Copper Bay Road - Less Than Shiny!

The long and winding road in Copper Bay - a more polished section!

Noora and I boarded the ferry yesterday to bring Willie home, finally. We had made the same journey to Sandspit the previous day, only to be told mid-passage that the flight from Vancouver had been cancelled - again! This has been a re-occurring problem for a month, at least. It seems as if we are getting winter storms now that spring is upon us. Several friends and family members have been storm-stayed in Vancouver for one, two or five days. And those lucky enough to make it to Sandspit have run the risk of being stuck in a much-less accommodating place due to rough seas. At least in Vancouver they could get a warm place to stay and food after 6pm. Well, lucky for us, Willie was with us when we made the journey back to Skidegate this time.

Now, because I was quite confident he would be on the flight home, and Noora had fallen asleep on the short drive to the airport, I decided I would go see an old friend while I waited. I hadn't been back to Copper Bay since going there for fishing season almost two years ago. I wasn't sure what I would find, or if it would look the same, but I went anyway. Armed with a Diet Coke, a bag of Old Dutch Ketchup chips, and a notepad and camera to document my adventure, I swung a left and headed down that old familiar highway.

As I approached the familiar mark where the asphalt ends and the rough gravel road begins, I breathed a sigh of relief and anticipation. Just how bad would the road be? Not too bad, I hoped. I was in my mother-in-law's car with Noora asleep in the back . Ha, who am I kidding? I live for adventures like this. So, I cautiously went forth and found more than a few friendly potholes!

Gorgeous view with the sun finally shining

I am quite certain I could make a lot of money on a video game simulating the Copper Bay Road. Being from Nova Scotia, and a rural part at that, I am no virgin to treacherous roads. In fact, the roads in Colchester County seem to be highlighted in that, you can tell where the county line is just by the audible sigh your car gives when it catches a glimpse of smooth pavement. The dirt roads at home can be in better shape than the paved ones sometimes. Riddle me that! Anyway, only a skilled driver, or clueless adventurer would dare drive the Copper Bay Road now in anything less than a 4X4. But, I quickly mastered the art of pothole dodging and riding on the very edge of the muddy path, and was rewarded with beautiful scenery, a friendly deer, and a blue heron in flight.

Can you spot the deer? She's there!

Beautiful rock on the side of the road

After what seemed to be hours driving down the road, I realized there was a truck behind me, and one up ahead at a cabin, so my nerves eased a bit. At least I could yell for help if I got stuck! Optimism never fails! But after coming across the last of the snow Haida Gwaii is hiding, and only finding more and more potholes, oh and not knowing exactly what time it was, I decided to turn around and make my way to the airport. I went a bit faster, knowing the layout of the holes (and following the fresh swerve marks from the truck and I), and made it to the airport just as Willie and his uncle were walking off the plane. So folks, if you are travelling to Copper Bay to check up on your cabins, why not take some gravel with you and fill some of these pesky holes! It'll be fishing season before we know it!

On the road home

Skidegate Socialite

Weekly Column for March 10, 2011

I would first like to apologize to Skidegate for the copious amounts of snow that fell on our village in the past week. I was homesick! I was very excited to see that much of it on the ground, but that excitement quickly turned to cabin fever. Thankfully Noora is a good sport, and we took our pink John Deere wagon out for a spin through the ball-field and any other un-plowed area we could find (which seemed to be our whole street). I can cross shovelling a driveway off my “Things to do Before I'm 30” list, too. Back at home we have tractors and snow blowers to do our dirty work for us. But as much as I appreciated the nostalgia of it all, I was happily waving it good-bye when the rains came again. Now, spring may commence!

It seems as if everything shuts down at the first sight of snow here and this past week our kids were screaming with “No School” joy all the way down the gym hill. They enjoyed a few days of chilly freedom to get them in the mood for March Break which is just around the corner. There were a few people who missed out on our winter fun as they were stuck off-island due to the stormy weather. As I write this, Willie is away at a workshop in Vancouver for a few days, and I hope there are no delays or there may be a very cranky baby when he returns.

He may have earned a few just-in-case points for taking Noora and I to the 2^nd Annual Chocolate Circus on March 3, though. His co-worker, Laurie, had invited him to come but we were both unsure of what it was. Well, it was nothing short of a fabulous afternoon. There were booths set up for Fishing, Balloon Darts, Psychic Readings, and a Pudding Throwing contest. There was a kitchen full of popcorn and chocolatey goodies (the ice-cream was my favourite). Oh yah, and Michael Meyer not only charmed us with his trumpet and accordion duet, but with daring fire spitting demonstration, too. Noora especially enjoyed the skits put on by the children and the conga drum duets. A wonderful afternoon had by all, and for a great cause. The Living and Learning School in Queen Charlotte seems like a very fun place to be, and has many fun people working there, like the belly-dancing hoola-hooping Principal.

The night before the Circus, a benefit dance for Dena Russ was held at the small hall. It sounded like a great time with many folks showing up to hear the bands. They raised over $4000 that night and I heard the bartenders were quite busy with the shooter specials. Way to go, everyone.

Just in case you would rather spend your weekends out and about enjoying all of the events in the community, you can give Gail Russ a call at 559-4519 and she will make your bread for you. She has white or 7-grain available at $5 a loaf. Keep her in mind because things will only be getting busier now that the weather is getting warmer.

I hope a lot of you made it to the Pancake Supper that was held at Skidegate United Church on March 8. We were busy planning on Sunday while everyone was away at the Presbytery meeting in Prince Rupert. Nancy O'Higgins was invited to lead the service celebrating their 100^th Anniversary, as well. Hopefully the broken pane of glass in the sanctuary's window we found on Sunday morning won't dampen their spirits upon returning.

Also, a reminder that it's Food Bank week and you can pick-up your items at the Skidegate Fire Hall on Friday March 11 between 12:30 – 1:30pm and at the Queen Charlotte Clubhouse from 1:30 – 2:30pm. Also, if you have any items you'd like to donate for Easter, contact the FFA Foodbank at 559-9041. Hawa'a.

And to keep on the subject of food, members of Skidegate United Church will be sponsoring the lunch at Sara's Soups on March 16. There will be delicious soup, bread and dessert available. The lunch takes place at the Senior's building, next to the library, in Queen Charlotte. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a free lunch, to volunteer, or both. See you there.

And last but certainly not least, we have several birthdays to celebrate this week. First, a BIG Happy Birthday to Nuni Pat (Gellerman) who celebrated her 70^th birthday whilst storm-stayed in Vancouver on March 4^th. Jason Goetzinger celebrated his birthday on March 6^th. Tristan Gravelle celebrated her 13^th birthday on March 8^th, followed by Della Robson (March 10^th) and Melody Gravelle (March 11^th) who will celebrate their special days together, at long-last.

Well, that wraps up another week in Skidegate. Good-bye to the winter snow, and bring on the rains of spring (just not too much rain). 

Skidegate Socialite

Weekly Column for March 3, 2011

Skidegate Socialite

Weekly Column for February 24, 2011:

Sah Laana, ah haay.yah dang gahl kill la ga. Creator, for today I thank you. As you can see, I have been practicing some Haida over the past week. Noora and I have learned a few new words, thanks to Diane Brown and www.firstvoices.ca. Gundul (water) and daawjay (cat). The phrase, or prayer, above was one I learned before coming to Haida Gwaii, and it is one that I said over and over while in my kayak Sunday afternoon.

Yes, that’s right, I went kayaking! Bev Yovanovich inspired me to try it out. Well, she planted the idea in my head. As I reached the shore in front of the SHIP building, I started to second-guess myself. If Upsy Moody and the gang hadn’t been so encouraging, I may have only been a spectator. Not so. I quickly got in the groove and off we went towards the K’aay, around Indian Head island, along the shores of Skyass and across to the SHIP building, again. The best part was seeing the pack of sealions up-close. They were so curious! I had a wonderful time and our guide was wonderful. I will be back there again next Sunday after the SunRun training for another round.

Before my seafaring adventure, I had been enjoying the tastes and sights of Vietnam, courtesy of Rev. Nancy and Eric O’Higgins at Skidegate United Church. The soup was great and the pictures were amazing. We had a great turnout, as well. The church will be busy in the next few weeks with some members going to Presbytery meetings and the Pancake Supper on March 8 at 4:30pm. Make sure you mark it on your calendars. There will be lots of pancakes, bacon and laughs, so come join us. For more information, keep your eye out for the upcoming Skidegate newsletter.

On February 19^th, we celebrated the book, B is for Basketball, at the K’aay. Members of the Saints team made an appearance, and we were fortunate to have three original members present in the audience; Lonnie Young, Dull Brown, and Richie Hans. Coach Robert Russ would like to invite all artists to compose a new logo for the Saints to celebrate their 50^th anniversary in 2013. Please submit them to him, or pass it on to one of the players and the team will vote on them. Make it good, folks! 50 years is something special.

In other celebratory news, Gary Russ and Tosha Pearson, along with big sister Lexi, are awaiting the arrival of their baby boy or girl in Prince Rupert. Aunty Tanya (Alton) is also waiting, not so patiently, but will hopefully be with them when the baby is born. Good luck! More birthdays to celebrate this week, also. Happy Birthday to Harold Williams and Erin Wilson, who both celebrated on February 19^th.

Don’t forget to come out and show your support for Dena Russ on February 25^th from 5pm-10pm at the Skidegate Community Hall. There will be a dinner, followed by a Loonie Auction. Thank you to all who have donated items to this cause, and continue to send healing prayers to Dena and her family. If you come out Friday night, you’ll be all practiced up for the Loonie Auction with Wine & Dessert Bar at the Charlotte Hall on April 9 in support of the Haida Gwaii SPCA. If you have donations for goods or services, please contact Lisa at 559-8644 or lisap@haidagwaii.net.

Don’t forget to welcome back our elders from Hawaii. If you see a slightly tired, very much tanned person, chances are you’ve spotted an elder. And to all who will be travelling to and from our islands, have a safe journey. To all of you staying put, take some time to enjoy the fresh octopus and clams that seem to be coming in with the tides. Enjoy your week.