A tribute to Robert Service Written on an Arcitc trip Along came the call from Marsha and Sylvain A trip to the Arctic guaranteed not much pain; With JF and locals planning began It took them a while, seventeen and three vans; The coolers were loaded the vans were all packed Off they set on a journey nothing Anthony lacked; They drove for the day even stopped for a bun Heather wondered inside could this be more fun; They traveled to Carmacks a treat to be hold Pictured their leader almost 10 years old; On to Dawson they went two nights on the piss It was a great time one not to be missed; They wandered the town gambled and spent Terry wondered aloud “Where is my tent?” Drinking all done enough had been said Time to mooove Alex, more adventures ahead; With that thought in mind Mayo’s Tara in toe The Dempster was found could it bring them much woe; They looked at the road feared it to travel But Julien drove like he knew the fine gravel; Stopped on the way at a river Blackstone Sheila caught her first fish, a single, alone; Lost some luggage en route a therma-rest too The bugs were so bad all the rumours were true; Reliably Kevin took photos of views Whilst some of us gazed or took a snooze; Camped for the night at the great Eagle Plain The bugs at this place, aggressive, not sane; Drove in the mud crossed rivers through fog Hit Jak Park at night completely agog; Come morning was time to leave Inuvik By Twin Otter plane, think we’re gonna be sick; Arriving in Tuk out on the point So bloody cold anyone got a joint? Brave stayed up all night warm by the fire Others slept in their bags with lots of perspire; In the morning they rose froze to the bone Felt the charm of the North, cold sets the tone; Dips in the ocean warm from the river Back to the plane time to leave with a shiver; In the vans once again Kealy immersed With the French in the front she will be well versed; Camped for the night at a place called Rock River Billy proved to the group he needs a new liver; Drove like a light with a moose on the way Stopped for a hike took most of the day; Fishermen fished not much of a plan Caught fifteen grayling Hans felt like a man; Back in Dawson they ate hungriest yet Erik fried up the fish had it all set; Time to go out last night in the city Louis leading the way this wouldn’t be pretty; Sour toe in a whiskey can you take a pass Oh no you can’t or we’ll kick your ass! Strolled back to camp some went by bike Other campers upset we think they don’t like; On the way back to Whitehorse had sandwich of cheese Two blocks in a week not enough for some - please; Now tired and worn lots of beer in the belly All wondering aloud how we got to be smelly; Now it’s all over ask yourself how you feel... Well one thought’s for sure Marsha Cameron’s unreal! (An original work by Iain - July 2006)