Brilliant Blues

 When you look at pictures you can only marvel at the absolute brilliant blues of the sky and water.  Along with those colors came hot weather.  How lucky could we get!  Unfortunately hot weather means increased northwestern winds which have a major impact on the waters.  We were disappointed that our trip to the very south and the UNESCO site of Ninstints, was cancelled.  While the waters in the inlet looked calm, one could tell the winds were high as you walked north on the beach.  I was scratching sand out of my head all evening.

We enjoyed a walk along the Golden Spruce Trail and learned more about the various trees and their meaning for the Haida.  The trail has lovely markers along the way that recognize very important things to the Haida, especially nature.

At the end of the trail you look over the river to a small empty spot that was at one time home to a golden spruce.  The log was never removed and now the forest is beginning to cover it up and fill in the spot.  The story is far too long but this spruce was one of a kind.  It was cut down by hand by an individual - the reason uncertain.  Today there are 6 saplings in undisclosed locations around the island and a tree from a grafting located by the church in Port Clements.

The empty spot across the river is where the Golden Spruce stood.

The graphed Golden Spruce'

The Port Clements museum is small with a focus on logging and many things from the past.  Whoops we remembered too many of those things and even have some!

There is always time for shopping and we visited a couple of local artisans in Tlell.  The house below was constructed from a tree stump and inside is completely finished and very cool in the heat.  The local artist that we visited did this and other interesting wood carvings.  Across the road was another shop with a Tlell version of stone circles.

The house is created from a tree stump

Inside the tree stump house

Long houses were traditional homes for the Haida.  One large room would hold several families.  They were accessed through a small oval door in the front which was defence from enemies.  The fire pit in the centre provided warmth and cooking and had a hole above to let out smoke.

The beaches are so beautiful.  We managed to spend a few hours at Jungle beach, enjoying the views, the water, walks, beach combing and a picnic!

The waves indicating why we weren't on our trip to Ninstints

Another unbelievable stop was at Halibut Bight.  How can the views get any better than this?

A group shot - thanks Roberta

All guide books tell you not to miss the balance rock.  One huge boulder balanced on the beach.  “You break it you buy it!”  Don’t think there was any danger in us moving this beauty.

Another popular site is St Mary’s Spring.  The locals say if you drink it you will return to Haida Gwaii.  We obeyed the signs saying not drinkable but did dab a little at the corner of our mouths.

And what better way to end a day than with freshly caught and cooked crab from the owner of the motel.  A totally awesome treat before our food arrived!