Category: Uncategorized

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.