After reviewing our photos, and making notes in my journal I am still in amazement at the awesome experiences we had this past month. From the flight in on a deHavilland Beaver float plane, through portaging past the Sluicebox Rapids and Virginia Falls into 4 distinct canyons to paddling along the confluence of the Nahanni and Liard rivers there were sights to behold and challenges to overcome.



Our views ranged from expansive open sky with near-limitless visibility to towering rock walls rising straight up on either side of us, the features of the canyons enrapturing us. We were fortunate to have blue skies most days, although watching the weather- clouds, wind and skies - near and far, changing and still, was fascinating.



All of us worked when necessary to travel this big river. Both kids hauled gear on 2 portages without complaint; they knew what had to be done, and pitched right in. David is a great portager- he cheerfully carried many loads. We all paddled. Alex and Maddie especially were strong bow paddlers for the Burnett's inflatable canoe, and even had a girls-only time! James was responsible for most of the water purifying and latrine digging - not the most glamorous jobs, but essential to everyone. A lot of my work was done ahead: planning, preparing and packaging meals and snacks, and compiling gear and clothes.



Eighteen days on the river went surprisingly fast. Every day offered its own delights and difficulties. Our family and our group came together in subtle and obvious ways. What can't be shared when we all know what a visit to the biffy exposes each of us to? Lots of laughs and knowing looks at all sorts of situations. And it's not everyone who can paddle this river as we did, supported only by each other. A strong feeling of accomplishment followed every day; we were so proud of each other for being there.



A few other highlights: wildlife (4-5 bear sightings, moose beside our beached canoes, Dahl's sheep, many beavers and signs of grizzly, wolf and caribou), 2 hotsprings, lake swims, slot canyon potholes swimming, hiking, finding fossils, fresh fish appetizers, delicious meals and hearty appetites, story times, float times, paddling like mad through rapids, night-time thunder and lightning storms, sailing with a tarp, friendly fellow-adventurers, gathering by the firebox.



Glad to be back home, with a full fridge of fresh fruit and vegetables, cold milk, and bathrooms with hot water and flush toilets (basic luxuries!). But now each of us has the Nahanni and its wilderness as an indelible image within - making us better connected to each other and to the magnificence of the Northern world.