4 minute read
Returning Home 30 Years Later
Freelance with Erica Henault
Erica Henault’s career was in health care, as a dental hygienist. She has always been a writer and a photographer. Erica moved to the Yukon when she was 19, where she met her husband. They moved to Vancouver Island, 30 years ago, where they continue their love of camping, new adventures and exploring the beautiful outdoors. The breathtaking Yukon Territory is still the place they call home.
THIRTY YEARS LATER—RETURNING HOME TO THE YUKON
Tears streamed down my face as our airplane began its descent, preparing to land at the Whitehorse airport
Passengers glanced over at me and then quickly glanced away. They likely thought I was visiting someone who was seriously ill, or that a loved one had died. It was actually the opposite … I was beyond excited and happy to finally return to the place I call home.
I wrote a story called “Sliding Doors” (published in the What’s Up Yukon January 16, 2019, issue), where I described how a splitsecond decision to visit Whitehorse instead of Yellowknife, at the age of 19, changed the course of my life forever. I fell in love with the breathtaking Yukon Territory, one of the most-beautiful places on our planet. And I met and fell in love with my husband.
Erica and their dog, Tanya. They often camped and explored around Dawson City. circa late 1970’s
Three decades later …
My husband and I picked up the RV we had rented for the month of September. We were excited to begin our long-anticipated vacation to the place that held such special memories for us. This was to be our first trip back to the beautiful Yukon Territory after 30 years.
Week One
Our first stop was to visit a house on Wood Street. I knew it was still standing (thanks to the magic of the internet and Google Earth). This house was the home we had shared for almost four years. We have many special memories of living there, including the day we were married in the living room.
My husband and I were visibly moved as we walked around the outside of the house. I wanted to ask the owners whether we could take a look inside, yet it appeared that no one was home.
Our next stop was the movie theatre, also on Wood Street. We used to walk to this theatre frequently. I still recall watching Carrie—and my husband jumping out of his chair at a specific scene. Our dog Tanya would sit patiently, waiting outside of the theatre until the movie was finished.
We walked to Main Street and immediately headed to the Scotia Bank, where my husband and I first met. My husband had been transferred here the same month I began my summer job. We continued walking around the downtown core, curious to see what had changed in the past three decades.
Ron Hurry, a talented goldsmith, no longer lived in Whitehorse. He designed and created my engagement ring and our wedding bands. He based those designs on sketches that my husband drew, which were inspired by the Yukon Rose.
We explored many fun and interesting places over the next few days. We hiked along the easily accessible Millennium Trail and were awestruck by the stunning views at Miles Canyon. We toured the S.S. Klondike, learning more about the fascinating history of sternwheelers that ran freight PHOTOS: Erica Henault Erica and Chuck getting married in their living room in their house on Wood Street, Whitehorse, November 1978
Their dog, Tanya, posing for the photo op. In the backyard of their house on Wood Street, Whitehorse, circa late 1970s
between Whitehorse and Dawson City.
We were impressed by the wellmaintained attractions, by the signs with detailed descriptions, and by the thriving community. We ran across helpful, friendly people (a common occurrence during our month in the Yukon).
We ended the first week by soaking in the natural hot-springs at the (then) Takhini Hot Springs Campground. Pure bliss!
Camping Adventures
We were excited to return to some of our favourite camping, hiking and fishing areas, so we headed south to the Tarfu, Snafu and Atlin lakes. We have fond memories of camping there on weekends when we used to live in Whitehorse. We always caught plenty of northern pike, Arctic grayling and lake trout.
We stopped often to take photos and capture the spectacular, diverse scenery along the way. We saw bears on the side of the road and gave them a wide berth
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