Day 10 Prince Rupert to Sandspit

Day 10 - Prince Rupert to Sandspit, B.C.

93 nautical miles - 15 km cycling

Once again we found ourselves up bright and early waiting in line for a ferry.  Only two more sailings to go and we would finally be in Haida Gwaii.  We were only 40 miles south of the Alaska border with 93 nautical miles and 7 hours to go before we arrived on Graham Island.

As we waited to board we were joined by a feisty "old-timer" named Lou.  What a gem!  Lou is a very young 79 years and has been living on Graham Island for the last 45 years.  He is a burly man and has quite an intimidating presence until he smiles.  He rides a motorcycle and was dressed from head to toe in leather.

Lou is a wonderful storyteller and we enjoyed spending time with him as we waited to board the ferry.  He knew almost everyone in line by name and shared jokes and updates with the crowd.  We would soon learn that not much gets by people in Haida Gwaii, as the community is very close-knit and news travels fast.

Lou shared fantastic ferry stories and we were in stitches as he described storms, delays and exciting journeys across the Hecate Strait.  This body of water is quite shallow and marine weather conditions can often be quite severe. Apparently, the locals affectionately (or not) call the ferry the Northern Misadventure and we were soon to experience our own.

BC Ferries Northern Adventure connecting Prince Rupert to Skidegate Landing

Not a bike rack to be seen....we are asked to tie the bikes down

Barf Bags and Charging Station?

The ferry was over one hour late leaving Prince Rupert as the crew took extra time loading in an attempt to squeeze every delivery truck, camper, motorcycle, car, bike and van on to the boat.  It was an amazing puzzle and credit to the crew for their valiant efforts to accommodate everyone.  Selfishly, we were becoming quite worried that we would miss our connecting ferry to Sandspit.  No one else on the boat seemed worried as the majority were locals and on "island time."  Just as we were sure we were going to miss our sailing, the ship's captain announced that they would hold the connecting ferry for us.  We were amazed!  We arrived in dock and the crew held back all of the walk on passengers and vehicles and gave us a personal escort off the boat and onto the next one.  Thank you BC Ferries!

The crew holds the Kwuna Ferry for us

Approach to Alliford Bay on Morseby Island

The crossing to Morseby Island is very short and absolutely beautiful.  We excitedly waited to disembark and before we knew it we were back on our bikes cycling the last few kilometres to Sandspit.  We enjoyed a flat and easy ride and took a few moments to celebrate our arrival to the Edge of the World.

Only 2 km to go!

Giggle of the Day:

This isn't so much a giggle, but a tale of joy.  After our long cycle and numerous, lengthy ferry crossings we finally rode up to the Moresby Explorers office in search of our daughter....and there she was having just returned from guiding a day tour.  We found her washing the van.....and we would argue there isn't a prettier sight in all of Haida Gwaii.

Morseby Explorers Office

Emma

Map and Route Tips:

BC Ferries - Northern Adventure Ferry - Prince Rupert to Skidegate, Graham Island - 93 nautical miles
BC Ferries - Kwuna Ferry - Skidegate Landing to Alliford Bay, Moreseby Island

Alliford Bay to Sandspit - 10 km


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