July 2, 2006

Only a few more days in our fly camp and then we get a few days off before moving to our next camp. Things have gone well work-wise. We are well ahead of schedule (despite the weather) and should have no problem getting everything accomplished that the company wants. We’ve walked over a lot of ground here and sampled quite a bit. There are some beautiful mineral occurrences, both economic and not. The last few days have consisted of us getting completely drenched while the local sheep laugh at us (I think they know more about the rocks than we do!). They make going up the hills here look pretty easy. We’ve gotten ourselves into a few tight situations here, mostly in trying to follow creeks. The last one we were trying to get down ended up being choked by ice, with water rushing underneath over a waterfall. So we scaled a few ledges and up a 60 degree slope to get out. And always the sheep are laughing.

We have also been spending a lot of time at another property, just a half hour helicopter flight away. Mostly we just prospect (hit lots of rocks) and silt sample there; due to the enormous size of the area.

This camp is astonishingly beautiful (when we can see the mountains!) so it’s a little sad to leave it. There is a lot to look forward to though. My days off should be fantastic. I had originally hoped to spend some time in Mayo with friends and family on my own, but somehow Mike managed to get the same days off, which is unexpected and so exciting. Before this development I wasn’t sure that I would see him at all before I left for our new camp. I can’t wait!

The new place we are going to is on the North Canol Road, just over the border in the NWT. We’re staying in a lodge the whole time. Maybe I’ll be able to stand up to put my pants on in the morning now! We’re all looking forward to solid floors, proper roofs and semi-regular showers (which I am sure our pilot would also appreciate us having…). We will be working on a number of properties, each one is about 10 km x 10 km at least and from the sounds of it we will have three days per property – not counting any weather days! Should be busy, but that’s the best way to be in the field.

I’m missing home a lot, especially on the weather days. I have little things to help though. Pork Chop, our camp dog, is quite cuddly – much like Bailey. Plus, the other night the cook made chocolate pudding cake (in the BBQ!) just like Mom’s. Oh, and she makes banana bread (also in the BBQ) but it isn’t as good as yours Dad.

I miss you all and see you soon.

Mel (Sissa)