I discovered I need to make a side trip to Northern again - the stock tool for adjusting the rear suspension preload is becoming rounded from the supplied wrench, so I either ned a better wrench, or a 12mm socket and extention. Plus, I forgot to pick up some honey at the Visitor Centre.
I was at Northern before they opened and chatted with a man in a Bylaw Enforcement truck, with 3 dogs of varying size in the bed and happened to mention my need of a 12 mm socket while talking about the trip so far. He led me to a shop where I was able to borrow this, adujust the pre-load, and be back on my way in about one minute.
I love this sort of thing about the North, whether here in the Territories, or at home in Fort St. John; people really understand that we're all in this together, and helping each other out, even with these little things, is what it's really all about. Plus, everybody is bound to know someone who can help you out with just about everything.
After getting some honey, I was back on the road.
I verified the informaiton I had heard about Checkpoint - it is closed off with older signs saying "Private" and this is not a source of gasoline or other assistance to travellers. Apparently, the only people who haven't known this for the past several years are the people who make publications for NWT Tourism.
Just beyond, possibly even just beside this was the Jean Marie River Bridge, with a small pull in on the South side. It was beautiful, but the bugs were on me the second I stopped, so I grabbed a couple of quick photos and was back on my way.
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| Jean Marie River Bridge |
Riding the access road to Jean Marie River, I learned that "soft spots" in the road can be quite tricky, with a couple of these being really sloppy and rutted, but adding to the fun of the ride.
Arriving at Jean Marie River I rode along the business end of the air strip (complete with warning signs of Low Flying Airplanes) and pulled in at the town hall. A lady there introduced herself as the janitor, noting that she stays at the hall over lunch in case any tourists arrive, and gave me a quick orientation to the town, noting that there is no store.
As I started to wander the town I was asked if I knew were to buy gas and felt good directing this gentleman to the town hall to ask the janitor. While he went off, I chatted briefly with his co-worker from the power company about the growth he had seen in this community.
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| The old school in JMR |
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| Ancient and modern together |
I wandered around town, exploring it and seeing the ingenuity of buildings there, until I saw an unmistakeable sight - a group of teenagers with a "responsible adult" walking up from the river. I figured it was some kind of school trip or something of the sort and continued my walk to the Mackenzie River, stopping to see the Jean Marie and note the wild strawberries growing around it.
Going down to the river, I had a very Small World experience. It turns out that the group of teenagers I had seen was part of a larger group from the Y camp outside of Canmore, AB, with Alesha being one of the counsellors along on the journey. Alesha being a good friend of Amanda from the Y, who I believe I had met a couple of years ago on a Challenge Course Instructor course in the Muskoka area of Ontario. Cue the song.
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| Y camp youth and staff |
Finishing my walk around town, it was time to be under way, chatting with a couple of locals before I left. I have to say, it was well worth the trip in.
The road was fairly good all the way to Sambaa Deh Falls, where I had a site booked. I grabbed a late lunch then headed out to see the falls and marvel at the fossilized coral in the rock surrounding it.
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| Sambaa Deh Falls |
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| Fossilized coral |
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| Coral Falls |
We had a bit of rain after dinner, which caused me to throw everything into the tent. Actually, it's kind of funny because, looking out the tent, everything is dry out there. Well, I need to get to sleep soon - I've heard that tomorrow night is the last night of the Dene National Assembly in Fort Providence, which should mean some great events to witness, but may mean I'll have a challenge finding some where to sleep - this was the only Territorial Park that didn't do advance bookings online, so it was the only one I didn't book already.
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