Life in a Northern Community

Upon my return from a holiday up north I realized how lucky I am to be part of the Yukon community. The sayings "you either love it or hate it" and "it captures your soul" are really true. I guess Iam one of those who love the place as it has been my home for nearly ten years now and it is more home to me than the sunny Okanagan valley I grew up in.



When you live in the north it is very easy to become part and really feel part of your community. It is all around you, from the small grocery stores to the 24hour riverside corner store, to the riverside trails, to the numerous venues for voluteering. When I lived in Dawson City I became part of that community and was welcomed with open arms. I guess the cold weather and smallness of the place really make people open to strangers.



I have never been in a place since where some of the main community services, such as ambulance and fire departments are all run by volunteers. This really creates a sense of place and concern for those who live where you do. Not only do you know your neighbour, you may have to rush him to the hospital when he's had a heart attack or protect his house from burning down.



These northern communities are often very transient, young people rush in in the summer to work at the local hotels, coffee shops and volunteer at the local music festivals. Yet the "sourdough" locals are used to this.........I think you have to be a special kind of character to purposely choose to sustain yourself on the cycle between very busy 24hour light summers to very slow, cold and dark winters. Because yes - the north really does only have two seasons - 4 months of summer and 8 months of winter :)



And I guess that makes me one of those of characters ;)



I have many more thoughts to add to this........more to come later!