Fort Rupert and Port McNeill, photo dump 1

Last evening I watched two guys in a small open boat, with one guy using one paddle, to paddle the boat across the harbour. They didn’t look to be in peril, and were paddling away from shore, instead of towards it. But it was late, with rain showers, and would soon be dark. I finally decided to call the Coast Guard in Port Hardy to let them know. I eventually lost sight of the guys, and when I reported that to the Coast Guard, they said their headquarters had elected not to do anything at the time, as this apparently happens in this area often enough not to warrant going out. Made for a later night than I planned on, watching them, wondering if they ever made wherever it was they were going…
This morning I decided to stop at Fort Rupert. It would involve anchoring in shallow water, over a mudflat at low tide, and peddling my kayak in to shore, as there was no dock. But the area had history along with a cemetery and some totem poles and wood carving I wanted to see. It was well worth the stop and getting there. This area was once the site of a Hudson’s Bay Company fort, built in 1849, first commanded by William Henry McNeill. The fort burned down in 1889. One of the remaining eight-pound cannons is displayed in front of the Longhouse. I met Master Carver Calvin Hunt at his Art Gallery, where he was working on several totem poles. He has works in the Chicago Museum and was working on a totem for somebody in Wisconsin. I believe he said he also has some works in the Music Museum in Phoenix. He holds dual citizenship, US and Canada, and has some great works. I saw one totem pole at a private house that was at least 50’ tall. I found out that was Calvin’s brother, and Calvin did some work on that totem as well. The cemetery also had many totems. A lot of native art in this town.
I peddled back out to C-Traveler, and then headed the 18 miles to Port McNeill following the shoreline of Vancouver Island. I walked around Port McNeill, seeing the world’s largest burl. Their museum was closed for the season. Also stopped at a small office and gift shop that educates people on Humpback Whales and other sea life. And still no ice cream! There was one place close to the marina, but did not open until 4p. The other place I was told about was about 3 miles away. I watched the Alert Bay ferry come in and also talked to the Alert Bay bus driver. He was driving a 90 passenger ferry boat. The kids from Alert Bay, on an island 6 miles away, go to school in Port McNeill. I left Port McNeill to come 5 miles across the channel to Malcolm Island Lions Harbour Authority Marina in Sointula. I will fuel up here tomorrow by a coop truck that brings the fuel to the dock. At Can$1.73/liter, it’s the cheapest deal around. (At Port McNeill it is Can$2.22/liter.)
I decided this evening, after two months, it was time for a haircut. Now I remember why I keep those clippers on the boat. It’s an old pair that has dull blades… so I have a few hairs still sticking up. Lol.
Looks like Bill and Mike are directly across Queen Charlotte Strait from me, in Napier Bay, and did some hiking there.
Too many pictures for one footprint, so this upload will require two footprints.Read more