Sandy's Global Eyes

Departure 4:45 p.m. March 15th– Arrival 3:00 p.m. March 16th 2019

We booked this 22 hour ferry trip from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy months ago! It’s not cheap, but it is certainly much more relaxing than driving over 1,085 km from Burns Lake to Vancouver in winter conditions then taking the ferry across to Vancouver Island. Mid March is mid season and the ferry only sails once a week stopping at both Klemtu and Bella Bella.

We were so thankful we reserved a cabin as the trip was lengthy and people were scrambling to get on a waiting list to receive a cabin. The price we paid for mid season rate was: $291.10 for under height vehicle; $252.00 for 2 adults; and $110.00 for a 2 berth outside cabin. The total fee for the ferry ride in mid March 2019 was $653.10.

All the cabins were booked and people without a cabin ended up sleeping in chairs or on the floors around the ferry. During the trip there were 3 movies offered in the Raven Lounge. The Gift store and the Cafe were open until 10:30 p.m. and re-opened early in the morning. Highlights of the trip were: the gorgeous scenery travelling between the mainland and outer islands most of the journey; and definitely seeing seals, sea lions, and Dall’s porpoises. A challenge was the rough ocean conditions we encountered during the night at Milbanke Sound between Klemtu and Bella Bella. The vessel was rocking so much it woke me up!

Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we would both travel this way again. Plus…When the ferry docks at Port Hardy, and the hatch opens so we can disembark, mom is only 10 minutes away! Back in God’s Country….Vancouver Island!

My brother, Mark, was down from Prince George visiting mom too, so after picking up some groceries at Save-On and checking out sea lions across Hardy Bay,  we had a lovely family reunion together. We even let mom open her new Samsung Galaxy tablet and cases a day early! The next blog post will be about St. Patrick’s Day (Mom’s 86th Birthday!).

March 14th-15th 2019

Departing from the snow capped mountains, deep valley gorges, blue skies, frozen lakes, and ground covered snow of Hazelton and the Kitimat-Stikine area we headed mainly west 288 km towards our next destination–the coastline of B.C. at Prince Rupert.  The estimated time was 3 1/2 hours if you drove non-stop. But, we like to explore and as you may have interpreted…I love taking photos of our journeys and experiences. 🙂

Loaded logging trucks, increasing numbers of coniferous trees, and roadside rock walls covered in fingerlings of frozen waterfall icicles reminded me of home on northern Vancouver Island.

Passing through Terrace the evidence of industry and train transport was clear. I loved discovering the painted Kermode Spirit bear sculptures located around Terrace. In 2006, 23 colorful Kermode Spirit Bear sculptures went on auction to raise money for B.C. children’s programs–including B.C. Lions’ Easter Seal camps. I wonder how many ended up in Terrace? After a quick snack, we were back driving west on highway 16.

Snow on the surrounding hills/mountains continued to diminish; frozen lakes and rivers continued to melt and expose more free running water; and low clouds, mist, and even rain started becoming more frequent on the windshield. Yes. We were returning to the coast!

The Skeena river meandered to the left side of the highway after Hazelton becoming wider and more bold as we neared Prince Rupert. By some shallow sections of the river about an hour before we arrived at PR, we noticed cars parked and people taking photos in the river. Always curious, we wondered what the attraction was. It turns out, sea lions had made their way up the Skeen, quite a distance from the ocean entrance!

Mark got more and more animated as the snow dissolved and wet coastal conditions established themselves.

After unloading our belongings at a satisfactory Airbnb location, Mark and I went for a lengthy walk to stretch by exploring the lovely Rushbrook Trail. Much of this trail was created along an unused railroad track on the edge of the ocean.

Prior to exploring Historic Cow Bay area…I finally saw a Moose!!!

Prince Rupert is an island (Kaien Island) off the west coast of B.C. and is a busy terminus for the ferry, highway,  and railway. Many freighters await loading and unloading bulk products like grain and containers at the Docks. The residential areas are quite hilly, but there are many different quaint sections of this community to explore..

The Sunken gardens weren’t too impressive in the winter, but I am sure they would be lovely in the spring and summer. I really loved the Cow Bay Area. The first few previous photos were taken there.

A friendly local man told us to check out the “Fresh Onion Cafe” on 2nd Ave. West. It was packed and was definitely very popular with the locals. Tomorrow we sail south to Port Hardy on the Northern Expedition ferry!

Mid March 2019

Ever wondered how FN coastal totem poles are designed and carved? I have seen so many in my hometown on northern Vancouver Island, but until now I have never had the opportunity to use the tools and carve! Today we traveled an hour north of Smithers to Hazelton, Gitanmaax and ‘Ksan Historical Village.

We continued to experience clear road conditions, blue skies, and temperatures between -10 and 4 degrees as we traveled north.  Landscapes consisted of a variety of snow capped mountain peaks, snowy fields, fairly thin evergreens or bare deciduous trees, and frozen lakes. The rivers were starting to break free and water was starting to escape through the centers of the frozen surfaces. meandering paths of footprints in the snow made me wonder about their source. What types of animals frequented these areas? Single car width metal bridges spanned the deep gorge at Hagwilget.

We departed from the main highway at New Hazelton exploring back roads and discovered a gem! ‘Ksan Historical Village was a beautiful community of First Nations big houses and totem poles in a setting beside a frozen river surrounded by snow capped mountains. Mark and I were excited to explore this historic village. Although this was definitely ‘off season’ we were able to walk around the grounds reading all the signs and appreciating the beauty of the totem poles, Big Houses, and natural setting. We discovered one door was propped open and when we peeked at the entrance a person’s voice welcomed us to come inside.

Dan Yunkws taught us a great deal about his culture and the vast amount of time, energy, thought, planning, and pride that is involved in creating totem poles. We were able to view, and even assist in carving, several of the poles which will be raised and placed at the new PetroCanada gas station near the ‘Ksan village. Dan shared his knowledge about designing a totem, symbolism of the clans, politics of working as a team, history of the area, and how tools were used. Dan even taught Mark and I how to use 2 different tools to slowly and carefully chip off small pieces of wood. It is a time consuming, repetitive procedure which takes skill to produce clean smooth surfaces. No wonder he does the faces last! What a fascinating, memorable experience.

Thanks Dan. Check out his fb page. Daniel L Yunkws. I strongly encourage people interested in learning more about First Nations culture to visit the ‘Ksan Historical Village near Hazelton. Perhaps you will even get a chance to meet Dan and try working on a totem pole!

Only a few minutes away is the Historic Old town of Hazelton. This is another really interesting town to check out from the historic paddle-wheeler and wagon on the roof, to the modern Mercedes Beans coffee and gift shop.

Then we were off once again, heading west to the coast and ocean via Terrace to Prince Rupert.

March 12th and 13th, 2019

The Jetta was loaded with summer tires, bins filled with teacher resources, and my belongings from over 6 months of residing in Burns Lake, B.C. One last, lengthy cuddle with Brat and a wave goodbye to the never ending freight trains passing beside the highway then we departed northwest on our next journey. The highway was clear, the weather sunny, and the snow pile levels had significantly receded in the past week or so. What a perfect day for traveling past Fort Telkwa through Bulkley-Nechako to Smithers, B.C.

In addition to my teaching, I have occupied my time up north trying new types of outdoor recreation and experiencing true “Canadian” winter conditions. I am grateful for all the amazing new friends and experiences here, but I had my fingers crossed to see a moose and a lynx while up here. Unfortunately, that was not in the cards this trip.

However… Apparently, Lynx and Moose were around! I just needed to be at the right place at the right time. On a local fb group these lovely photos were shared of Lynx in the Southside while I was in the area.

And… regarding the moose…After we arrived at the Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge (Ski and Stay packages available here) I wanted to watch the final episode of “The Bachelor”. Who would Colton Underwood choose to marry? Needless to say…Mark preferred to go for a nice long walk in the marshland trails near our hotel.  Well…The result of the final Bachelor show was very disappointing as nobody got a rose and it was just endless drama. Meanwhile, Mark arrived back with a Cheshire cat grin and some amazing photos to accompany his story. He encountered a Moose eating new sprouts right near the trail in the marshland!!! Darn! I clearly made the wrong choice about activities tonight! 🙁 We returned there the next evening at the same time but weren’t successful in sighting another Moose.

The following morning we boarded the free shuttle bus from town and headed up Hudson Bay Mountain for a day of powder or groomed trails, breathtaking views, and lengthy runs from the chairlift or 2 T bars to the lodge. The top elevation is 5,413 ft or 1,650m. The rentals worked effectively and I was so happy to see that after being so wobbly on X Country skis, I had maintained my downhill confidence.

We had a wonderful day at Hudson Bay Mt. in the alpine influenced town of Smithers.

Tomorrow we continue north west through the Kitimat-Stikine area to New Hazelton, Gitanmaax and ‘Ksan Historical Village.

March 9th–12th, 2019

My 6 month teaching contract is now completed in SD91 (until I return in late May) and this weekend was dedicated to enjoying Cross Country skiing at Omineca, witnessing the Racing Rocks ski competition between local schools, packing up 6 months of belongings, and snuggling with both Mark and Brat. Without a doubt my husband is happy I am returning to ‘retirement’ at least for a couple of months!

Meanwhile, Brat (the cat I have been house sitting) is extremely aware that something is amiss and things are changing. She sneaks into the bedroom and under the covers. She hides in any open drawer or box. Whenever I sit down, she jumps on my lap. As a source of company, she is hard to beat and her snuggles and purring definitely increase my oxytocin levels. She was a joy to come home to each day and I will truly miss her!

Omineca ski club is less than 10 minutes drive from Burns Lake towards Francois Lake. This stunning area for X Country skiing contains multiple trails which meet the needs of all ability levels. Omineca club is a cooperative venture run by amicable, welcoming individuals. I bought a yearly membership and a seasonal rental for my equipment in hopes that I would attend on a regular basis and become proficient at this type of skiing. I’ve always been a downhill skier.

Unfortunately, between the days below -20 degrees, the days without fresh snow which were really icy, and the perfect condition days when I was sick, I only skied 6 times. But  improvement was occurring and the long skinny 190 skis were slowly becoming more familiar. I still found balance tricky especially going downhill. Arggg! So, I became very familiar with the basic level trails! Cross country skiing requires less warm clothing than downhill because it is great cardio exercise coupled with beautiful scenery and fresh air.

The benefits of starting young were pretty evident by the skill level of many of the young skiers we watched at the Racing Rocks school challenge. The young skiers raced down slopes, pulled others in team races, wound their way through obstacle courses and participated in events for several hours. I bet they all slept well that night! The winning school this year was WKE! William Konkin Elementary School

After skiing and observing Racing Rocks competition at Omineca we had one last drive around the area I had called “Home Base” for nearly 6 1/2 months! Goodbye snow, frozen lakes, gorgeous blue skies, beautiful Brat, and Lorne St. Burns Lake, B.C. Thank you for sharing your home Loretta and Joe. It was time to  pack up the vw Jetta and get ready to depart for our next adventure.  Mark and I are now heading north west to Prince Rupert via Smithers and Hazelton.

March 5th–8th, 2019

As indicated in my previous post “Goodbye to WKE Family”, my Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist position contract officially ended in SD91 (Burns Lake, B.C.) on March 9th. Would you believe in my final week, I had to attend not 1 but 2 staff meetings?

This blog post is dedicated to my second amazing school, Decker Lake Elementary, where I taught as the Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist on Thursdays and Fridays. As I rushed from WKE to Decker on Tuesday to attend the second staff meeting, I encountered a road blockade en route. Upon approaching the accident vicinity I had to wonder how on earth could a semi trailer land in the ditch perpendicular to the highway on a clear day when the highway was cleared, the temperatures were actually above zero, and there was no black ice or rain visible? Yet…There it was blocking the highway!

We eventually progressed passed the site on a side road and when I returned 2 huge tow trucks working in unison, had managed to pull the semi trailer back onto the highway.  Highway 16 is a life line access highway. It is not wide (mainly only 1 driving lane per side in our area) but it is constantly in use! When I drive to Decker Lake Elementary from Burn Lake town, I regularly have semi trailers, huge equipment, or logging trucks in front or behind me!

Similar to WKE, the last few days were busy and hectic at Decker with S.T.E.M. challenges and classroom lessons. I also selected $2,000 of Hi/Low (High Interest/Low Vocabulary) books and wonderful new non-fiction books to support the interests and curriculum of this school’s clientele. (Thank you to the P.A.C. for this donation). There is no Library Assistant or Clerk at this school.

My dedicated and keen Learning Commons Leaders (about 20 students in grades 5-7) had a final club meeting completing projects as we aim to evolve our Learning Commons and make it more student friendly.  Each grade had a Google Map lesson about where my husband and I were travelling after my departure from Decker. One class created and performed a touching song about my departure and several students arrived with “I’ll miss you” cards. It was lovely but not emotionally draining because… I’M COMING BACK!

Yes. The district and union combined to create, and present me with, a special contract enticing me to return to Decker Lake Elementary after our travels. The contract is to continue working as TL/Learning Commons Specialist at Decker Lake Elementary School 100% for the final 5 weeks of the school year. Guess those extra years obtaining my Masters degree in Teacher-Librarianship is a valuable asset. So my teaching materials remain in my Library Office where they will be waiting for me when Mark and I head back up to the Lakes District area at the end of May.

This time, we plan to bring our trailer and kayaks north and take advantage exploring the numerous beautiful lakes around Burns Lake area. We are hopeful that the ice will be melted by then! I look forward to reuniting with many master teachers and support staff at this school, a delightful student population, and a relaxed supportive principal.

BONUS: I will get to visit all my amazing friends from WKE and the community too!

Let the travel time begin!

March 4th-6th, 2019

My final 3 days at WKE (William Konkin Elementary) in Burns Lake were crazy and hectic trying to complete as many projects and tasks as possible; while also making sure I said goodbye to all classes and staff, and assisted in transitioning for the teacher returning from Maternity leave.  I was only the TL at WKE for 6 months and a week, so when this week arrived I was truly surprised at how deep the connections were with staff and students; and how heartfelt and emotional this goodbye was.

The staff and students here, lead by an amazing educationally astute and inspiring A.O., have totally embraced me as part of their school family since my arrival September 1st. I was hired as a District Teacher-Librarian/Learning Commons Specialist for Burns Lake based at two schools. I worked evolving the Library into a Learning Commons at WKE every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday then moved to a second school each Thursday and Friday. I will write a separate post for my second school following this blog post.

During class lessons I read a final FN story or lead a S.T.E.M. challenge, in addition to a google earth lesson about where I was heading after I departed from Burns Lake.

Many students have never driven to Prince Rupert or taken the Northern Expedition Ferry south to Port Hardy.  Next, I used Google maps to travel south from Port Hardy to Nanaimo. Students were also quite fascinated by the distance from Vancouver to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. As one student pointed out “Wow! You’re going half way around the world!”. Other students at WKE are global travelers, and one French Immersion student shared a travel book of Vietnam with me as her family backpacked there last year!

Several classes arrived with Goodbye cards which resulted in me becoming choked up and emotional! My correct surname appears to be quite the challenge, but the love was so evident! The grade 4/5 class even created a huge “book card” based on “Shi-shi-etko” a story about a young girl preparing for Residential school, which I had read to them earlier this year. These students toured the school and had nearly every student and staff member sign names and/or messages inside the pages! It was one of the most precious gifts and moments I have experienced in my 34 years of teaching!

During my final 3 days the hugs, individual cards, and loving messages kept occurring from so many students… A certain grade 7 boy who has been quite challenging and not easy to engage, made a point of hanging around the hall by the Learning Commons door on my final 3 days until I noticed him each day.  Our routine went like this… I would say “Hello”. He would ask me “How’s your day going?” I’d say “Great. Thanks”. Then “How about your day?” He would say “Okay” then walk away. Those few moments and daily interaction with that student meant the world to me!

In addition to the 7 English classes at WKE, there are also 3 French Immersion classes and Carrier lessons occur one day a week. Another really neat part of the WKE program each Monday was our Eagle Groups time. For 20 minutes each Monday, staff have an Eagle Group with 7-8 Eaglets in a multi-aged group which meet in a special location to “check in” and learn about positive traits for learning. Thanks for leading this Dave! Four groups always met in the Learning Commons. My group had 1 grade 7 girl, 1 grade 6 FI boy, 1 grade 6 girl, 1 grade 5 FI girl, 1 grade 3 boy, and 2 Kindergarten boys. (7). I will truly miss my Eaglets but am sure they will continue soaring with the new TL.

The school also promotes SNAP math, Blitz Literacy support, Outdoor Education initiatives, lots of Sport teams, and there is Teacher Collaboration blocks every second Wednesday for the last hour of the school day. I learned new ideas and was inspired and energized by all the professional development we received and the assessment initiatives and practices we were held accountable for at this school. Teachers also take turns leading and sharing ideas and strategies. Last session, I was the TL sharing at the collaboration meeting. The Collaboration meeting was officially my last hour of ‘teaching’ at WKE.

At the end of the Collaboration session, I was quite overwhelmed to receive a card, gift and a deeply touching speech by W.K.E. and Francois Lake Principal, Wendy Keleman.  When she stated I was “leaving a legacy” I’m sure my tears flowed. I hope they all realize how much I mutually appreciated and benefited from all their love and positive energy too. The gift was a beautiful bowl created in Smithers. I will feel the joy and love from WKE each time I glance upon it or use it in the future. Wendy suggested I open the card later. Good suggestion! The words from this staff touched me deeply and meant more than they could possibly know. I certainly hope these caring people keep contact as they are very special to me.

It was particularly difficult to say goodbye to my Learning Commons Leaders and my positive, compassionate Library Assistant. My Learning Commons Leaders are students in grades 5-7 who met weekly and assisted when I had the Learning Commons open in the mornings before school. Their final projects were creating icons pictures for series in E Picture book section and creating a QR Code Library Scavenger Hunt.  During my final week at WKE the Annual Music Festival was being held and many of these same talented students also are Highland Dancers, Biathlon X Country Skiers, and amazing musicians so some were absent from school.

I had the pleasure of working and planning with Suzanne E (enthusiastic Library Assistant) for the final 2 months of school. She is part of the group of employees who travel from Topley each day! Suzanne and I were an incredible team in the Learning Commons. Although our time together was way too short, I am positive we will reconnect again… Each time I see hummingbirds and flowers I will think of her smiling at me!

Ready for this…. I am returning to Burns Lake in Late May! More about that in my next Blog Post!

Au Revoir WKE! It was such a pleasure working with you all in Burns Lake. You are in my heart and soul. You are family! Thank you with love.