Day 7 Woss to Telegraph Cove

Day 7  Woss to Telegraph Cove

81km

Awesome, Breathtaking, Inspiring, Majestic....I wish words could describe the beauty of today's ride.  We were on the road really early in an attempt to beat the heat and were rewarded with forest views, miles of towering rock walls and glimpses of mountain ridges lining the Nimpkish Valley.

This valley is the largest watershed on Vancouver Island.  The early morning light caught the stands of alder trees and created an almost magical effect.

The roads were really quiet, which was a blessing as we had little or no shoulder for most of the ride.  It is always unsettling when a big Semi Truck or Logging truck screams by you and there is not a shoulder to escape on to. The miles came easily today and before we knew it we were at the turn off to Telegraph Cove.

We had pulled of to the side of the road for a quick "nibble" and were debating whether to turn off to Telegraph Cove or continue on to Port McNeil, when a truck pulled up and asked if we needed directions.  We discussed our plight with the kind stranger who insisted we go to Telegraph Cove.  He said we would absolutely love it and it was certainly a town that should not be missed.  H  Decision made we thanked him, and then as he pulled out he yelled, "but watch out for suicide hill!"

Suicide hill is right! We have visited Telegraph Cove before to launch kayaks, but neither of us remembered the hilly road in.  The hills just aren't as much of an issue when you are in your car!  It was a leg draining, heart pumping, lung bursting 15km in.  We arrived and almost crawled in to the marina in search of a campsite.  We are now nestled in an RV Park tucked neatly between the big rigs!  On the bright side, earlier in the day a bear was roaming through the campsite and now our fellow campers are all watching out for us.

Notice the helicopter parked in the background...quicker access to the Cove!

We spent a wonderful afternoon just bumming around the town. This historic village is located near the entrance to Johnstone Strait and a favourite destination for kayakers, wildlife viewers and sports fishing enthusiasts.  During the second world war Telegraph Cove served as a military relay station.  The area is quite enchanting.  Whale watchers excitedly departed on their tours, fishers were cleaning their catch while the seagulls feasted on the scraps and kayakers paddled by.  The historic wooden buildings and boardwalk have been restored and it is easy to loose a day just sitting on the dock people watching - which is exactly what we did!  

Giggle of the day:

We rode in to our designated campsite and were just about to set up our tent, when a couple on bikes road up to us.  We were hot, stinky, grumpy, exhausted and dripping sweat!  I was actually surprised that the couple were brave enough to approach us.  They had been out fishing for the morning and were now off on their bikes to explore the area.  I suspect they had enjoyed a few liquid refreshments on their fishing boat, as they were struggling a bit to ride in a straight line.  They said we looked like people who might have a bike pump....they had a flat tire and needed our help!

#cycle #cycletour #HaidaGwaii #explorebc #northisland #telegraphcove