There are some places in this world that hold special places in our hearts. A place that heals us, rejuvenates us and sets us free. These places seem to hold an energizing power over us like none other. Perhaps it is because we match the vibration of the land. Or, perhaps it has been such a part of our life that it seems to be ingrained in our being. Continue reading Northwest Territories – The Land That Lures You
Tag: nwt
Northern Canadian Class – Dining In Style At ‘The Back Eddy’
Classy dining around the globe is a hobby that I take very seriously. Enticing the palette with incredible and unique flavors and food pairings, all while surrounded in a comfortable chic atmosphere – is exactly what I am after when dining out. I am continually on the hunt to find the best and most amazing places to experience and share around the world. It’s an art that one can’t help but appreciate.
Here in the hub of the North – Hay River, NWT, there happens to be one of my absolute life long favorites. The Back Eddy. They always provide an unforgettable experience, and the dishes will never disappoint. Having been in business for over 40 years, it is clear there are many things being done right here.
The decor of The Back Eddy reflects a nautical theme, adorned with helms, and various pieces from ships.
Hay River has been a port for shipping and barging for many years, so it was very fitting for The Back Eddy to take on this theme. The name is derived from an ‘Eddy’, which is a whirl of water, and in this case, ‘Back Eddy’, intended to represent the whirl of water created by the back of the ship.
The original owner of The Back Eddy also created what’s called, Back Eddy Spice, which is still sprinkled in quite a few dishes on the menu to this day, as well as sold in many stores. It’s a Back Eddy staple. The Back Eddy has now been family run by some pretty phenomenal people for the last 16 years.
The atmosphere is inviting and very relaxing. Particularly now with all of their festive decorations making the place feel ‘oh so magical’.
Each month they feature different lunch and dinner specials, as well as a monthly dessert(made in house).
The majority of their dishes are all made from scratch in house and with plenty of love, so you are guaranteed to always have a fresh flavorful experience.
One of my absolute favorite dishes of theirs is the ceaser salad. Nothing fancy, but they make their own dressing, and it is sooo darn good. I can eat it every day. In fact, when I am home every year, I pretty much do eat it every day. I have yet to find another around the globe that compares.
This time around on our ladies of leisure dinner, rather then one of their tantalizing menu items, we were after one of their other classics. Hot Rocks.
Hot Rocks are just that, heated marble slabs, that you get to cook your own food on, right at your table.
It’s seriously a lot of delicious fun. They come out already nicely heated and then you place them on the flames to keep the sizzle going.
You have the choice between meat rocks, seafood rocks or a combo of both. We decided to go for the combo rocks which included, Lobster, Prawns, Chicken and Beef, along with plenty of various veggies.
The platter is very abundantly stocked, and has a fabulous array of house made butters and dips. So you absolutely will no be going home hungry – better bring those stretchy pants.
First thing was first though. I needed to prepare my palette by getting the vino flowing(lets not forget who we are talking about here). It’s simply the classy lady way to begin any culinary journey. For a small Northern establishment they do have quite a good little selection of Vino to choose from. I opted for a Rose, a nice inbetween of white and red.
With hot rocks, your act of having dinner truly turns into an experience. It so nice to share fabulous food, great chat, and good drinks all while being surrounded by an extremely comfortable environment. It’s the best way, and always creates it to be nothing less then memorable.
You won’t forget how full you were in the end either. Good thing the seats have wheels on them – in case you can’t get up and need to be wheeled out. Isn’t that a classy mental picture?!
The Back Eddy truly is a Northern Gem, and it only gets better with age. That’s right, just like a fine wine. If you find yourself in Northwest Territories, and particularly in the Hay River area, make sure you stop in and enjoy some Northern class and true North hospitality. Cheers to keeping the palette adventures going!
Chasing Beauty In The Northwest Territories – The Land That Doesn’t Disappoint
Well it’s official. It is mid October, and there is snow everywhere here in the Northwest Territories. Winter has come early this year. Not that I am complaining, I do love the snow. Especially when it’s accompanied by favorable temperatures. Although, the up and down, above and below zero game, makes things messy, wet, and slick. You never know what your going to get. Yes, the pro’s and con’s to everything in life.
Just before the snow flew, I went out on another day of adventuring. It’s just what I do. No matter where in the world I am. Trust me though, the snow ain’t gonna stop this lady from adventuring. It simply creates more various adventure opportunities. Particularly in the NWT.
The week prior to this I went to Twin Falls Gorge and enjoyed the epic ambiance of Alexandra Falls.
This time, we went the opposite direction. We cruised out to the little community of Kakisa, which is about 1.5 hours North of Hay River, NWT. With a population of about 45 people, I don’t mean little lightly.
The primary reason of driving out there was to visit Lady Evelyn Falls. Which is located just 5 km away from Kakisa. Obviously I had to take a little cruise through the quite little community since I was in the area. Lady Evelyn Falls are closed for the season. Well the campgrounds are.
You can still walk in and see the falls. It was quite cool being in the area when everything is totally shut for the winter. A completely empty campground. Not a soul to be found, other then a couple of birds that is. Funny enough though, I wouldn’t have any problem camping in that weather. Get a nice warm fire going, a couple extra layers of clothes, and your laughing. Or perhaps I am just a die hard?! Ahh well, next summer.
Don’t forget to heed the warning before you embark on your waterfall adventure.
I guess it depends what a high level really means? Thanks for the warning though!
Lady Evelyn Falls are quite a bit smaller then Louise and Alexandra Falls at the Twin Falls Gorge, however she is not lacking in pure stunning beauty.
It’s almost a calm feeling and smooth flowing energy when you are around them. As opposed to the powerful high energy feeling you get at the Twin Falls. It’s not hard to get down beside them, but we didn’t go for it that day. It was a beauty of a pit stop, and well worth the drive in itself.
After we took in our fill of Lady Evelyn Falls, it was time to start driving back in the direction of Hay River. Not without keeping our eyes peeled for more pit stop adventures to be had along the way. I absolutely love having no plans sometimes. I truly believe in the journey along the way, and when you are open to receive whatever awesomeness is out there, you get exactly that. More awesomeness. Not without a few bumps in the roads at times. I mean trust me when I was crossing Africa alone with that mentality, there were some bumps. However, it always turned out amazing or with a big ol’ forehead swipe of ‘phew’ , and definitely added to my story.
There was this awesome little lookout point that we pulled into. You stand tall on the rocks, and take in the spectacular Northern view.
It’s total Northern landscape as far as the eye can see, and it’s absolutely wonderful.
It is so unique, and as you progress up North towards the Tundra, you have less and less plantation. The changes are dramatic, and the beauty just continually morphs, yet never becomes less. Looking into this bliss, makes a person want to bring a canvas and paint it. Maybe I will wait for warmer weather though. 
Don’t forget to lick a tree while you are there.
Not far up the highway from that look out point, we pulled into McNallie Creek, where sit’s another one of mother natures dazzling gem’s.
There is a day use area, and once again, another set of little waterfalls flowing into a bowl shaped ravine. With the icicles forming on the edges of the water, you can see winter is well on it’s snowy and cold way. 
If you keep your eyes peeled when you are there, you can see cliff swallows nesting in the walls as well. Which we didn’t see that day…..
The depths of the water at the base does appear fairly deep. I have been told that people do enjoying jumping in there in the summer.
The paths around the area are great if you feel like frolicking in the bush.
The colors were magnificent, and even though there was a chill in the air, after a bit of walking you don’t even feel it. You get warmed up by the incredible setting. Nothing compares to being in nature, it gives you such an uplift and flow of awesome energy. And particularly in the North. It’s a very special place that I will never stop boasting about.
That was a whole day of absolute pure bliss. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in one day. The majestic Northwest Territories once again did not disappoint. It seems as though she is the land of endless waterfalls.
While you wait to check the NWT off of your bucket list, don’t forget to explore your own back yard. There are always beautiful places hidden around every corner – where you would least expect it.
Northwest Territories Timeless Beauty – Small Town, Big Charm
The natural beauty in Northwest Territories is endless and enchanting. Each corner has it’s own unique splendor to be enjoyed. Even having grown up here, there are still so many places I have yet to discover in this vast territory. It’s full of culture, northern lights, midnight sun, incomparable landscapes and pristine natural beauty. Yes, mother nature does not skimp out on us up here.
The beauty surrounding the quaint little town of Hay River, NWT is no different. Every year I make sure to come and enjoy a few months back here, and no matter the season, it is always incredible. Although some seasons are faster then others.
Summer is amazing with the midnight sun, winter is long and a tad dark, however the majestic beauty of the snow covered landscape is one to remember, the cold is a small price to pay, and in between those two there is, Fall. I love fall. The colors are magnificent, and there is such an array of colorful beauty to be basked in.
A day trip to the waterfalls is a must when you are in the area, during anytime of year really. There are actually three sets of waterfalls located about 45 minutes drive from town. The small ones at Escarpment Creek, and the two larger ones at Twin Falls Gorge, Louise Falls and Alexandra Falls. It’s amazing to see such impressive and grand falls and landscape so close to town. There is something about waterfalls, you can just feel the energy exuding from them when you are in their presence. It’s even more amazing to see them frozen over in the winter. Frozen beautifully in place. Not a sight you come across every day.
These ones in particular are Alexandra Falls. They are directly off the highway, so an easy pull off for a pit stop. There is a lookout point you can walk to, which gives you the perfect picturesque view.
Or you can very easily walk down along side of them at the top of the actual falls, where you can take in all the awe-inspiring natural brilliance and energy of the flow up close and personal.
Don’t be grabbing no barrels and trying to go over though. Probably wouldn’t be the best idea.
There is a fantastic path between Alexandra and Louise falls.
So if you are keen for a nice afternoon stroll between the two, it’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the serenity of the Northern nature.
Make sure you bring a picnic as well, as there are picnic area’s where you can have a fire and a cook out, as well as endless laughs with some of your favorite companions.
You can keep it extra northern and local, by using fresh locally caught whitefish, and garden fresh veggies.
Keeping it local no matter where in the world I am, is exactly how I like it.
This area is timeless and rich in beauty. A feast for the eyes and a treat for the soul. If you have not already been, Northwest Territories is a must see destination, and so is the town of Hay River. This small place really is just the beginning, or one could say – the entrance to the ‘Spectacular NWT‘.
NWT – Beach Vibes On The Shores Of The Great Slave Lake
Northwest Territories, sun, sand, beach, and fall weather – I love all of those things. The NWT continually has unique beauty on offer. Summer comes to an end so fast here. When she goes, she goes. It’s essential to enjoy as much of the sunshiny outdoors and beach weather as possible before the Arctic freeze takes over.
So a sunny warm day in September, means it has to be enjoyed!
My hometown of Hay River is situated on the Great Slave Lake, the tenth largest lake in the world.
At first glance you may think the water looks a little murky, being brown and stuff… But it’s as fresh as they come, being a fresh water lake, and the fishing is fantastic. The water can be chilly, but us Northerner’s are used to it, and our blood has no problem adjusting. Really though, it’s not bad at all. Once you hop in it only takes a minute to adjust.
Now even though there is also a very large amount of driftwood, don’t let that deter you either.
The more driftwood the bigger the beach bonfires.
I love when myself and friends get together and crack some cold ones on the beach while enjoying the crackling of a bonfire.
I would call it pure soul food. It always varies with the drift wood situation, sometimes there is loads, other times not so much.
It was a stunning autumn day – warm, sunny, calm winds, absolute perfect day to enjoy some outdoor bliss. Not to mention I had scheduled a date with myself. You know, epic ‘me time’, where I bask in my own awesome company, and re-charge.
One of my favorite past times. It also gives me the opportunity to reflect, and get my creative juices flowing. I decided what better place to go then to the beach on such a miraculous fall day.
The water was ridiculously calm, not too cold, and the sun was as bright and lovely as a ever. I brought my blanket, and had some chill time. It was truly blissful. I have a massive appreciation for this part of the world. Perhaps I am a bit biased because this is my home, but it speaks for itself really.
My awesome energy was once again on full form so I could venture back into the world and share it with as many people as possible. Taking time for yourself is a gift that everyone deserves. Not to mention, taking that time to appreciate the beauty you have surrounding you exactly where you are. So what are you waiting for?! Get out here and enjoy some of that epic ‘me time’. You should also plan a trip to the alluring Northwest Territories.
3 Steps to take when your locked in an Outhouse
First of all, how in the heck do I end up these situations?! Really now, the most random situations always seem to sneak up on me. It’s either the most incredibly amazing things, or the most ridiculously random. There seems to be no middle ground.
So yes, in case your wondering, I did get locked into a damn outhouse. I have been accustomed to outhouses all over the globe. Or at times shall I say versions of outhouses…. I mean the rotted wooden hole filled caving in ones that I had to use when I was working in the jungle’s of Central and South America were one version, oh and there was that one in very rural Mozambique which was 4 thatched walls, strung together, and inside is no hole in the ground, yet just a pile of boulders, in which you have to step on top of other people’s business and find a spot to do your business – and being the only foreign person these people have ever seen, you have a whole village just stand there watching you go inside and do your thing. Of course I maintained my classy composure, did it like a rockstar(literally rock-star), while smiling and waving at everyone while I entered and then preceded to try my best to hover over these rocks that you would rather not step on. When in Africa…. Sounds like pretty pleasant experiences don’t they?! They definitely weren’t the most glamorous loos that I have ever had the pleasure of using, nor did they smell like a bouquet of roses that some hunk bought me. Trust me that’s only a couple of many outhouse stories.
Of course I prefer porcelain and marble, however in some circumstances, you just ain’t got that option – and if there is one thing that I am, it’s Adaptable. Whether I enjoy the experience or not, its still an experience that I am alive to feel, so I always maintain a smile, and a good sense of humor to the best of my ability.
So here I was yesterday morning, on my 15 hour drive from Northwest Territories to Calgary, in – 30 c weather, and ridiculously icy road conditions, when nature decided to call.
I should know better then to drink a coffee and a tea directly before hitting the highway, as there isn’t much of anything for the first few hours of the drive.
The first road side turn out with an out house that I came across and I immediately pulled over to try and answer natures call…..
Holy geez! Someone did their business all over the toilet seat rather then inside, and it was -30 so it was frozen to the seat. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty – and I could darn well hold it and give nature a busy signal.
40 km later, and I reached the NWT/Alberta boarder, where there happened to be another outhouse. I pulled over once again, jumped out, looked inside, and was once again flabbergast at what I saw. Are you freaken kidding me?! Is it the new in thing to use the toilet seat rather then the toilet hole? Is there some sort of stomach bug in the area? So many questions. Yet I couldn’t stand looking at the sight, so I put nature on hold once again and hit the road. You and I both know, nature does not like being put on hold, and she was getting a bit antsy and starting kicking me in the bladder. Ok, ok, I promise not to ingest so many liquids before my road trips in the future.
20 kms down the road again, and I came up to a little place called Indian Cabins, where you get snacks and cheap alcohol in the middle of nowhere.
I seen the frozen out house and instead of going inside to see if they had a nice warm ladies room, ‘as there just wasn’t time for that’, I went straight to the outhouse and answered the call. I mean third times a charm right?
Mother nature was peeved though, and not so charming this time around. As soon as I found my relief and went to vacate the stall, I realized I was locked in. What the!? There is no way this is happening I thought. I rattled the door knob, and to no avail…. I kicked the door a couple times… Wearing my sneaker wedges weren’t exactly the most ideal for the job. I rattled the knob and pushed the door at the same time… Well it didn’t take me long to realize that Nature was obviously pissed at me, and was trying to hold me captive! In such brutally cold conditions, and not having mitts a hat, or proper boots, I could feel frosty starting to bite at my toes.
I dug in my jacket pockets and all I had with me was my car keys, and my bottle of Abundance essential oil…. I started calling for help, knowing that the one person that was inside would never hear me, and in that kind of weather people don’t go outside unless they have too. I also contemplated inhaling my abundance oil, although I wasn’t sure what kind of abundance it would bring me in that moment, but it would never fail to be relaxing.
So on to Plan B, ‘Survival of the fittest’
I am pretty quick thinker, and I do have loads of wilderness first aid and survival training… So, I stayed calm, and rationally assessed my situation. Freaken Petrena…. How do you find yourself in these places. Here are the three steps I took, to free myself from Natures cold ass cage.
Step 1 – Call for help, I mean even if no one can here you. Call your little heart out. Not to mention it keeps your blood pumping, which keeps you warm, and keeps your vocals singing. Its darn cold outside, and I was about to turn into an ice princess. I have too many ambitions in life for that shit.
Step 2 – Use whatever you have in your pockets as a tool to help you. I realized that on my keys was the car alarm!! I know whomever was inside would never hear me calling for help, but perhaps they would hear the car alarm. So I sounded the high alarm! It would only go off for about 5 minutes at a time before I would have to press the button again, but I wasn’t giving up.
Step 3 – Look at other ways of escaping. Seeing as how my super human strength wasn’t happening when I tried to kick the door down, I looked up and seen there was a bit of openings going over to the other side. It was quite high, but I tried my best to shimmy up. I realized I could probably do it, I would have had to kick off my wedge heels though, and then figure out how I would get down on the other side without breaking a leg on the 6 foot drop. So I decided to wait it out bit longer before that attempt at being in Cirque De Solier.
45 minutes later, I was starting to lose hope and body heat…. But it was in that moment I heard someone come outside, and boot steps coming towards me. It’s always in the moment where you feel like you hit rock bottom that something amazing happens.
A man got to the door, unlocked it, opened it, and said, ‘What are you doing locked in the outhouse?!’
Oh you know, I was just hanging out for some shits and giggles, no big deal. Who doesn’t like a good outhouse sesh? NOT! Clearly I had to pee like a race horse and ran into the first clean looking outhouse I could find. Although sarcasm aside, he was my night in shining armor, and I wanted to through my arms around him and thank him for saving my life. I didn’t though. I mean I did thank him, but I also kept my classy composure, and hands to myself.
He told me maybe I should go inside and freshen up in the nice warm washroom. Oh Petrena, you silly silly women, you shud have followed your gut in the beginning when it told you to go inside and look for a warm ladies room.
Moral of the story: Always listen to your gut – and when you fail to do that, then, be a survivor in the most awesome fashion possible. An hour behind schedule, but I was back on the open road of adventure, and I have finally arrived in Calgary!
So here you go, keep this trusty little step-by-step guide handy to get yourself out of being locked in an outhouse, or you can use this guide to not do what I did, and just don’t get yourself locked in a darn outhouse.
Happy road tripping days!
Fishing, beers and bonfires North of 60.
Fishing, one of my favorite lifelong past times(well so is beers, and bonfires actually). From playing the card game ‘Go Fish’ from as early as I could master the art of cards, to fishing my little heart out on the Hay River and Great Slave lake in Northwest Territories, Canada- from as early as I could master the art of operating a fishing rod.
Yes, with all that experience under my belt – you could basically call me a pro. An extremely amateur pro that is. You can be whatever you want! So today for me, amateur fishing pro it is.
A few months ago, I was invited to go on the fishing trip of a lifetime. Seriously it had always been a dream of mine to go to a remote fly-in fishing lodge. Long behold, that dream became reality this past summer, and it was just as amazing as I had imagined. Heck yes it was. Lucky ass! I have my moments anyways. Don’t we all?!
I flew from Yellowknife NWT, on a float plane all the way to Gordon’s Lake, NWT – where Sandy Point Fishing Lodge was awaiting my long overdue arrival. Just thinking back to it brings a massive smile to my face. I want to do it all over again!! It was a remote weekend full of endless laughter, incredible fishing, ridiculously good food, a bear finding us all, hot tubbing, and campfire stories. EPIC, is the short way to sum it up. I wrote about the experience in this little article below.
https://apursuitoflife.com/2015/07/14/sportfishinglodgenwt/
Since then, I collaborated a video from the trip(yes I now do films), and I wanted to share it with all you wonderful people! So please, pop some popcorn, sit back and get comfy and enjoy the next ‘not quite’ 7 minutes of entertainment.
If you are ever up for a fishing trip adventure of a life time, then I say you should darn well go to this exact lodge! The owners are fantastic and provide their guests with an absolutely unforgettable adventure of grand proportions. I also left with a parting gift of a grand hangover…. It’s not my fault beers, fishing, and camp fires go so well together. Don’t you just love a good adventure?!
Sports fishing like a rockstar at a remote NWT fishing lodge.
So what do you do when you are invited on a fishing trip of a lifetime up high in Northern Canada?! Well….. YOU GO! You freaken go. So off I went. The destination was Sandy Point Fishing Lodge on Gordon Lake, NWT. A wonderful place full of lake Trout just waiting to be reeled in. The adventure began in Yellowknife, NWT – Where we we were to hop on an Air Tindi float plane and hit the skies en route to the lake.
After packing my bags, and having a late night of live tunes on the beach back in Hay River, NWT, I packed up my car and cruised on outta there at 6 am to undertake the 5 hour drive to Yellowknife to get to the Air Tindi airport for our 12:30pm departure. Tired? Yes extremely. Was the love music worth it?! Heck yes! Missing this trip of a lifetime?! I think not!
Awaiting my arrival at the Air Tindi float base was my fabulous friend Michelle. Just as eager and excited for the fishing excursion as I was. We were exuding it completely.
The float plane ride itself was something I was looking forward to. Having only been on a float plane once before in my life, and that was about 20 years ago, it’s still quite the novelty. So that being said, it was like a first time all over again.
Like a kid in a candy store. It was fun though, and I loved every second of it. The flight was only about 30 minutes. 30 minutes of pure bliss on the ol’ eyeballs.
Any of you who read my posts previously, know that I have a massive soft spot for my home turf of Northwest Territories – It has an untouched beauty like none other. An endless feast for the eyes.
As per usual, I went on this trip with no expectations, nor even a small mental picture of what this lodge was going to look like like. That didn’t matter though, I already knew in my gut that it was going to be absolutely incredible. I love adventures like that. When you have no expectations, because it always turns out even that much better then you could have ever imagined anyways.
Hello Sandy Point Lodge!!
Serene, tranquil, stunning, and blissful, are just a few words I would use to describe my initial feel and impression of the spectacular place. Ok, and let’s not forget, undeniably freaken amazing!!! This trip was already rocking my world.
The Cabins are very well put together, super clean, welcoming, and comfortable. All the luxuries and amenities you could want while in the middle of the real rugged North Country, and a little more.
Just up the beach is the main lodge, where you can hang out, bask in the view, and enjoy all the delectable home cooked meals that are prepared and served by the on site chef.
He really did create some darn delicious eats and treats. And had an array of them awaiting us when we got there.
After we all had to sign our waivers and listened to the orientation of how we were to undertake navigating the lake, and catching our prized lake trout, we were ready for action.
Accompanied by Brandon, our incredibly helpful and knowledgeable guide for the afternoon, we got geared up and onto the boat.
Once we were good to go, we cruised out to find a prime location where they knew there would be fish, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.
Received a run down of how to do everything.
Then it was our turn. We attached our bait, and dropped our lines.
Oh and let’s not forget – it was a MUST to crack a cold one.
Well I suppose we didn’t really drop our lines, more like pulled out line 40 arm lengths of line, and let it go into the depths.
For some reason lake trout love me?! And I was getting bite after bite. Well I can’t blame them, I do drop some mighty fine bait.
But seriously, every time I dropped my line, within minutes I had another bit. I was loving life!!! A fisher women’s dream.
It’s not out of the ordinary to catch 25 pounders plus!
This time around though we were only getting the 5 pounders. Although they were still little beauty’s. Sometimes though, these cheeky little lake Trout, would just nibble on our bait! Leaving there little jaw’s of life marks.
After hours of fishing like rock stars, we went back to the lodge for dinner with the crew, and then decided it was time to hot tub! As if things couldn’t get more epic… We had a hot tub that had a 360 degree view of pure paradise.
Michelle and I made a few towel wrapped runs to top up on Vino. Just when you think you grabbed enough – it was suddenly all gone! Hot tub party rockers, and we made good use of the hot tub until we were all pruned up. It was one of those times when you just never want to get out. Until you realize it’s almost 3 am.
Day 2 started off just ridiculously awesome. Baileys and coffee back in the Lodge with a spectacular view. A treat for the eyes, and a party in our mouths.
Being trained up so well by Brandon the day before, our confidence was at its max, and Michelle and I took out our own boat for some rock star fishing adventures.
Things were motoring along quite amazingly, and then I had a bite!! Oh heck yes!
After proudly reeling in my prize and deciding he was a beauty to keep – all my excitement turned in to sheer horror upon realizing we forgot the wacking tool, and the paddles were too long and awkward, and my little fish friend was suffering. That’s exactly the moment my animal loving instincts kicked in(I even let spiders out of my house), and I started panicking. ‘Oh my god, he is suffering!’ as I jumped around the boat looking for something to get the job done swiftly and quickly. ‘This is inhumane!’, ‘I love animals!’, ‘I can’t watch him suffer!’, ‘ I am sorry fish! I meant for this to be a lot quicker!’, were just some of the things I was borderline squeezing, in an on the edge of hysterical tone. In the mean time everyone on the other boats could only see two ladies freaking out with their catch, and each one of them grabbing the radio’s to say, ‘Come on girls, use the paddle!!’ Finally, Michelle was able to get the job done with a paddle.
Horrified and relieved at the same time, we thought maybe our fishing was finished for the day and decided to slowly make our way back to the lodge. I couldn’t help but laugh my ass off at myself, and my nature loving instinct reaction. After the fact it provided some good laughs! Too bad I didn’t have that on camera. Would have been a knee slapper for freaken sure.
Soooo, let’s just head back and get ready for dinner shall we?!
Back at the lodge after dinner, one of the guests notice a bear across the water. It was all alarms sounding. Time to be ‘Bear-aware’. It was only going to be a matter of time before the bear made his way over. He would absolutely follow his nose. With that, it meant – no hot tubbin’. Dang! Oh well, plan B it was then. Time for a good ol’ shindig around the bonfire.
The whole group of us were out there, endlessly laughing, and also playing some campfire games. Who doesn’t love a campfire game?
Todd was on bear watch to protect the camp.
And yes, later on into the evening the bear did show up, but was spotted right away, and Troy was able to scare him off, and the party continued.
Feeing pretty spent by day 3 we didn’t end up making it out for a last fishing excursion. Instead we just enjoyed the beautiful day at camp until our afternoon flight back to YK.
The scenery on the flight back to Yellowknife, was equally as breath taking as the way there.
That trip was not only a massive check off my list in life, as I always wanted to goto a remote fishing lodge, but Sandy Point Lodge gets 5 stars from me for sure. With incredible staff, outstanding amenities, world class fishing, and stunning scenery, I would book another trip there in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for a trip of a lifetime experience.
Now it was time to haul ass back to Hay River to pack up for my next adventure. Road trippin’ across British Columbia. Let’s go!!
Wining and dining on the deck.
Do you ever just get the urge to prepare a beautiful, healthy, love filled dinner at home? Well I know I do. As it often does – the mood to hang out with my little inner chef struck me. So I did what any person would do in that situation; I voyaged straight to the grocery store to stock up on some goodies to wow myself with.
Nothing too fancy and crazy. Just a nice veggie dish is what I was feelin’. In my mind I had decided I would make a Veggie Lasagna, accompanied with a Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Quinoa side dish. Once I was done perusing the store I ended up with Zucchini, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Eggplant, Spaghetti Squash, Ricotta, and some Tomato paste. Upon returning to my little Zen pad, I opened the deep freeze and took out some northern mushrooms, that were literally picked in my back yard. Ummmm, did I mention – they are darn delicious!! Every time I return to Northern Canada, I always look forward to chowing on some delectable local mushies. I Grabbed the quinoa from the cupboard, and was ready to rock and roll. In order to do that though I needed music, so I got some toe tappin’ tunes going. Music always makes things more fun. I can’t imagine my every day life without it.
There is nothing like eating healthy. It just makes your mind, body, and soul, so freaken happy and rejuvenated. Fueling my body to be it’s best.
Prior to my prep work I cut the Spaghetti Squash in half, drizzled olive oil on it and a wee bit of sea salt, and put er’ in the oven to roast, while also getting the quinoa cooking. I sliced up all the veggie’s, after which I salted the zucchini slices to get some of the water out of them. Otherwise it all comes out when it’s baking, and then you have to drain it, and well, with that also drains flavor…. So yes, I salted those bad boys and let them sit for a bit before I dried them with paper towel.
I spread tomato paste on the bottom of the baking dish, and started to layer the vegetables, adding a nice layer of ricotta cheese in the middle.
I made two layers of each veg, drizzled it with olive oil and topped it with a bit of grated marble cheese.
Swapped out the squash from the oven with the veggie dish.
Baked it at 400 degrees for about an hour – and Voila!! Behold a veggie lasagna.
I was having issues getting the sweet potato to stay on the top as the dish wasn’t quite deep enough. I pulled it together the best I could though. As you do.
Front deck ambiance? Or back deck ambiance? Decisions, decisions. After a coin toss with myself, it was front deck action that was in order. I checked my watch, and it just so happened to be Wine O’clock. Well look what time it is?? Being known for always being prepared for anything, I had a wine for exactly that time. The wine of choice was of course Canadian, as I always drink locally no matter where in the world I am.
The wine was a delightful Pinot Grigio, with notes of peach and apple, and the name was literally Wine O’clock. One of the best times, if I do say so myself.
I set the table, and it was show time!
Who needs to go for dinner when you got it all in your own yard. What time are you coming over?
Northwest Territories Kayaking Adventures.
Being outdoors, and kicken it with mother nature – is forever one of the best places to be. Not to mention the beauty up in Northern Canada is endless. With the sun shining high on this glorious Sunday Funday, and the water flowing ever so beautifully on the Hay River, there was just no other way. This wasn’t a cross road, the sign pointed in one direction, and was clear on what to do. It read, ‘Get your asses into your kayak’s and down the relaxing, and soul soothing river’.
‘Alrighty then’, we thought. Seeing as how the sign was loud and clear, we suited up in the finest kayaking apparel we could find.
Proceeded to load our kayak’s into the truck.
We then hit the road and cruised like rock stars,
Venturing straight to the the starting point where we intended to begin our escapades.
It was an absolutely incredible day on the water. Even better was that there were NO bugs! The NWT is notorious for the insane amounts of bugs in the summer. Something you never really get used to, you just have no choice but to become accustomed to it – or you would end up hiding out in your shelter all summer. Ummm, no thank you. I would rather suffer a little to enjoy ALOT! This year is off to a pretty darn good not to buggy summer start though, so I am enjoying every minute of it before they take over the show.
Once we got our sweet ass Kayak’s in the water, had a quick team chat(oh, and a good ol’ Canadian beer, drinking locally made products no matter where in the world I am) – we were off to be enchanted with our afternoon excitement of being awesome. No big deal. Why do anything else really?
I never tire of the stunning Northern scenery, and never fail to be totally impressed and engrossed by it all. It’s just so freaken great. It is not uncommon to see wildlife on the sides of the river. Alas, today though, there was none out and about to be admired.
The only thing we forgot this time was to bring some snacks. We were just too dang excited to get on the water. Our stomachs did give each of us a reminder of being forgotten though! Note to self: the next time you go out to for physical adventures, bring some sort of fuel other then beer. Not that it wasn’t darn delicious and refreshing though. However, this kayaking day was just a warm up for some much longer trips. So being prepared will be key.
A few hours and a few team chats later….. 
And we reached our destination point. Feeling incredible and riding our high from a chart topper of a nature packed afternoon paired with some physical activity, we pulled our kayak’s out of the water, and gave them a nice shady resting place while we waited for a ride to come pick us up.
After just another epic day of loving life, and embracing a beautiful day of endless laughter and being awesome, we took it up to the next level. Or put that cherry on top so to say.
A very palette friendly Canadian Vino, baked Brie, Olives, and Dips – and life couldn’t get much better. That is a pretty fantastic Sunday afternoon with a blissfully beautiful finish if you ask me. It has my stamp of recommendation, that’s for darn sure. Wouldn’t you agree?
A Pursuit of Life - Barefoot& High Heeled 