Mountain gets new mountainbike trails

Great assignment for CBC this week: Visiting Trail Builders as they worked to spruce up Mount Sima.

The Whitehorse ski and snowboard hill is doing more to welcome mountain bikes, as it would be a source of business in the summer. (The hill’s chairlift can carry bikes!)

A program called Singletrack To Success started in Carcross Yukon, adn hires local young people to build and maintain trails.

It’s tough work, satisfying work, and builds sustainable eco-tourism.

Wildfire prevention begins early

The snow has melted early this year and conditions are dry. As a result Yukon Wildland Fire Management and the City of Whitehorse have begun preventative work about three weeks early.

Firefighters are here shown burning patches of dry grass alongside Long Lake Road, as part of work to create barriers to wildfires.

It’s melting early this year

Observe the Yukon River melting surprisingly early this year. Today laughed as I heard an ad on the radio saying “yeeeee we did it Yukon! Another winter is done.”

Company of the White Wolf

There are all kinds of hobby groups in Yukon. The Company of the White Wolf, based in Mayo, does sparring wearing medieval armour.

They had a demonstration outside at this year’s Sourdough Rendezvous.

Frosty Carcross

A beautiful day in Carcross Yukon, as the community’s bright colours are covered with spiky frost.

Elk alongside the road

These animals belong to the Braeburn Elk herd.

The species was first introduced when 19 Elk were transferred from Elk Island National Park and released near Braeburn Lake in 1951. Today there is a herd of about 70 animals that roams around.

Notice the tracking collars and ear tags here.

Beautiful coyote on the lake

This healthy-looking coyote was walking across Nares lake in Carcross. I lost sight of it  for a moment when I went to get my camera, then it popped up again close, looking at me with curiosity.

Frosty prospector

This Whitehorse statue is dedicated to “all those who follow their dream.”
It takes on a special character when the frost hits the metal.

Caribou on the Alaska Highway

While driving towards Watson Lake this week I spotted two caribou, which seemed to be licking the road.

They waited a little while before moving into the brush.

The wilderness city: Deer in Whitehorse

These two mule deer were having a look at the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse.