
It’s not until you reach Whitehorse, the territory’s capital, that you actually find yourself around other vehicles and meeting pedestrians on the street. Whitehorse was originally named by the gold miners who thought the rapids at Miles Canyon looked like the manes of white horses running by. The city began as an encampment in the late 1890s as a logical layover for the gold rushers heading north along the Chilkoot Trail to Dawson. The city’s next big population boom came during World War II, as soldiers entered the region to build the Alaska-Canada -“Alcan” Highway.
Today, Whitehorse has around 26, 000 people and is the Yukon’s centre for communication, transportation and commerce, and is the home of the territorial government. It’s also here that you will find Walmart, McDonald’s and a truly Canadian landmark; Tim Hortons!
Continuing along the Alcan Highway, we came to the village of Haines Junction. Known to Yukoners as “the Junction,” Haines Junction sits at the corner of Haines Road and the Alaska Highway, nestled at the edge of Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada. Kluane National Park is part of the largest internationally protected area in the world, made up of four interconnected wilderness parks in Alaska, B.C. and the Yukon, covering 21, 980 sq km of protected wilderness. The park, which hosts the Northcoast Mountain range, ice fields, valleys and lots of plant and animal life, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kluane National Park sprawls along the side of the Alcan for miles and miles as we continued our drive through the Yukon’s rugged beauty. Not too far from Haines Junction is Sheep Mountain, located on the shores of Kluane Lake. This area is home to several backpacking adventures and day hikes around the park as well as almost guaranteed sightings of the Dall sheep that call the mountain home. Back on the road, we came across our first Grizzly bear of the trip – such an amazing sight!
After another day on the road, we arrived in Beaver Creek, Yukon, the most western settlement in Canada near the Alaskan border. Depending on who you ask and the time of year, the population here is between 99 and 140 people; a pretty small community, but we were warned that they know how to party!
The Beaver Creek Westmark Inn is a cozy, single-bed, no – tv – or- phonekind of lodge reminiscent of childhood days spent at camp. The Inn’s best known for its dinner theatre, “The Beaver Creek Rendezvous,” which is performed nightly during the summer in the dining hall.
While waiting for your dinner of “Beaver Stew” you can make yourself a s’more over the indoor fire pit or enjoy a pint of Yukon beer, whose slogan is “Beer worth Freezin’ For!” (And it is pretty tasty!) After dinner, the Rendezvous begins as guests are entertained by hilarious songs about the Canadian North and the Klondike Gold Rush days. Somehow I ended up being part of the show! (I need to stop smiling at strangers!)
As another day broke, we headed out into the crisp Yukon air to continue our drive to the Alaska border. The signs here all say “Yukon – Larger than Life” and after spending a few days driving through this vast, ruggedly beautiful landscape, it’s definitely been a larger than life experience!
With Royal Wedding fever lingering in the air, London is a great place to visit and take your own “Royal Tour” of the city.
As someone who loves this city, I’ve found myself playing tour guide on several occasions (possibly a future career option if the journalism thing doesn’t work out!)
London is a huge tourist city and there are tons of options for getting out to see the sights. You could take a bus tour to see the highlights, but since many of the major attractions are within walking distance and there are tons of walking tours available, you might as well get out and stretch your legs!
Crystal’s Walking Tour of London begins in Hyde Park. At over 350 acres, it’s one of London’s largest green spaces. Inside the park, you will find Diana Fountain, a memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales, which was opened by the Queen in 2004.
From here, walk through the Marble Arch to Buckingham Palace, where the world just witnessed William and Catherine’s first kiss as a married couple on the balcony. This has served as the Monarch’s London residence since Queen Victoria took the throne, but dates back to 1702 as the Duke of Buckingham’s city home. It’s the largest private house in London with 775 rooms! Weather permitting, you can catch the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace daily at 11:30 from May-July and on alternating days from August- April.
From the Palace, you can stroll past Canada Gate located at the entrance of Green Park before continuing down the Mall, or wander through St. James Park, past the pond where you’ll be greeted by swans and pelicans.
The tree-lined Mall endsat Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery is located behind the notable Nelson’sColumn, which was built to commemorate Admiral Nelson’s naval victory in 1805.
The square also hosts a couple of impressive fountains and a giant ship in a bottle!
The mayor of London recently banned pigeon food sellers in hopes that this would purge the square of the thousands of pigeons that call it home. So far, he hasn’t had much luck, as tourists continue to feed the birds.
From here you can continue on your tour by heading down Whitehall, which is lined with government buildings. Part way down Whitehall on the West side is 10 Downing Street, where the Prime Minister ‘s residence has been since 1792. At the South end of Whitehall you will find the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
The current Parliament Buildings date back to 1840 after a fire destroyed the previous ones. During the summer opening when Parliament doesn’t sit, you can take a tour.
Next to the Houses of Parliament stands Big Ben. The famous old clock can be heard throughout the city as it strikes on the quarter hour. A light in the clock tower signals when the House of Commons is in session.
The beautiful Westminster Abbey where William and Catherine were married is located nearby. The 700-year-old Abbey has been the venue for all but two coronations since William the Conqueror and many of the country’s monarchs and notable celebrities were buried here.
From there, the tour continues across the Thames River on Westminster Bridge after stopping for an excellent photo opportunity of Parliament before reaching Southbank.
Right across the river you’ll find the Aquarium and London Eye- the biggest observation wheel in the world, towering 135 m above the Thames River. The Eye takes 30 minutes to make a full rotation and on a clear day you will have a 25-mile panoramic view, so keep your cameras ready!
Continuing along Southbank you’ll find the National Theatre and the Tate Modern Gallery. The Tate has free admission and hosts modern and contemporary art from around the world.
But, it’s Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre that generally attracts the largest crowds on this side of the Thames. The original Globe was built in the late 1500s and by 1599 it was up and running, thrivingfor 14 years with some of Shakespeare’s best known work. Then, in 1613, during a performance of Henry VIII, a cannon ignited the thatched fire and the theatre caught fire. It was quickly rebuilt this time but was closed under Puritan low in 1642 before being demolished in 1644. The current Globe was built in 1993 and continues to perform the best of Shakespeare.
Next, the tour continues back on the other side of the Thames River by crossing the Millennium Bridge and heading to St. Paul’s Cathedral. A cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has been on this site since 604 AD! The current cathedral is the fourth one to reside hereand was built between 1675 and 1710 after the previous one was destroyed by the Great Fire of London.
This gorgeous old cathedral has witnessed the weddings of many notable figures and its crypt is known as the foremost burial place, where those who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of the nation are now buried.
A short walk from here is Covent Garden, where you can take a break and get a much deserved drink or an ice cream cone and rest, wander through the shops or enjoy one of the many street performers found here!
If your feet aren’t killing you yet, you can continue on to Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Tower Bridge is just over 100 years old and is one of the most famous attractions in London with its twin drawbridges.
Below the bridge, overlooking the river is the Tower of London. Made famous as a place of imprisonment and execution during King Henry VIII’s reign, it has also been used as a royal residence, an armoury, a mint, a menagerie, an observatory and safe place to display the Crown Jewels, a main attraction for many tourists. Some crown jewels have been there since 1327!
With all this and more easily reached on foot, on your next trip to London make sure you get out and enjoy this Royal City!
Tales of a Travel Addict 
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