Thursday, July 30, 2015

Day 15 Floating Lodge to Sandspit

Day 15 - Floating Lodge to Sandspit


"Humanity has a need for places to expand beyond the dimensions of the day to day grind and to fortify the body, mind, and other spirit - places for our ancestors and those that follow us.  Gwaii Haanas provides people with such a tombstone."  Excerpt from Gwaii Haanas Strategic Management Plan

Tanu Gwaii Haanas
A picture of contentment

We started our day with a wonderful low tide enabling us to visit the now exposed underwater world on the northern tip of Shuttle Island.  The marine ecosystems of Gwaii Haanas are home to a wide variety of sea life.  Think of your local beach on steroids!  We pulled ashore and spent the morning exploring the intertidal zone:

Intertidal life in Haida Gwaii

Intertidal life in Haida Gwaii

Intertidal life in Haida Gwaii


Intertidal life in Haida Gwaii

Intertidal life in Haida Gwaii

Intertidal life in Haida Gwaii

Intertidal life in Haida Gwaii

Intertidal life in Haida Gwaii


The last stop of our tour was at T'aanuu Linagaay (Tanu) a Haida village site on Tanu Island.  We were delighted to meet Walter, Mary and their darling daughter Raven, maybe the youngest and cutest of the Haida Watchmen.  Walter lead on us on a wonderful tour.  His calm and gentle demeanour seemed to suit the island perfectly.

Haida Watchmen Program - Tanu
Walter - Haida Watchman

Haida Watchmen Program - Tanu
Raven and Mary - Haida Watchmen

After his death in 1998, world famous artist Bill Reid's ashes were brought home by friends and relatives to Tanu, his mother's ancestral village.  Little is left standing at Tanu, but you feel the spirit of the place as you gaze at the house depressions and moss covered posts.

Tanu Haida Gwaii
Tanu

Our return leg to Moresby Camp took us through Louise Narrows and provided us with our first bear sighting.  The black bears on Haida Gwaii are a subspecies found only on the islands.  They have larger jaws and teeth than their mainland counterparts.  I confess that I have an unfounded and intense fear of bears, so I was quite happy to be bear watching from the Zodiac and not from my bike.  Haida traditions consider the bear to be chief of the forest....I totally agree, and am happy to get out of the way!  Hail to the Chief!

Tanu Haida Gwaii
First bear sighting
After four awe-inspiring days we arrived back at Moresby Camp.  Each of us took something different away from our exploration of Gwaii Haanas, but I think we would all agree that Haida Gwaii is a place unlike any other in the world.

Moresby Explorers 4 Day Tour - Haida Gwaii

Giggle of the Day:

Our return to Sandspit was cause for celebration!  We were invited to join the Moresby staff team at their favourite local and only Chinese Food Restaurant - Dick's Wok Inn.  We were welcomed by Dick himself who cooked us up a delicious meal.  Rob and I sat back and listened as the Moresby folk joked, teased and compared stories of their most recent tours.  The energy, passion and enthusiasm of the group was something to admire....it was evident that they love their jobs, this magical place and I would suggest each other.  They all seem to share a deep connection to Haida Gwaii and the three realms of creatures:  those of the sea, those of the land and those of the sky.  Not really something to giggle about, but definitely something that makes one smile.

Dicks Wok Inn Sandspit BC
Dick's Wok Inn


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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Day 14 Rose Harbour to Floating Lodge, Visit to SGang Gwaay

Day 14 Rose Harbour to Floating Lodge


We woke early to explore the beach at low tide and then joined our group for a fabulous gourmet breakfast prepared by Susan, featuring pancakes and berries fresh from her garden.  Last night, Emma had helped to prepare the flour for the pancakes by grinding the grain on a contraption made from an exercise bike.  It gave a whole new meaning to fresh ingredients!

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Part of the Moresby Explorers Fleet
Tummies full, we loaded ourselves into the Zodiac ready for another day of exploration in Gwaii Haanas.  Today our plan was to visit SGang Gwaay, a sacred Haida site located on Anthony Island.  SGang Gwaay was declared a United Nations Education and Science Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1981.  On SGang Gwaay many hundreds of Haida people died and were put to rest in caves, mortuary poles and in the earth.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
SGang Gwaay

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site


Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site


It was humbling to walk through the village remains.  I felt like we were intruding and a deep sense of sorrow came over me.  The poles face the sea and seem to stare off into the distance ignoring our presence.  Many of the poles on SGang Gwaay are mortuary poles and are believed to hold the spirit of the deceased.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

We were guided through the village by James, a Haida Watchman.  The Haida Watchmen program began in 1981 as a means to protect the villages and traditional territory.  From May to September, Watchmen live at the village sites and serve as guardians to protect the area.  Visitors must ask for permission before landing.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
James describes the poles at SGang Gwaay

James was very knowledgeable and shared information about the memorial, frontal and mortuary poles.  He showed us the remnants of longhouses and house pits and shared information on the history of the Raven and Eagle moieties.  He was passionate about his heritage and culture and we left believing that the village was in good hands with James as its caretaker. SGang Gwaay made a lasting impact on all of us and we were subdued as we left the island.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Emma reflects upon our visit to SGang Gwaay
Our return to the Float Camp took us through Burnaby Narrows, famous for its rich intertidal life.  We explored shallow coves and once again took in the beauty of the area.

Haida Gwaii - Gwaii Haanas

Haida Gwaii - Gwaii Haanas
Bald Eagles are common in Haida Gwaii


Haida Gwaii - Gwaii Haanas


It was a glorious, sunny afternoon and we enjoyed time at the Float Camp exploring the sea below....imagine a huge aquarium "touch tank."  We all lay face down on the float, transfixed by the world below.

Haida Gwaii - Gwaii Haanas
Bums up and Heads Down - underwater exploration

Haida Gwaii - Gwaii Haanas
Nudibranch

Haida Gwaii - Gwaii Haanas
Eggyolk Jelly

Haida Gwaii - Gwaii Haanas

We were encouraged by the Moresby staff to get up at midnight and venture out on the float to witness bioluminescence.  Science defines bioluminescence as an organism's ability to produce light through a chemical reaction, but to us - it was pure MAGIC!  We lay on the dock and dipped our hands and kayak paddles into the water.  Immediately a world of light exploded in front of our eyes.  We were reminded of the fireflies in the deep south as we watched this weird and wonderful light show.  I have no idea how long we were on the dock.....time didn't seem to matter.


Giggle of the Day:

Yesterday, Heron had set two large prawn traps in the cove near the Floating Lodge.  On our return to the lodge we stopped to retrieve the traps and survey our catch.  We were all imagining what Mariel might create for dinner with fresh prawns. (hard to believe, but we were once again thinking about food!)  Anxiously, we all hung over the sides of the Zodiac as Heron, with a little help from Rob, pulled in 600 feet of line.  After much effort, Heron pulled out the two traps....not a prawn to be seen.  Heron declared, "That's the absolute worst prawn catch I have ever had!  Good thing I am not a fishing guide."



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Monday, July 27, 2015

Day 13 Floating Lodge to Rose Harbour

Day 13 - Floating Lodge to Rose Harbour, Gwaii Haanas

WOW!

Today was a day that I had imagined and hoped for.  Haida Gwaii has been on our wish list for years, and in my imagination I pictured the ancient Haida villages, the poles and wildlife encounters, but today surpassed all that I had imagined or could possibly imagine.

Conditions were absolutely perfect, maybe better than perfect!  Heron informed us that the type of conditions we had today were very rare and we all felt that we should take advantage of this gift and take Emma and Heron up on their offer to travel to Cape St. James at the very southern most point of the islands.

Cycle Tour to Haida Gwaii Rose Harbour
We are going to the Cape!
Spirits high, gas in the tank and the sun shining we set out for the Cape, but not before we took time out of our very busy schedule to set a couple of prawn traps.  Hard to believe, but we were thinking of food again!

There really are no words to describe the feeling of excitement we had as took in the sights and sounds of this day.  From Egg Yolk Jellies and Nudibranchs to Humpback Whales and Puffins the wildlife viewing was spectacular.

Whale Watching in Haida Gwaii
Countless whales

Whale Watching in Haida Gwaii


Whale Watching in Haida Gwaii


We actually lost count of the number of whales we saw and were also privileged enough to see:

  • Puffin
  • Black Tailed Deer
  • By the Wind Sailor Jellyfish
  • Egg Yolk Jellies
  • Sun Fish
  • Blue Shark
  • Urchins
  • Guillemots
  • Cormorants
  • Auklets
Puffin Haida Gwaii
Puffin

By the Wind Sailor Haida Gwaii
By the Wind Sailor


The incredible list went on and on.....

Nudibranchs Haida Gwaii
Nudibranchs....all dressed up and nowhere to go?

The land was not to be outdone by the wildlife.  We entered Woodruff Bay where our guides carefully and skillfully navigated their way to one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.

Woodruff Bay Haida Gwaii
Emma and Heron anchoring in Woodruff Bay

Woodruff Bay Haida Gwaii



 The sandy beach stretches for kilometres and is pristine.  You would think you were in the Caribbean....except for the Helly Hanson rain gear of course!  It was sheer joy as we stripped off our heavy rain gear and boots and ran barefoot in the sand.  Not another soul to be seen.  This was definitely my favourite beach and one I will remember forever.

Woodruff Bay Haida Gwaii
Heaven on earth

We enjoyed another wonderful lunch at Woodruff Bay thanks to our gracious hosts and loaded, somewhat reluctantly, back in to the Zodiac.  Our reluctance was misplaced, as before we knew it we were heading out to the Kerouard Islands to view a large Steller sea lion rookery.  This breeding colony is a busy place.  Over 600 breeding Steller sea lions use the Cape St. James rookery.  They were a treat to watch, but NOT to smell.  I believe we actually found something that was stinkier that our biking clothes!

Steller Sea Lion Rookery Haida Gwaii
Steller Sea Lion Rookery
Content and tired from a long day on the water, it was time to head to the Rose Harbour Guest House, our accommodation for the evening.  The guest house is owned and operated by Gotz, who immigrated to Canada in 1981 and has lived in Rose Harbour since 1983.  Susan, who is Heron's mom, has also lived in Rose Harbour since 1983.  She operates the meal service for the guests.  Susan is an amazing chef and her gourmet creations feature fresh vegetables grown in her garden.

Rose Harbour Haida Gwaii
Susan's home at Rose Harbour

We were fascinated, intrigued and touched by Rose Harbour.  Located on the site of an old abandoned whaling station, the place oozed history.

Rose Harbour Haida Gwaii
Whaling Station Memorial
Words like cute, eccentric, rustic, whimsical, character, creative, unique all come to mind when describing the guest house.  As I toured the grounds and viewed the wood burning shower, I was taken back to my childhood and reminded of Caractacus Potts, the eccentric inventor in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  We admired the ingenuity of our hosts.  You really need to see this extraordinary place for yourself.

Rose Harbour Haida Gwaii
Rose Harbour

Rose Harbour Haida Gwaii
Wood burning heated shower
We accessed our room by climbing a steep set of stairs clutching the driftwood banister as we climbed.  Our room also served as a hothouse and distillery.  We loved it!  The washrooms were outhouses, however, should you need to visit the facilities in the middle of the night and did not care for the long walk, Gotz did supply you with a bucket.  The caveat.....those who use the bucket, clean the bucket!  Enough said.

Rose Harbour Haida Gwaii
Main floor
We were told the Moresby four day tour is sometimes affectionately called the "Float and Bloat".  After devouring Susan's fantastic Halibut dinner we confirm that the nickname is well deserved.  We have been treated to delicious meals and snacks at every stop.  It is going to be very difficult to go back to a can of beans over our camp stove!


Rose Harbour Haida Gwaii
Appetizers with a flare from Susan's garden


Giggle of the Day:

During our stay at Rose Harbour, we shared the facilities with a film crew from Germany.  They were touring Canada as part of a series on our National Parks.  Despite the majestic beauty of Haida Gwaii, the German crew found our host, Gotz equally, if not more fascinating.  Gotz had constructed an amazing tripod ladder system to support his cherry picking endeavours.  As we wandered about, we stumbled upon the camera crew attempting to film Gotz up the ladder!

Rose Harbour Haida Gwaii


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