Oh, Canada!

Masset, British Columbia, Canada

October 18-21, 2012

After some much needed time off, it was off to the ‘Great White North’ to do my first international training!  I packed the passport, Canadian work permit, and headed to the airport for a few days in Masset, on the island of Haida Gwaii (aka Queen Charlotte Islands).  If this place sound familiar, it’s because they had a 7.7 EARTHQUAKE a week after I left that triggered the tsunami warnings in Hawaii.  Yeah, that was close!

Anyway, we landed in Vancouver where I spent the night (I’m sure you’re shocked that there aren’t any nonstops to Masset) before taking the morning flight to the tiny island of Haida Gwaii, which took about 2 hours.  I grabbed a rental car, grabbed a quick sushi lunch and headed out the find the bed and breakfast where I would be staying for the next four days.  Unfortunately, my GPS does not work in Canada so I had to use my great sense of direction [pause for laughter] to help me find my way.  As you might expect, I had a little difficulty finding the place, but I had good reason.  According to Google Maps, the street where this B&B was located was called Chinny Rd.  However, this is the sign that I apparently should have been looking for.

The corner of Raven Rd. and
Chinny Rd. (uh, obviously...)

  

I unpacked and rested for a bit, then it was off to explore.  The island really is a fascinating place.  Something I noticed right away was the totem poles that could be found everywhere, reaching upwards of 30-40 feet tall.  Native longhouses with traditional Haida paintings were also very prevalent.  After strolling around for a bit, I headed back to the B&B and asked the innkeeper to recommend some restaurants.  He got quite a chuckle out of this, obviously not a good sign.  I don’t remember exactly what he said, but it went something like this:

“Well I think the general store can cook burgers, and I think the RV Park does fish n’ chips.  There’s Hidden Island Restaurant.  Oh wait, they’ve closed for the season…” 

Needless to say, I could see that food would not be the highlight of this trip!

The next day, I presented to a really great group of teachers who were eager to share their island with me.  During one of the breaks, a couple of them recommended that I head east to Tow Hill where I would find a beach with some great views.  “How do I get there?”  I ask. 

[Now be sure to read this in doing your best Canadian accent] “Well, you go down the main road there for aboot 40-50 kilometers.  When it becomes dirt, be sure to sloo down and be careful, eh.  It’s been raining ya know, and ya doon’t wanna get stuck.  If you do get stuck though, don’t worry, somebody’s boond to be oot there before too long, eh.  They’ll help ya oot.

Me:  “Okay”

My better judgment: “What?!”

I change clothes and head out (or should I say oot?) towards Tow Hill.  A pretty easy drive for the first half but of course a light rain starts to come down soon after the road turns to dirt.  At this point, I could turn around but I know that I may never get this opportunity again so I go for it.  I continue on for about 15 more minutes where I see a sign that says ‘Beach Access’.  This looks good to me so I pull the car over and hike about a hundred yards where I am treated to some great views of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean.

See those 2 little bumps on
the horizon?  That's Alaska.

The following day I presented the second day of the workshop (yes, I did work) and decided to walk around Old Masset for some more sightseeing.  One of the highlights from this walk was seeing two bald eagles perched on a wall.  I got within 20 yards of them and snapped a couple of pictures before they became aware of me and flew off.  Here is one of those pics:

The following day it was time to head home.  I really had a great time in Masset, and hope to have the chance to go again someday.  But for now, I have some great pictures to help me remember it and to share with you.  Enjoy!