Leaving Whitehorse (4,784 miles)

The last couple days have been worrisome and exhausting. The virus we had caused some potentially serious complications for Riley. Fortunately, we were in Whitehorse where medical care is available and he received top-notch treatment from the Emergency Room staff at Whitehorse General Hospital.

We went early Thursday morning and spent about 7 hours in the ER getting tests and waiting for results and consultations with specialists in Fairbanks and Vancouver. The physician and staff were so very friendly and professional. The long amount of time it took, which is understandable given the circumstances, was exhausting.

Riley received IV fluids to help with dehydration and felt much better afterward. The doctor was very concerned about Riley’s kidney function and wanted him to return for follow up tests within 24 hours to make sure it is improving. We left with a better understanding of the situation and had some serious discussions about how our travel plans might need to be changed if the results were not good.

By the time we left the hospital we were both physically and emotionally exhausted. We ate our first meal in several days at a restaurant near the hotel and felt a bit better afterwards.

We browsed some of the shops nearby and later walked to the Fireweed Community Market to check out the local art, craft and food vendors. It was a beautiful day and being outside was just what we needed.

There are statues downtown honoring famous people from Whitehorse and one is Jack London, the author of some of Riley’s favorite books as a young man. Maybe reading those novels as a kid planted the seed for us making this trip all these years later.

By the time we got back to the hotel, we were ready to call it a day. Outside, it was still full daylight without a hint of evening. Sunset isn’t until 11:35 PM and it probably wouldn’t ever be truly dark because the sun would rise again just 5 hours later. I pulled the blackout shade and set the air conditioner to as cool as it would go and we collapsed into bed.

The next morning I was happy to see Riley was feeling much better and acting more like himself . So much so, that we stopped at Tim Horton’s on the way to the hospital to get a dozen donuts for the ER staff. Classic Riley move.

The admitting clerk was surprised and tickled when he handed her the box of donuts. It might have been the first time that’s happened.

The process was much faster this time, maybe two hours total, and we left with the knowledge he’s improving and should continue to do so as long as he keeps hydrating. The clerk was still smiling when she wished us safe travels.

Based on our experience, Canadian healthcare is excellent. Everyone was patient, kind and professional. Both physicians were great, especially the first who went the extra mile by calling specialists in Fairbanks and Vancouver for consultations and Riley’s primary care physician back home.

The cost for an ER visit, chest x-ray, lab work and IV fluids was ~$662.00 without insurance. There is no good reason healthcare in the United States needs to be so outrageously expensive.

Now that we have that behind us, we are continuing on our journey across the Yukon.

Tonight we’re staying at the Congdon Creek Campground. It’s so remote that tent camping is allowed only inside an electric fence to keep the grizzlies out.

I’m glad we’re not sleeping in a tent! I’m sure we’ll be sleeping with the doors to Charlie closed tonight!

Here are some beautiful pictures from the drive from Whitehorse to Destruction Bay, YK.

It feels so good to see Riley getting back to normal. I am so lucky to have such a perfect partner and can’t imagine it being any other way.