Category Archives: A New Adventure

Discover the Hidden Gem of Point Roberts, WA

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Just south of Vancouver BC is a point of land known as Point Roberts. Point Roberts is surrounded on three sides by water. It is bordered by Canada to the north. It is part of Washington state and the United States. The only way to get there is by car crossing the International Border or by private plane or boat.

On a sunny early summer morning I decided to visit Point Roberts. I drove from Richmond (south of Vancouver). I crossed the International Border and spent a late morning and afternoon touring this unique area of the United States.

Point Roberts was created in the mid-19th century. At that time, the United Kingdom and the United States settled the Pacific Northwest American-Canadian border dispute. They resolved the issue with the Oregon Treaty. The two parties agreed that the 49th parallel would define The boundary between their respective territories. The small area that incorporates Point Roberts is south of the 49th parallel.

During the 1858 Fraser gold rush, prospectors from Victoria, BC attempted to avoid tax collection. They briefly settled Point Roberts. Their settlement was called Robert’s Town. It consisted of six wooden buildings, including a store and saloon. It lasted less than a year.

In 1949, there was talk about Point Roberts seceding from the U.S. and joining Canada. In 1973, a drought that caused the wells to run dry created tensions between Point Roberts’s U.S. and Canadian residents. The Americans threatened to cut off the Canadian residents’ water supply. They also hung up signs saying “Canadians Go Home.” This was unless the Canadian municipality of Delta agreed to supply water. An agreement was signed on August 28, 1987. It requires the Point Roberts Water District to buy raw water each year.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Point Roberts was acclaimed as the “safest place” for avoiding coronavirus. This was due to its isolation from the mainland United States and Canada. The very low case numbers also contributed to this reputation. Limited access to the rest of the United States and Canada was a factor. Additionally, border closures into Canada kept the case numbers very low.

As the pandemic worsened in both countries. In 2020, a study found that Point Roberts had lost 80 percent of its business. It also lost hundreds of seasonal residents. This was a result of the pandemic and border shutdown. The area was described as a “ghost town” by the local chamber of commerce director. It had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of September 2020.

The Port of Bellingham set up a temporary ferry in August 2020. It connected Point Roberts to the mainland. The Canadian government waived its mandatory COVID testing requirements for Point Roberts residents in 2021. The decision followed negotiations with Washington state. The border was fully reopened for non-essential travel in August 2021 and the ferry service ceased the same month.

The City of Delta installed a chain-link fence at the end of English Bluff Road in 2025. This was done to deter accidental crossings. An elderly man accidentally walked into Point Roberts. The fence was poorly received by local residents and at least one Delta council member demanded its removal.

The Marina

Approximately 1300 people live in the 5 square mile area of Point Roberts. The big attraction is the nature and the wildlife. Point Roberts has it all. The community has a golf course, a marina and two restaurants.There are four parks and coastal beaches to explore.

Lighthouse Marine Park is a 21-acre park on the Salish Sea and my first stop. Park amenities include a boardwalk, picnic areas,playground, trails, boat launch, and 30 campsites for weekend of camping. I chose to walk the beach trail to gaze out on the water. I hoped for whales but a seal was all I saw.

Mt Baker from Lighthouse Park

On a beautiful day I saw Mt Baker on the mainland, in Washington State. The beaches are like the beaches in Washington, Plenty of drift wood was scattered along the beach. The beaches are rocky and wild.

Monumet Park

This park is known for “Border Marker Number One”. It is the western most border marker between the U.S. and Canada. The park is a canopied forest of cedar and fir trees.

Lily Point Marine Reserve Park

Lily Point Marine Reserve spans 275 acres of forested upland and beaches. It is known for its towering sandstone bluffs. When beach-side, pilings can be seen running out into Boundary Bay. These pilings are remains from the Alaska Packers Association cannery. This cannery once operated here in the late 1800s.

Maple Beach

This beach is a popular spot for beach combing and swimming. It sits on the northeastern corner of Point Roberts. It is known for its sandy beaches and tidelands. At low-tide the tidelands stretch for a mile or more.

After a morning and early afternoon exploring I stopped for lunch at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern. The food was good and the view from outdoor seating was exceptional as I looked out over the Salish Sea.

Somewhere along my travels I read about Ollie-Otter’s Baker Box. I decided I needed to go find this interesting local landmark. There is a cottage bakery there Ollie-Otter’s Bakery is in a cottage behind the bakers box on the curb side. There were wonderful goodies waiting to be bought.

The Hungry Hound Barkary had a small box next to the street side bake box. This business is owned by Ollie Friedman. Ollie may have some growing to do but he has big dreams.

This is what is written on the sign in the photo.

“Hi I am Ollie. I own the Hungry Hound Barkary. Yep I’m 11 but I have BIG dreams. Someday I want to be an astronaut and work for NASA. To make that happen I need coding classes. So to raise money I’m taking over the dog treat business. Thanks for stopping and supporting my dream. I hope your pup enjoys the retreats.”

If you would like to support Ollie’s Dreams here is the link to his Go Fund Me Page. Ollie’s Path to NASA. I believe, much like my husband did, that it is important to support these young people no matter their dreams.

After a lovely morning and afternoon, I approached the International Border. I crossed back into Canada for a few more nights. Before I made my way back to the United States.

I enjoy exploring the unknown. I definitely would return to Point Roberts again. I could easily see camping there and taking a leisurely tour of the area.

I am grateful for my friends. They guide me to unusual places. This year I can add Point Roberts to places that are unique.

Today, as every Day I am Thankful.

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Exploring the Northwest: Travels and House-Sitting

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I have not been very faithful to this blog lately. I have been traveling and enjoying experiences. Lately, people ask me where I am. I decided that it is time to let you in on my current spring and summer plans.

I drove north through Oregon and Washington, visiting friends along the way. It was nice to catch up with friends as I continued to Whidbey Island, WA.

I spent two summers house sitting for good friends on Whidbey. They went off camp hosting in the beautiful wilds of this country. I took care of their lovely home overlooking Puget Sound. Night after night the sunsets never let me down.

I met this little brown song sparrow while I was there, Birdy Boy. We have maintained a friendship over time and distance. We met on the deck in 2021. I have never had a friendship with a bird before. I returned in 2022. There he was, still waiting to resume our friendship. We picked up where it had left off the year before. Two years later, 2024 I returned and there he was just like I had never left. This year I spent two nights with Sandy and Jim and, yes, Birdy Boy. He greeted me with singing. He hopped onto my feet, knees, arms, and hands. He sang away and caught me up on the past year. I am amazed that this has persisted over time and distance. My heart delights in this unique friendship.

Oh Canada

May 20th I crossed the border into Canada. It was a quick and clear crossover. I was welcomed. Then, I set off to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. I will be spending the next few months here. First stop was a beautiful campground near Victoria, Pedder Cove. I managed to slip into the water and kayak in this beautiful bay. I love all the hidden bays of the northwest.

Two days later I met up with 40 other Roadtreks at Sooke River Campground. Not a Rally, a Meetup ensued. For three nights and four days we gathered as a group and enjoyed each others company. I even found people to kayak with. It was fun to be around all the positive energy of a group of people. I reconnected with those I had met before and met new friends along the way. It was a good weekend and I am glad I encouraged myself to join up with this group of people.

Since the weekend I have been island hopping in the South Gulf Islands. Pender Island was a small outdoorsy island. When you go to Pender you look for things to do outdoors. I planned to put the kayak in the water. Instead, I hiked to the high summits on North and South Pender. Neither hike was long. Sometimes distance doesn’t matter, incline does. It is nice to know I still can do these climbs. I am thrilled to see the wonders at the end of the ascent.

My campground on Salt Sorings Island.

Salt Springs Island. was a much larger island. There are more people here, including many artists. People come to this island for the art. I managed to attend the Saturday Market. It was not a farmers market as much as it was an arts and crafts market. Did I find things to buy? Yes.

This past year I joined an organization, Trusted Housesitters. Starting this week, I will be taking care of two kitties, Stanley and Sitka. I’m house-sitting near Qualicum Beach, close to halfway up the island on the east side. It is a beautiful area. The best part is that I have a good friend who is a fellow photographer and lives there. Guess what we will be doing?

I am still new to this idea of house-sitting for people I don’t know. So the jury is still out on how much I will be choosing to do this. I am still deciding if this is a good fit for me. I like the idea of staying in one area for a more extended time. This way, I can explore more in depth and get to know the area. Maybe I will join a yoga class and have other opportunities to explore the local area.

Some of you have asked where I am. If you have been wondering, this is my current update on my spring and early summer plans. I followed the weather north. I enjoy meeting up with friends and like minded travelers. I like exploring the unknown.

Today I will meet up with the family that I will be cat sitting. The next day the owners leave for a cross Canada trip. I get the kitties and a home to nestle in for a few weeks.

I am thankful for my continuing adventurous spirit. I am thankful that I push myself to explore the unknown. I am thankful for family and friends. Even if they question my sanity, they continue to support me and my life choices.

Today I am Thankful.

Exploring the Pacific Northwest: Into the Unknown

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Have you ever looked at the calendar and thought, “Whoa! Where did the last month and a half go?” I am in that state right now.

Wednesday, that is tomorrow, EmmyLou and I are on the move. We are heading north for the spring and summer with a few extra visits back to San Diego in August (more dental work).

Wait a minute, didn’t I just return from Hawaii? Well, no, I have been back for almost two months. How did that happen? I don’t know. I just really don’t know.

I am heading towards the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia for my summer. I love it up there and look forward to my return each year. As I move north, I hope to meet up with friends. That means you, Mary, Sandy, Mandy, Pat, Melissa and so many more.

Tomorrow, my friend Tina and I are climbing into EmmyLou and heading for Cambria on the Central Coast of California. We are on a mission and an adventure, which I look forward to. After five days, I leave Tina at the train station and will spend some time near Santa Barbara while EmmyLou gets her health check for the year.

Look out, my West Coast friends. I am heading your way. I love the trip north; it is such a beautiful drive. I find all these little side roads to explore. The ocean is amazing, and the Coast Mountain Range is gorgeous. The Redwoods are impressive. And I do know that by May 22nd, I need to be at the Sooke Campground on Vancouver Island. I am going to a rally. The Roadtreks are gathering. EmmyLou can’t wait to see her brethren. I am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing friends.

I have joined Trusted Housesitters, a pet and house-sitting service. I hope to get a few pet sits in as I travel. Trusted Housesitters lists places worldwide where people are looking for someone to take care of pets and houses while the owners travel. So far, I have had three sits in the San Diego area. You met two of them in former posts, Max and Riot. Here are all three.

Maddie
Max
Riot

Please don’t ask me of my plans because I am taking it a moment at a time currently. I had to plan Hawaii and so I decided not to plan too much fo my summer. I still remember I planned last summer and then it all changed so this summer forget plans and just head out.

I hope you will come along on my travels and lets see what I can find to share with you. I am ready to move.

Today I am thankful for the unknown waiting for me to find it.

Riot the Cat: Tales of Love, Yoga, and Bubbles

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Meow (Hello in Cat Language). I am Riot, the big, fluffy orange lover boy of Fallbrook, California. I am a cat.

About a week ago, my owner disappeared, and Janet and her little Roadtrek, EmmyLou, showed up. She moved into my home and has taken great care of me. I hear her tell others that she is a pet sitter. I am unsure what that is, but I know she is taking great care of me and meeting my needs.

I heard my owner tell Janet I am on a diet, and my vet told me I needed to be on one. Do you know what that means? I can’t just eat anytime I want. I get fed, but sometimes it is not enough. I thought Janet would be an easy mark, but Noooo…..

It is not that I am big; I am just a big, fluffy, orange boy. I move around and run through my big home, but still, I guess I may have let myself go a little. So I try not to think of eating all the time.

So what do I do? I live in a beautiful home with a great outdoors. I patrol the yard, and when I am tired, I sleep in the barn. I am never far away from the door of my house. I like to come in and out often, my owner, or Janet, or anyone else close to the door opens it for me. Out I go. In I go. Oh wait I may want to go out again.

My Home

I love it when Janet does yoga in the morning. I like to hang around the mat, lying under her when she is doing Down Dog (a bad name for a yoga pose). I want to have attention all the time because I deserve it.

Janet introduced me to bubbles. I don’t know what they are, but these little shiny things float through the air, slowly coming closer and closer until I swat at them, and then they disappear. Where do they go? Oh, wait. Here comes some more. Bubbles are fun.

I have been told that my owner and friend, Edie, will return home soon. I have no idea where she has been. I am looking forward to her return, whenever that may be. I don’t tell time like people do. Until then, I am glad to have Janet here to feed me, play with me, let me in and out, and sleep on her cozy bed at night. It is nice to snuggle with someone.

Today, I am thankful for being a big, beautiful kitty with people who love me.

MEOW
(Same as Aloha in Hawaii-Hello/Goodby)

Navigating Life with a Pet Sitter: Max’s Story

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Hi, I am Max the Dog. About a week ago, my people disappeared. I heard words like South America, Iguazu Falls, suitcase, and more importantly…Pet Sitter.

And just like that, my people left, and Janet, the dog sitter, appeared. I don’t know where she came from, but she has been here ever since. I have heard her talk to friends about Trusted Housesitters, so maybe that is where she came from. Do these people just pop up from another reality? I don’t know.

I like having her here. She walks me, feeds me (I love food), pets me often, and even found a ball for me to play with. She is pretty good to have around. I would be very lonely if she wasn’t here and my peeps were gone. I sometimes get stressed if any of my peeps are gone too long. I carry stuffed toys in my mouth when I get distressed or worried. I am used to attention and having my needs met.

After all, I am a Dog!

I am an older dog, whatever that means. I have a gray muzzle, which I guess is a sign of being old. I also take stuff for my joints. People call it arthritis. I call it feeling stiff and achy in my legs, and I have four legs that I need to take care of because I love to go for walks.

Janet takes me out walking twice a day, and I get to smell and sniff to my heart’s content. Every time I walk, I have to check all my mailboxes and find some new ones. That is how we dogs communicate. Oh, there was Fluffy, who stopped to mark her mailbox, and Rex and Eric and…well, you get the idea. We dogs like to stay in touch.

One day, I met Ella. She is much younger than me and has a lot of energy. She bounced and appeared anxious to move. Janet liked her owner. They talked, and finally, the four of us set off on a mini-adventure to the water towers. I have been walking a lot. When we return to the house, I find one of my comfy beds and dream of my adventures.

I have three beds: one in the living room, one in Janet’s bedroom, and one in “The Office.” I spend most of my time in the living room, but when Janet goes to bed each night, I sleep in her room. I like my people close by. I sleep better hearing them breathe.

Janet tells me that my peeps will return soon, but I don’t know what that means. What is soon? Today? Tomorrow? I don’t know, so I guess I will have to take her word for it. Each day, I look at the door with a bit of anticipation, but nope, not that day. Meanwhile, Janet is here loving me and ensuring I don’t starve for food or affection, and I get my walkies in.

It is nice to meet you, and in my language, I greet you…”Woof, Woof.”

Exploring Big Wave Surfing on North Shore Oahu

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“If you get to North Shore during the winter months, and the conditions are right, you might witness some monstrous waves How tall exactly are the waves? Well, you see, during the winter, the waves can be more than 20 feet high or 2 stories tall – and remember that in Hawaii, wave height is measured from the back. That means north shore surfers zoom along waves with 40-foot faces or higher! 

Thousands of miles north of North Shore, near Alaska, the sea gets stormy during the winter. These storms send huge ocean swells south, directly to Hawaii. But that’s not the only thing that affects these giant waves… ancient submerged volcanic rocks and lava tubes – as well as coral reefs along the coast – influence the direction and activity of the waves as they break along the shoreline. These two things – the big swells and the rocks and reefs underneath the water – create the huge waves that have made the North Shore legendary.”

I arrived on the North Shore of Oahu on January 2. After I settled into my home for the next month, I took a walk. During winter, I am on the seven-mile stretch of big wave surfing. Most of it is within walking distance of where I live. I get up in the morning and walk a half mile to the Banzai Pipeline, a famous surf break. There are big waves and big wave surfers. The first full day I was there, I found two surfing competitions. I got to take so many photos on that first day. I figured out what to do better and went out the next day to try again.

Surfing here is like watching other sports, such as football, baseball, cycling, and more. When something goes right, a surfer successfully enters the barrel and comes out again in one piece; the crowds cheer. When someone wipes out on a big wave, people cheer and groan. Definitely, it is a spectator sport.

The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition

On the first day, I found the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition in progress at the Backdoor Break.

The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout is a unique surfing competition created in 1996 and run by Hui O He’e Nalu, a nonprofit entity dedicated to educating, coordinating, preserving, and supporting Hawaiian activities and culture. It aims to promote their progress.

Da Hui originated in Hawaii, founded by a surf gang called the “Black Shorts.” These passionate native Hawaiians were dedicated to protecting and preserving Hawaiian surfing, unyieldingly defending it. Their notable presence in the late 1970s, disrupting professional surfing contests on the North Shore by non-Hawaiians, marked the beginning of their significant impact on the global surfing community.

Da Hui actively supports local talents, enabling them to gain global exposure and promote the brand professionally. The Da Hui/Hui O He’e Nalu Backdoor Shootout highlights the classic Hawaiian surfing approach, focusing on style, strength, and reverence for the sea.

Participants are evaluated based on their technical skills, general strategy, choice of waves, and proficiency in tube riding, emerging with poise and flair.

The Backdoor Shootout holds a famed reputation.

It only runs when the conditions at the legendary North Shore of Oahu surf break shine in all its glory.

Each competitor is part of a team that is only announced moments before the start of the competition. The judging scale does not follow the industry standard. Waves are scored from 0 to 12.

The contest in memory of Duke Kahanamoku is held every year in January with a tight waiting period.

People love to watch surfing. If there is a competition, everyone shows up, sometimes for an hour, sometimes all day. And there are specific unspoken rules—well, not always unspoken.

I sat down next to this woman who proceeded to tell me that she knew I wasn’t from here because;

  • I had shoes on. She rolled her eyes when I told her I had a heel condition and had to wear shoes or not walk.
  • I must be a beginner photographer because I didn’t have a monopod, and all photographers carry one when shooting surfers and waves. I am not fond of monopods, so I left mine at home.
  • Where was my bathing suit? I didn’t have one on. And if I did have one on, it certainly wouldn’t be a string bikini like most of these younger women’s.

One thing that comes with age and experience is that I had a good internal giggle and sat there and took photos anyway. Since then, I have met lovely people and enjoyed the island experience.

I met a big-wave surfer who took me on a tour of the North Shore. I visited surfboard-making and repair shops, saw several breaks, tasted local pastry, and enjoyed my day with this transplanted New Zealander. We ended the day meeting someone who was selling him a surfboard. It was a good day.

The waves had settled down until today. Although I visit the shoreline every day, I am beginning to explore other parts of Oahu. Do I want to spend time on the beach, or do I want to explore other aspects of this island? I will likely combine time on the beach with exploring other parts of the island.

Since the above paragraph, I have ventured abroad, as far as this island will let me. Everything leads me back to the ocean, waves, and surfing.

Incredibly, a small island can have such different climates. One side is wet, and the other is dry. Mountains are in the middle of the island, and they drop to the ocean floor in some places. Big waves happen on the North Shore but not on the other coasts. When the trade winds shift, the North Shore becomes glassy and idle.

I am getting used to living in a lovely apartment with much more room than my tiny RV. It is upstairs in a house. The windows are wide open, and the overhead fans whirr quietly. It is warm and humid, but the ocean breezes help it remain a cool and delightful place. One night, I heard drums playing somewhere nearby. It reminded me of the hula.

With two weeks on Oahu remaining, I will have plenty of time to explore, photograph, swim, snorkel, relax, and enjoy my winter on the islands.

Today, I am thankful for a sense of adventure that has led me to places like Oahu. I am grateful for indulging in a passion of mine. I am thankful for the wonders of nature. I really love my camera and my love of photography.

Today, I am Thankful.

Hawaii Adventure: My Exciting Travel Plans

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I have hinted at big plans a few times in my past posts. I hesitated to mention them because so many of my plans this past year have changed, and I decided to wait and see if these plans would change, too.

I am Hawaii Bound.

I love big waves, and I love to watch surfers on big waves. I just love big waves. I decided to see big waves before they were too physically demanding for me to get to.

Hawaii, Here I Come.

So far, my plans have remained steady. Now that January 2nd is approaching quickly, I decided to finally inform my readers of my plans.

I leave on January 2 to spend a month on the north shore of Oahu. I will be within a short distance of the beaches and big waves. And if you are wondering what I will do, I will watch big waves and take photos of them. There is also a nature reserve near where I am staying, so birdwatching will also be on the list. I plan to explore this island as I have spent little time here.

A friend, Tina, will join me at the end of January. After a few days on Oahu, on February 1 we will travel to Kauai. Kauia has always been a charming and adventurous island. I love the vibes of this island and always feel welcomed when I spend time exploring there. I will be there for two weeks. Tina will be there for the first week. When she leaves, another friend of mine, Zee, will join me for the rest of my stay on Kauai.

And lastly we will explore the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Zee will be with me for most of this visit. There is always so much to see and do on this island. Snorkeling, hiking, and visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has been erupting again recently. I have chosen some interesting and unique places to stay on this island and I am looking forward to each one.

I enjoy traveling alone but having friends join me makes this adventure even more enjoyable. The last few days of my trip I will visit with a good friend who lives in Kona and then all of a sudden it will be March and I will be heading to the mainland. Where did the time go?

Hawaii
Kauai

I don’t like to make plans, and it is hard for me to do so. This trip required a lot of planning. It was a bit overwhelming when I started putting it together, but once I made my housing reservations, each piece of the trip slipped into place. Yet, oh my goodness, it was a lot of work for a non-planner. It was stressful and caused me to lose some sleep. I am ready to go. Well, almost, I am packing.

On the last day of December, EmmyLou goes into storage for two months. This will be the longest I will have left her since 2019. She is getting spiffed up and ready to go indoors. Once a month, she will be plugged in for 24 hours, and her generator will run for an hour. I know I am paying for this service, but she will be ready for me when I return. And….if I give them 24 hours’ notice, they will wash and detail her before I pick her up. What more could I ask for?

I am off on a new adventure. I am excited, nervous and a wee bit apprehensive. The bottom line is, I am going. Once the rig goes into storage I can breathe another sigh of relief. And after two nights with good friends in San Diego celebrating the New Year, I will be on my way.

Aloha!

A Summer of New Adventures

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Totem

I returned state-side from British Columbia last Monday. Sadly my time in western Canada has drawn to an end. It was a grand adventure north of the border. I spent a month traveling on Vancouver Island, Cortes Island for a workshop at Hollyhock before boarding the ferry and going as close to Alaska as I could. I spent ten days on Haida Gwaii before I reversed direction, After spending more time on Vancouver Island I once again returned to the United States.

Was it a good summer, so far? Resoundingly, Yes!

I have returned to my friends home on Whidbey Island and have been here for six days, resting up, visiting with Birdy Boy and getting ready for my next summer adventure.

You may ask, what is my next adventure.

Lake Sammamish State Park

After successfully completing a security clearance I am becoming a volunteer for Washington State Parks. I will be conducting surveys in the northern Washington State Parks. I will learn more about what I am doing today when I move into my home for the next three weeks, Lake Sammamish State Park.

Do I really know what I am doing? Not yet. I will be checking in in the early afternoon today, Tuesday and then receive a full orientation. I am expanding my world, trying something new. I will be volunteering through the Labor Day weekend.

I am looking forward to this new experience. It will be interesting to learn more about Washington. I am able to work with the state parks and give back to a park system I support. It will be interesting to meet people from all over the globe.

And…since I only work twenty-four hours a week I will have time to reach out and explore new territory.

And…I will be camped near a camera store that I have always wanted to visit, Kenmore Cameras. A photographers dream.

I am thankful that I am always ready for a new adventure.

Exploring the Rainforest and Totem Poles of Haida Gwaii: A Unique Adventure

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I have been in the wettest rainforest that I have yet to experience. I am on the Island of Haida Gwaii in British Columbia. It is west into the Pacific Ocean, further west than the Continental United States. And…it is wet!!! They experience approximately one hundred days of sunshine each year. It is wet! In case you don’t yet know, it is moist here. One day, when rain was expected, the sun came out instead. The people on the Island said they had a bonus day.

The Rian Forest

First known by the Haida as Xhaaidlagha Gwaayaai or “Islands at the Boundary of the World,” these islands are more commonly known as Haida Gwaii, or “Land of the Haida.” The area represents more than 3,600 islands in all, with an oral history that can be traced back 7,000 years.

“Haida territory encompasses parts of southern Alaska, the archipelago of Haida Gwaii, and its surrounding waters. The pre-contact population of Haida was in the tens of thousands in several dozen towns dispersed throughout the islands. During the time of contact, the Haida population fell to about 600 due to introduced diseases, including measles, typhoid, and smallpox. Today, Haida comprises over half the 4200 people living on the islands.”

In 2018, I spent a month on Vancouver Island, exploring Vancouver Island in depth. While there, several people asked if I was going to Haida Gwaii. I told them no. The idea of a trip to Haida Gwaii began to percolate, and now, six years later, here I am.

Why come to Haida? It is remote and rugged, surrounded by water and a rainforest. I wanted to learn the history of the First Nations People who live here. I came to see totem poles. Hiking in the Rainforest is magic. The people are welcoming and kind. Since canceling my trip to Alaska, I wanted an interesting destination in place, so I did not regret the un-trip to Alaska. And….I love to ride ferries (it took three long rides to arrive here).

The poles are carved from the logs of giant local cedar trees and then painted. Different totem poles include clan crest poles, mortuary or memorial poles, and potlatch poles; totems are ready from the bottom to the top.. These are the remains of the totems of Haida Gwaii. They are left to decompose naturally. Only after the mortuary poles fall can the spirit of the chief be free.

I arrived on July twenty-first and will depart on August first. I have been on two tours to visit the remains of villages, learn about the First Nations’ way of life, and learn about the significance of totems. The tours were more inclusive than I realized. On the return trip from the last tour, we stopped to check fishing lines and crab traps. The natural food sources are very plentiful. More than once, the guides said it is only the individual’s fault if they starve on Haida Gwaii.

I have hiked and watched for birds, wandered beaches, picked up shells, and taken photos. I have met so many lovely people through the tours and in the campgrounds. The longer I stay at one campground, the more information the owners have given me regarding places to explore and hike.

Bald Eagle
White Winged Scoter
Red Throated Loon
Birds of Haida Gwaii

While I was here, I took a kayak tour. We kayaked for six-plus hours. It was a long day. I saw starfish, anemones, sea cucumbers, and other sea life. The water is cold, clear, and teaming with life. Being out on the bay and exploring from the water was fun. The hardest thing for me was getting out of the kayaks. I have short legs. Here in Haida Gwaii, they call them canoers legs.

Shells Along the Coast

It has been a successful trip. I would like to return and take a multiple-day tour to Gwaii Hanas National Park. “Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site is a wild place. With no road access, stores, cell phone coverage and little signage, it is a true wilderness experience.

Gwaii Haanas is home to a plethora of unique subspecies and environments, it is also home to Haida. Today the Council of the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada manage Gwaii Haanas through a cooperative agreement. They work together through the Archipelago Management Board (AMB), which protects Gwaii Haanas from sea floor to mountain peak.”

I have enjoyed my time here. I have stayed longer than most visitors. Three to four days is the usual stay. I am glad I stayed longer so I could experience more of the Island and its culture. The more the local people get to know you the more they open up and share their knowledge. It was nice not to rush.

I leave Haida Gwaii on August 1. It is time for another ferry ride back to Prince Rupert on the mainland. After two more ferry rides, I will travel through British Columbia to the Untied States. I am sure there is more adventure to come. Please come and join me.

Today, I am thankful, for my sense of adventure, and, traveling off the beaten path. I am grateful for the people who have encouraged and supported an unusual lifestyle. Today, I am thankful for the beauty that surrounds me.

A Journey of Unforeseen Changes and New Beginnings in 2024

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In the Spring of this year, 2024, I announced I was going to Alaska. I was ready to go. I was traveling with two fellow Roadtrekers, Gregg and Bruce. I was finally going to achieve a dream I had since I bought EmmyLou (my RV) in 2013. Alaska Bound.

I was ready to go. First, I planned to visit friends in Oregon and Washington, and then drive east to meet up with my travel companions in Banff National Park.

The trick is not in the planning but in seeing it through and making it happen. Unfortunately for me, I had some medical issues to deal with, and it did not make sense to follow through at this time. Yes I was disappointed.

My plans changed, and they continue to change as spring has moved into summer. I don’t mind creating my travels on the fly, yet I have not been comfortable truly not knowing what is next.

And I have been waiting. Are the medical issues under control. Do I have to visit one more Kaiser? I currently have guest memberships in all the West Coast Kaiser facilities. What? How did that happen? Oh, life can change, just like that.

I am doing well and have plans, knowing they can change. After visiting with my Oregon and Washington friends, I have been on Vancouver Island, BC, since early July. I decided I needed to make a plan so I didn’t spend my whole summer waiting.

I am attending a 5-day workshop on Cortes Island on the Salish Sea. Hollyhock is a retreat and learning center on the island. I have known about it for a long time and have always wanted to attend a workshop there. It is good to look forward to something.

I will explore Cortes Island by land and sea while taking good care of myself, eating well, and attending yoga classes. Someone pointed out that I decided on a workshop looking outwards instead of inwards. I believe there is some profound truth in that statement.

I have spent the last four days in and around Victoria on the island’s southernmost tip. I visited Bouchart Gardens, saw a Maori performing group, attended Pride weekend, biked the paths, and even got my kayak on the water. It was a very diversified four days.

One of the best parts of my time was staying with the same Boondockers Welcome Hosts I stayed with when I explored this island in 2018. Ann and Ian are a delightful couple. They live in a little bit of paradise north of the city. They welcomed me with arms wide open. Our friendship deepened. It was delightful to spend time with them. We found we had a lot in common. Absolutely delightful.

Yesterday, I moved north to Qualicum Beach on the eastern shore of the Island. I have friends I am going to visit here as well. Cathy and David I met through Boondockers Welcome in 2018. Tonight, however, I am camped on the coast of the Salish Sea and tomorrow I will explore this area while doing my laundry. One can travel all they want but there are still chores to be done.

My Sunset View for the Next Three Nights.

Where to next? I have plans. They could change so you will have to stay tuned along with me to see where I head after my time at Hollyhock. Plans are out there but it appears that waiting is still part of my summer and I won’t reveal them until I know I am moving forward.

Stay tuned. When I know I will let you know. It is just that kind of summer.

Today I am thankful for my health. Today I am thankful I am up and traveling and exploring, inward and outward. Today I am thankful for these beautiful places I am seeing. Today I am thankful for friends who greet me with arms wide open.

Today I am Thankful