July 10, 2023: Nahanni Butte

I just saw a bear! It was a junior black bear, walking upstream along the bank across the river. He was in view for maybe 5 minutes, then back into the trees.

The bear!

Last night there were odd sounds - a high-pitched screech and low moan. Maegan says it was the Common Nighthawk - most of us thought it was some combination of a bird and a bison. [Addendum: The low moan is made by the males when displaying, by air rushing through their feathers!]

We packed up for the last time, and were ready just in time for our pick-up by the two boats from Nahanni Butte. It was an interesting change to go fast in a power boat, but not as pleasant or comfy as our rafts (we were sitting on a metal floor, and the breeze was strong and cold). Once in the village we waited for the rest of the gear and our guides to catch up.

In all our time on the river we only saw two other small groups - a couple, and a family of four - the family also camped at the same site as us at The Gate. It is an amazing gift to experience such a beautiful landscape in such peace and solitude.

Nahanni Butte

Obligatory big chair photo

A sculpture of the Butte that aligns with the view of the mountain

We played cards (Sushi Go), checked out the school playground, looked through the small general store (an even smaller selection than Byers, the general store in my local village of LaSalette when growing up), and had snacks. Then we had another quick boat ride across the river to the road, where Mike from the Lady Slipper Inn drove us back in a van. It was quite smoky all the way back to Fort Simpson. I think we all napped on the ride. 

A feisty chihuahua who both wanted to meet us, and maybe bite us

Fast slide!

Kendra teaches Miles how to tap dance

One last boat ride - the ferry across the river to Fort Simpson

It was exciting to finally shower and feel dust-free after the last few hot, dry days at sandy campsites.

We all relished the dinner of fresh foods (BBQ chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, and salad) - a welcome change from the end-of-camping meals consisting largely of dried/freeze-dried ingredients. Then we gathered around to share our most meaningful thoughts about the trip. Many of us cried - it was surprisingly powerful. Even the tough times (Ant camp) were valued, with the hardships binding us together.

Then a quick breather with a roll down the grassy lawn before a late bedtime - we have an early wake-up tomorrow to catch our flights home.

Lawn rolling under the reddish haze of the smoky sun, about 11:30 pm at "night"







 


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