Windy Bay

The gale was still blowing out in Hecate Straight, so we were unable to stop at Taanu, it was just too exposed. Instead we headed for Murchinson Island where we could dinghy to Windy Bay in the morning. The entrance was a bit of a maze through the rocks, and a little hairy but we made it.

Fynn and I headed for shore while Bowen napped and went on an adventure. She had refused to wear clothes so she was naked and I had her clothes and a bucket. We climbed rocks and hunted for berries. We turned over rocks and collected crabs. She was a forest imp, picking up slugs and sticks and jumping of logs into a carpet of moss. She has an inmate curiosity and is not at all squeamish. These memories of her have imprinted themselves on my heart.

The next morning the wind had abated as forecasted and we zoomed down to Windy Bay. Such a lovely sight for a village. Here Nick gave us the story of the new pole that was raised here and Sheldon guided us to through the woods to the 900 year old fir tree. He as very much at home in these woods. He knows every tree, every change. He pointed out the rivers otters den and where the bear ripped it open. He showed us the bee hive, also destroyed by the bear and told us stories of his time as a watchman.

The tree was huge. It is also still here thanks to the Haida men and women who protested the logging of Lyle Island in the ’80s. Because of them we have the gem of Gwaii Haanas.