Watson Lake, Yukon

Our first stop in the Yukon was Watson Lake.  Watson Lake is the 3rd largest town in the Yukon behind Whitehorse and Dawson City.

Watson Lake is the home of the world famous Sign Post Forest.  The forest was started in 1942 by a homesick US army GI, Carl K Lindley of Danville Illinois, Company D, 341 st Engineers.  While he was working on the Alaska Highway he erected a sign pointing the way and stating the mileage to his hometown.  Others followed his lead and many tourists are still doing so today.  There are now over 70 000 signs in the sign post forest.  Many of these signs are from all over the world.

Years ago my parents put a sign up in the sign post forest, but with so many signs there, the chances of finding it were not great.  I was not even sure exactly what kind of sign I was looking for...big, small, colour, engraved. etc.  Well, I have to say that I did not specifically see the sign while we took a quick walk around, so imagine my surprise when I looked at my pictures at home and saw part of their sign in one of the pictures!

Not only are there sign posts from all over the world, now there is also a building covered in license plates from all over too.

Yukon Bound

Since winter is fast approaching and I just don't seem to get out and take as many photos as in the nice weather, I thought I would step back a little and share some pictures from our trip to the Yukon this  past September. 

As we headed further and further north we passed through areas were the forests had been burned by wild fires.  It was so sad to see so much of these forests burnt, but after one particular turn we saw a rainbow in the distance through the burnt trees.  It was almost as though it was giving hope to the forest that it would be renewed.

The same rainbow, but from a different location.

The welcome sign.

Untouched Beauty

Sharing a few photos taken from our trip into Smithers last week.  It was mostly grey and overcast out, but the clouds parted slightly and the sun made a brief appearance on the mountains. What a site to behold.  So glad I decided to bring my camera that day.

I am not sure if I prefer this one in colour or black and white.  I think I am leaning toward the black and white though as it is a little more dramatic.

 

First Snowfall

The first snowfall of the season is always so magical.  Watching the big, fluffy white flakes gently drift down to the ground can be mesmerizing.  The blanket they form covering everything is so pristine and beautiful.  Too bad it does not stay that same pristine white all winter long.


Here are a few pictures from that magically first snowfall of the 2012-2013 winter season.

 

 

Sneak Peek for the J Family

I wanted to share a sneak peek from the J family Christmas mini session. I will only be sharing a few because I do not want to spoil any surprises or gifts.  I cannot wait to see what mommy decides on for a Christmas card though.

I just love the way these turned out.  Such beautiful children.

We even lucked out with the perfect snowy day for a few family pictures outdoors.

Making Way for the Sunshine

It seems when it rains here, that you get socked in with the rain and low clouds for 3, 4, even 5 days at a time.  The sun does eventually win out though, and what a glorious site it is to see the fog and low clouds illuminated by the sun while it is trying to break through.  These were taken in early November when we were blessed with a beautiful fall day.

 

Remembrance Day 2012

Remembrance Day here also marked the first snowfall for the year.  Here are a few pictures from the ceremony at the park this morning.

E proudly wearing her poppy.

Halloween 2012

I cannot believe that Halloween has come and gone already!  Hello November!

There was a Halloween Sock Hop for the children in town on the Saturday afternoon leading up to Halloween.  The decorations were amazing, there were plenty of treats and everyone had a good time.  Thank you to all those that volunteered in any way to make this even possible for the children.

We have several costumes at home, so E chose to be a witch for the Sock Hop.

Halloween night was cool, but nice and dry.  It was still light out when we headed over to the fire hall for a little pre trick or treating barbeque.  After a quick hotdog, all kids were off and running, seeing which house had the scariest decorations and which ones handed out the best candy.  We ended the evening with a fabulous fireworks show and hot chocolate, complete with those little marshmallows, under a beautiful starry sky. 

Not wanting to wear the same costume twice E decided to be a pirate for trick or treating.

Finally, her best pirate face.   Arrrgh!