Travel in the Yukon in the 21st century is literally a breeze compared to the earlier modes of transportation. Waterways, wagon roads, horse trails, and traditional foot roots all paved the way towards the comforts we enjoy today, and eventually train routes, roads and air travel developed over the years making our lives much easier in the North .
Anyone who’s left the familiarity of their home town and travelled a thousand miles of dusty Alaska Highway in the 1960’s would certainly have some distinct memories from this experience. Back in these days, keeping a personal diary was encouraged and keeping daily notes of the scenery, flora and fauna, along with the interactions with others along the way was common place at the end of the day. It’s through reflecting upon this notes after the fact that writers have years worth of interesting facts and and characters from which to draw upon for their own literary works.
Today’s guest has done exactly that. As a young girl at the impressionable age of 10, her mother whisked her away from the familiarity of her home in Dawson Creek and drove north on the newly constructed Alaska highway to the tiny community of Haines Junction, Yukon. It was durning this arduous 1500 km journey that Donna Clayson began to realize that the place she was fighting so hard to not accept as her new home, completely enamoured her with its majestic mountains and authentic beauty.
In today’s podcast, Donna reflects on her journey to the Yukon through her 10 year old eyes and the litany of emotions and thoughts journaled in one of her earliest writings.
As 19th century historian John Wade would say…”the rest is history”.
You’re also invited you to help me build the knowledge base for future shows by becoming a member of My Amazing Yukon Life Facebook Group. This is where our personal stories come together as we build upon the collective memories of one another to record and preserve personal stories of the Yukon’s rich history and colourful life adventures.
I hope you enjoy this podcast and I thank you for joining me as a “M.A.Y.L. carrier”, as we proudly deliver our amazing Yukon life stories to the outside world.
Cheers
“Trapper Dan your Renaissance Man”