Thursday, September 03, 2009

A New Leash Of Life

It’s All A Matter Of Dogged Determination

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


I shot this a year ago, during my week in the Yukon. Obviously, that was several months before I decided to post a "doors" shot every Thursday, but I think this fits the theme rather well.

As a kid I read constantly, and some of the subjects that fascinated me were tales of exploration, frontier spirit and the way in which early settlers coped with harsh conditions. The Yukon is all about that and much more, which is why I reckon it is a photographer’s paradise.

Would I go back there? Yes, in a flash. And not just to knock on doors like this one, but to try and understand what the region’s gold rush heritage says about the human spirit.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

15 comments:

Daryl said...

Another wonderful photo from your short but photographically prolific visit to the Yukon (it makes me smile, since I too have used the pix I took in VA this July quite a lot as well)... in fact today I've posted a piece of a brick wall from Mathews Courthouse (aka their 'downtown')........come see

Charles Gramlich said...

Dogs need gifts too I guess!

Maggie May said...

Just read a good book *Gypsy* by Lesley Pearse. It is a novel about the Gold Rush in the Yukon in the early Nineteenth Centuary.
This was an unusual little house.

ds said...

Amy Bloom has written a novel, "Away" in which the main character--a woman--treks across the Yukon in her efforts to return to her native Russia, and that is just the final section of the book! It is a true testament to the tenacity of the human spirit.

Richard Lawry said...

I traveled through the Yukon almost 40 years ago with my parents. I would love to go back someday

An Arkies Musings

Tom said...

I've been in 'The Dog House' a number of times....

Hope alls well David.

Tom

James said...

Nice picture of a little building that looks like it should be in the mountains. Then I see that it is. I would love to go to the Yukon Territory.

Mimi said...

Hi David, I've left a little something for you over at my place- call in and collectit when you can.

A New England Girl said...

I love this shot!

Anonymous said...

My folks took the Alaska ferry (through the inside passage) and then overland into the Yukon. It remains one of dad's favorite subjects. It is still on my "bucket list!"

Elizabeth Bradley said...

I lived in Northern British Columbia for a spell. And, I'm a huge Jack London fan, I love this door featured today.

Deb said...

I know a few men who wish that was the type of doghouse they were going to be sent to...

Kathleen said...

Ditto -- totally!

So, David, have you read The Call of the Wild?

Anonymous said...

Ah, the dog house refers to being in trouble with the wife, most typically, here, in the U.S.

I like your take on considering the human spirit when visiting the place.

Shadow said...

that place echoes 'come in please'