OK-I Probably Married the Right Woman

[Spock]

She has let me do the Africa thing 3 times AND she is seriously advocating for trip to Yellowknife, Northwest Territory, at the end of March, of all places and times, to see the northern Lights.

Yellowknife is one of my bucket list places to visit, but I would like to drive in the summer-this would be a flight which is very reasonable surprisingly. But, I guess beggars can't be choosers-LOL.

So what is there to do in Yellowknife, NWT, at the end of March? At least we would beat the summer tourist crowds (LOL).

[Bob Juch]

It's a cheap flight because no one wants to go there in March!

However, ChatGPT says:

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is an amazing destination at the end of March, offering unique activities and attractions that showcase the beauty of Canada’s North. Here’s what you can do:

### 1. **Aurora Viewing**
- Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to see the **Northern Lights**. By the end of March, the skies are often clear, and the aurora is still active.
- Options include:
- **Aurora Village:** Heated teepees, hot drinks, and a spectacular setting for aurora viewing.
- **Dog Sledding Aurora Tours:** Combine aurora viewing with a traditional winter activity.

### 2. **Dog Sledding**
- Experience traditional transportation of the North by taking a dog sledding tour. You'll dash across frozen lakes and through snow-covered forests. Local operators like **Beck's Kennels** or **Enodah Kennel Tours** provide guided trips.

### 3. **Ice Road Driving**
- Drive on the famous **Ice Roads**, including the one across Great Slave Lake. This thrilling experience offers breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.

### 4. **Snowmobiling**
- Rent a snowmobile or join a guided tour to explore the pristine wilderness surrounding Yellowknife.

### 5. **Winter Hiking or Fat Biking**
- The trails in **Fred Henne Territorial Park** or **Cameron Falls** are stunning during the late winter months, and March weather makes for great hiking or fat biking conditions.

### 6. **Ice Fishing**
- Try your hand at ice fishing on Great Slave Lake or nearby lakes. Guided experiences are available, or you can rent equipment if you’re comfortable going solo.

### 7. **Explore Old Town**
- Discover the charm of **Old Town**, with its quirky shops, unique art galleries, and restaurants. The famous **Bush Pilot’s Monument** offers panoramic views of Yellowknife.

### 8. **Indigenous Culture Experiences**
- Learn about local Indigenous traditions through cultural tours or workshops. Some experiences include storytelling, traditional drumming, and crafting.

### 9. **Snowcastle Festival on Great Slave Lake**
- If your visit overlaps with the festival's dates (typically late February to early March), enjoy a one-of-a-kind event featuring a **snow-built castle**, live music, art exhibits, and more.

### 10. **Visit Local Museums**
- The **Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre** offers insights into the history, culture, and wildlife of the Northwest Territories.

### What to Pack for Your Trip:
- Warm winter clothing, including insulated boots, snow pants, a parka, and mittens.
- Layers are essential for staying comfortable while spending long hours outdoors.

[tlynn78]

Appears to be quite a lot to do, and it would be a fascinating trip!

[Spock]

It's a cheap flight because no one wants to go there in March!

However, ChatGPT says:

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is an amazing destination at the end of March, offering unique activities and attractions that showcase the beauty of Canada’s North. Here’s what you can do:

### 1. **Aurora Viewing**
- Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to see the **Northern Lights**. By the end of March, the skies are often clear, and the aurora is still active.
- Options include:
- **Aurora Village:** Heated teepees, hot drinks, and a spectacular setting for aurora viewing.
- **Dog Sledding Aurora Tours:** Combine aurora viewing with a traditional winter activity.

### 2. **Dog Sledding**
- Experience traditional transportation of the North by taking a dog sledding tour. You'll dash across frozen lakes and through snow-covered forests. Local operators like **Beck's Kennels** or **Enodah Kennel Tours** provide guided trips.

### 3. **Ice Road Driving**
- Drive on the famous **Ice Roads**, including the one across Great Slave Lake. This thrilling experience offers breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.

### 4. **Snowmobiling**
- Rent a snowmobile or join a guided tour to explore the pristine wilderness surrounding Yellowknife.

### 5. **Winter Hiking or Fat Biking**
- The trails in **Fred Henne Territorial Park** or **Cameron Falls** are stunning during the late winter months, and March weather makes for great hiking or fat biking conditions.

### 6. **Ice Fishing**
- Try your hand at ice fishing on Great Slave Lake or nearby lakes. Guided experiences are available, or you can rent equipment if you’re comfortable going solo.

### 7. **Explore Old Town**
- Discover the charm of **Old Town**, with its quirky shops, unique art galleries, and restaurants. The famous **Bush Pilot’s Monument** offers panoramic views of Yellowknife.

### 8. **Indigenous Culture Experiences**
- Learn about local Indigenous traditions through cultural tours or workshops. Some experiences include storytelling, traditional drumming, and crafting.

### 9. **Snowcastle Festival on Great Slave Lake**
- If your visit overlaps with the festival's dates (typically late February to early March), enjoy a one-of-a-kind event featuring a **snow-built castle**, live music, art exhibits, and more.

### 10. **Visit Local Museums**
- The **Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre** offers insights into the history, culture, and wildlife of the Northwest Territories.

### What to Pack for Your Trip:
- Warm winter clothing, including insulated boots, snow pants, a parka, and mittens.
- Layers are essential for staying comfortable while spending long hours outdoors.

Yeah, without checking I had come up with the ice fishing on Great Slave Lake thing.

The funny part is that none of our friends would be surprised if this was our destination. After Africa, everybody kind of expects stuff like this from us and they would be disappointed if we did Mexico/Caribbean etc. LOL.

[Spock]

Well, she pulled a bait and switch on me.

Apparently, "WE" decided that Yellowknife in March might be a little too cold.

Instead, we are going to Scotland on a whisky and Highlands tour at the end of June.

8-day tour with the first half concentrating on Whisky-we get to go to the island of Islay where my favorite Scotches come from. Then the last half seems to be more of a tour of the Highlands. Ought to be beautiful there.

Hey, it is her Xmas bonus paying for this so this is on the docket. She is booking flights and such today.

Anybody been to Edinburgh? I am looking into the bookstores there as we will have most of a day there on the front and back end of the tour.

[Bob Juch]

Well, she pulled a bait and switch on me.

Apparently, "WE" decided that Yellowknife in March might be a little too cold.

Instead, we are going to Scotland on a whisky and Highlands tour at the end of June.

8-day tour with the first half concentrating on Whisky-we get to go to the island of Islay where my favorite Scotches come from. Then the last half seems to be more of a tour of the Highlands. Ought to be beautiful there.

Hey, it is her Xmas bonus paying for this so this is on the docket. She is booking flights and such today.

Anybody been to Edinburgh? I am looking into the bookstores there as we will have most of a day there on the front and back end of the tour.

Do you like Ardbeg Scotch?

[Spock]

Well, she pulled a bait and switch on me.

Apparently, "WE" decided that Yellowknife in March might be a little too cold.

Instead, we are going to Scotland on a whisky and Highlands tour at the end of June.

8-day tour with the first half concentrating on Whisky-we get to go to the island of Islay where my favorite Scotches come from. Then the last half seems to be more of a tour of the Highlands. Ought to be beautiful there.

Hey, it is her Xmas bonus paying for this so this is on the docket. She is booking flights and such today.

Anybody been to Edinburgh? I am looking into the bookstores there as we will have most of a day there on the front and back end of the tour.

Do you like Ardbeg Scotch?

Among others-Yes.

My personal favorite at this time is another Islay Scotch-"Port Charlotte 10-Year Heavily Peated."

[Bob Juch]

My wife, Linda Montgomery, traces her lineage back to her 6th-great-grandfather, John Montgomery, who was born in 1735 in Kildalton on the Isle of Islay. His mother, Anna Mary Sutherland, was the daughter of William Gordon Sutherland, Baron Strathnaver and the 17th Earl of Sutherland. John made his way to Virginia in 1738. Unfortunately, history remains silent on the crucial detail of how many barrels of Scotch accompanied him on the journey. Her father, John William Montgomery, was in The Battle of the Boyne.

[tlynn78]

Well, she pulled a bait and switch on me.

Apparently, "WE" decided that Yellowknife in March might be a little too cold.

Instead, we are going to Scotland on a whisky and Highlands tour at the end of June.

8-day tour with the first half concentrating on Whisky-we get to go to the island of Islay where my favorite Scotches come from. Then the last half seems to be more of a tour of the Highlands. Ought to be beautiful there.

Hey, it is her Xmas bonus paying for this so this is on the docket. She is booking flights and such today.

Anybody been to Edinburgh? I am looking into the bookstores there as we will have most of a day there on the front and back end of the tour.

LOL - Not too bad for a "second choice" Sounds pretty perfect.

[Spock]

I am going to have to reenact Ron Swanson's (Parks and Recreation) visit to the Isle of Islay where "God's Chosen Elixirs" are distilled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frbsZ8TGsX8

I have a bottle of Lagavulin 16 in my collection.

Nick Offerman who played Swanson is a big Lagavulin guy. Does commercials and such for them. He was a Lagavulin guy well before fame (such as it is) struck him.

[Spock]

Re-Scotland

We have most of one day in Edinburgh before our 8 day tour.

We figure on going to Edinburgh Castle and Armchair Antiquarian Books-which is reasonably close to the castle.

Then we have the 8-day tour-on which we are limited to 44 pounds of luggage each.

Hence, I am only bringing one book (or 2 really light ones) and I am 90% sure that I am bringing Malcolm Muggeridge's "Chronicle of Wasted Time"-otherwise it will 2 of the Patrick Leigh Fermor trilogy (very light books) about his travels through Europe-pre WW2.

That way I might have a little leeway for book purchases at Armchair or other places,

[mellytu74]

Sounds like a marvelous trip!!!

[mellytu74]

Sounds like a marvelous trip!!!

[Spock]

Sounds like a marvelous trip!!!

Have you been to Scotland? IIRC-I seem to remember that you went to France.

Oddly enough, as with the Africa trips-the last 2 weeks of June are about the easiest time to be gone from the farm. Between first and second crops of hay. Crops should all be planted and cattle out on the big pasture.