Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 09/99) - Nestled on the banks of the Trout River, with the Whittaker Falls on one side and Coral Falls on the other, sits Sambaadeh Territorial Park.

Park contractor Phil Norwegian spends 118 days of every year at Sambaadeh and he wouldn't have it any other way.

"This is one of the best jobs I've had in my life," Norwegian says, leaning back in his lawn chair outside of the visitor's centre.

"I love people and I love this place. I couldn't ask for more."

Campers and day hikers can get to the park via the Mackenzie Highway, and many travellers do stop in. In fact, the park is going to more than double its capacity from seven camping sites to 17 this year. Between the nature trails and the incredible fishing opportunities, it's no wonder they had to expand.

"The first thing 90 per cent of the people who stop here ask is: ŒWhere's the falls?'" Norwegian says.

"They also comment on how clean the campground is. You can call me Phil, but everybody calls me Mr. Clean."

He said he's met people from places like New Zealand, Australia and Germany, but their tales of far-off lands haven't piqued his interest enough to venture out of his homeland.

"The people who drop in often invite me to come and visit them. One guy from Hawaii said, ŒPhil, you come to Hawaii and stay with me,'" says Norwegian with a laugh.

"I probably won't go because I don't like going on the plane."

Norwegian was born and raised on the land, which means he can answer any question a visitor might have about the North.

For the most part, Norwegian enjoys the people who come through. The city slickers, though, often puzzle the park contractor.

"Most of the people start a conversation by saying they came out here to rough it. Then they ask where the convenience store is and they want running water and electricity on every campsite," Norwegian says, shaking his head.

"Another funny thing is the people come in and the first thing they do is take a shower. Then they get up in the morning and take another shower," he adds, shrugging his shoulders.

Norwegian spends the rest of the year in his home town of Fort Smith. His wife, Mary, assists him with park duties and he said any article written about the park must mention her.

"Mary plants all the flowers and makes bannock and caribou stew for the guests," Norwegian says proudly.

"She makes the best bannock anywhere in the Mackenzie Valley. Don't forget to put that down," he adds very seriously.