Blog

  • Kat Island

    Leon called last night. They paddled about 11 nm and are camped on Kat Island on the West side of Burnaby Island. The forecast yesterday was Gale warnings and they ran into strong headwinds. So they decided to position themselves at Kat Island and paddle through the Dolomite Narrows when the winds and tides are favorable. They have heard it has beautiful scenery on both sides as you pass through. I’ve included a close up satellite photo of the narrows. They took the time sometime Saturday or Sunday to go back to Hotsprings Island and soak. Leon said it was fantastic. I look forward to seeing photos. They met some well supplied kayakers along the way and obtained some wine and beer to add to Leon’s scotch. So they had their 3rd fire and 2nd scotch night. Leon “almost” sounded a bit quilty they weren’t suffering more. I’ve included a photo of Justine and Leon from their 1st scotch night.
    Mike

  • Ramsay Island






    Shawna called and today they departed Windy Bay and found it was a windy day. Included here is a photo of Shawna working on her diary. Due to the wind they only paddled about 9 nm to Ramsay Island stopping on the way to visit Hotsprings Island. Another bear seen today and this one was a big one. Shawna said they were enjoying a camp fire and when I asked if it was a “white man’s fire” as Leon described in This Is The Sea, she pointedly said NO this is a “white woman’s fire”. Sounds to me like the women may be rebelling against Leon’s iron fisted rule? U Go Girl

    Mike

  • Windy Bay

    Justine called and everyone is well. On Friday they paddled about 13 nm to a campsite on Windy Bay. They spent much of the day exploring the Haida village of Tanu and learning about the culture. One of the things they learned is about an organization of young Haida called the Haida Gwaii Watchmen who are concerned with protecting their heritage and lands. Shawna, Leon & Justine also visited a longhouse used during the negotiations between environmentalists and loggers regarding the fate of what became Gwaii Haanas National Park. Justine said they all were amazed at the massive spruce trees over 1000 years old. I’ve included a map of Haida Gwaii showing the Haida villages including Skedans and Tanu which they have just visited.

  • Porter Head






    Leon called this evening. They are camped at Porter Head which is just before they cross the boundary of and enter Gwaii Haanas National Park. Leon said that as they approach the park the mountains seem to be much larger. On the way they stopped and visited Skedans which is a Haida village. A website with information about the Haida is: http://www.civilization.ca/aborig/haida/hvske01e.html
    They all enjoyed another good day of weather with just a bit of a head wind. They had just enjoyed a delicous dinner of corned beef, mashed potatoes and vegetables when Leon called. Speaking of eating, apparently Leon requires that Justine and Shawna entertain him if they want dinner. Included is a photo of Justine and Shawna playing drums for their dinner and a photo of Justine accepting her prize from Leon.
    Mike