Tick, tock...

...goes the countdown clock! Less than a week left in the Yukon. I feel a bit panicked, yet I know that if I forget anything, I still have three weeks on the Island to finish things off. But I have to sort out the rest of my life up here - little things like closing a bank account, sorting my clothes (and various assorted...stuff...), packing, re-packing and then doing it again. And the big things like visiting with my friends. I have an extraordinary group up here, diverse and joyful and kind - I sometimes feel they're more than I deserve. I'll shortly be exchanging visits with them with visits with my diverse, fun, kind, and amazing friends down south. Spending time with all of my favourite people before I go is definitely the right thing to do.

Despite all these endings, it doesn't feel "final." I'm taking that as a good sign, as I don't believe I won't be back in the Yukon. Its fingers are too tightly wound around my heart to let go for good. I'm taking memories with me - the words and encouragement of my friends, artwork, photos, memories - I won't forget, but it won't quite be the same.

I'm just feeling a bit reflective, but funnily enough, despite taking the last few days to take more photos and whatnot, I'm not leaving with any regrets! Not everyone has the privilege of living in this beautiful place (not everyone can or wants to), so I feel extraordinarily lucky to have lived here for as long as I have. It's been good to me in many ways, and while I feel a little envious that others will be staying, I'm also ready to make this leap, wherever it takes me. I can't not follow this urge or I know I'll regret it.

And no more regrets! :)

The Whitehorse Horse, overlooking the city in the Whitehorse valley below.

Beautiful fall colours. It's been a wonderful fall season.