Ted Harrison

Ted Harrison, whose colourful paintings depict rugged landscapes from Canada's North, who, by the way is celebrating his 83rd birthday today, is in Whitehorse this week with the launch of his official biography which took place at the Yukon Art Centre on Wednesday. His book was available there as well as a short dvd on his work, a panel consisting of the aurthor as well as Ted, who answered questions and a bar-b-que feast for all the guests.

Ted Harrison: Painting Paradise by Katherine Gibson chronicles the longtime Yukoner's life, from his humble beginnings in an English village to the 25 years he spent in the Yukon.

I've loved his paintings since I first set foot in the Yukon. Because I was moneyless (not poor) I didn't have the $200 to purchase his work at the time - if I had, I would own a masterpiece today. Ted was so cute when answering questions. If you know his work, his answers were very interesting. His favourite colour: aquamarine (you see it in all of his works), the little white dog was his dog who used to lie under his easle while he painted and he had him cremated. The black dog, also his dog that had to be put down due to illness. He was told in art school "never paint red and blue together" - he does that all the time now.

It was a pleasure the attend the launch of this book and see the "old Yukoner" once again.

Travelling through the eyes of another

My cousin, who has now finished his cruise and is taking a side trip in Alaska, took this photo this morning. What a site to behold first thing in the morning. Here's what he said:

I woke up today and went to get coffee in the main lodge and saw basking in early morning light Mount McKinley or as it is better known here in Alaska- Denali (the great One). At just over 20,000 feet it dwarfs the other mountains that stand at around 10,000 feet. Denali is over 40 miles away but it dominates the skyline.

Almost forgot to put this on my blog. This is for the Ancaster people as a reminder of what you miss when you do not come north for a visit. Bring back memories??

Rain Rain Go Away

Drove to Skagway Friday morning to meet my cousin who was making a stop there on his way to Whittier Alaska on a Princess Cruise Line. Unfortunately the weather was rainy, rainy so the drive there was a bit boring. Instead of mountains I saw rain clouds. The White Pass was extremely socked in, so the drive was very slow.

But, alas I arrived. The first thing we did was shop. His wife needed warmer clothing than she brought, so we went into a local sports store and she picked up a fleece vest and long sleeved shirt. Second thing we did was snack and drink coffee. Shop & eat, two of my favourite things!

Clouds or no clouds, we hopped on the White Pass & Yukon Route narrow gauge railroad (the one I used to be dispatcher for) and took the summit tour, which is a 3 hour ride from Skagway, elevation 0, up to the White Pass Summit, elevation 2865 feet or 888 metres (remember the fog I drove through up there ... yup, still the same unfortunately). The ride was still very interesting for the guests and below the summit, the scenery was visible.


They were travelling with friends so I flicked a pic in front of the parlor car we rode in. Made our way to the Red Onion Saloon - established in 1898, it was originally a dance hall and bordello - for appies and Alaskan Brewing Company refreshments.

We meandered over to our dinner spot via some shops (saw the $26,000 totem pole which was already purchased by some [rich] individual) and supped at The Starfire restaurant, the new Thai food eatery that everyone in Whitehorse is talking about - one word about that restaurant - EXCELLENT.

I then bade them farewell as they had to board their cruise ship and made my way back home. Interestingly for the first 110 km, the only things I saw were 2 bicycle riders, one black bear and one big rock in the middle of the road. I did have one truck pass me between Carcross and the Alaska Highway, but didn't really see cars till I hit the AK Hwy. Still raining but made it home safe and sound.