We arrived in Fort Providence around 7 last night after crossing over the Mackenzie River Ice Bridge; scenes from ice road truckers flashing through our heads. We made our way through the bustling metropolis to our friend Kari’s house who we both know from high school but neither has seen for almost 9 years!
Fort Providence has a population of 800, and it just so happened to be hosting their yearly hockey tournament this weekend. Five teams from the surrounding region came to play, though by the time we arrived at least one of them had been kicked out of their hotel, due to unruly behaviour.
We headed straight out to catch the second period of the fort Smith Playing Fort Simpson in the local arena, standing room only! By the end of the period Fort Simpson (the team we were told we were to cheer for) was firmly in the lead with a score of 4-1; so we headed for the Snowshoe Hotel to have a beer and catch up. As the only local source of beer, their off sale price comes in a little steep at $40 buck for a 12 pack. Obviously not a cheap pastime!
After a beer and some blaring music we headed back to Kari’s to get ready for the dance taking place that evening. The entire town and there friends from surrounding communities had come down for the event, minus the children.
The Dance was held at the community hall that is attached to the hockey arena. A local celebrity Jonny (?) and his band were playing live country music and the whole place was up on the dance floor, two-stepping along. Pete was kept busy by Kari’s mum and her friends dancing away most of the night. While I was in the bathroom with “Buddy” doing shots of 83, the local drink of choice. Pretty solid night!!!! A little too solid as we had planned to be out of town by sunrise…….oh well that’s what this trip is all about… The dance ended with a final song “Nahani Hey Hey” a Jonny original where everyone joined hands and danced in a large circle, a very cool experience to be included in.
This morning we woke up after a comfortable night indoors. I was able to score a real bed, while Pete took up residence on the living room couch. We ate some oatmeal, boiled water for tea, took a few pictures in the daylight with Kari to commemorate our visit. We then made our way back across the ice bridge out of town.
A big THANK YOU to Kari and her Mum for their hospitality and welcoming us into their amazing community. Their house is amazing, walking out the front door you sand no more than 20 meters from the bank of the Mackenzie River. In the evening looking up you are greeted by the sight of Orion sparkling above in the crisp northern sky… simply stunning!!!
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hey Guys, hope the trip is going well! It was fantastic to reunite & show you a bit of my hometown! You guys are always welcome!!! P.S. The singer's name is Johnny Landry! Travel safe!
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