The cockles in my heart

This is today's pic and today's dinner. A little smorgasbord of cockles and rock scallops. The next picture will give you a little before and after. I picked these up on my trip to the beach today at the falling tide. Believe it or not, these beauties are just inside the tide line and with some gum rubber boots you can pick these up for yourself.
These turned into a fiesta of garlic and breading. I had some butter clams as well that my friend Christine gave to me and come noon today, it would have been a meal fit for a king. It is really amazing what the market value would be for what I rip off the shore everyday, but I know I've paid at least $50 for the amount of mollusks I ate today.
In addition to getting these goodies, I had a surreal experience with the beach as well. You've all seen the last squid I saw, but today there was a live one on the beach. I saw the little bugger and said 'hey, that's cool, let's go check it out' and so I walked up and gave it a little tap with the boot and that slimy sucker spit ink all over my shoe!!! I went 'far out'!!! So I realized she was still alive and I tried to pick her up to get her back in the water. Well, the little girl was about 4 feet long and close to 80lbs, so I didn't do it too gingerly. I kept trying to push her a little in the water and hope the waves would bring her out, but I was without proper footwear and the tide was going the wrong way. I really tried, so I'm hoping she made it. What a cool animal! It was so cool to see her puff up and blow a stream of water as propulsion. So cool.

After that escapade, I picked up a bunch of beach wood for the fire at the play. Today was the "Jabberwock" presentation which went really well. We didn't scare any small children, but I'm sure we scared a handful of adults. What a cool show. I narrated the entire play (which I challenge anyone to memorize) http://www.jabberwocky.com/carroll/jabber/jabberwocky.html

The rest of the crew were amazing with fire jugglers, stilt walkers, and a variety of awesome tricks. Really amazing stuff going on in the community. I saw lots of townies out to enjoy the show and plenty of kids and adults alike. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and I'm sure they did.

T'was brillig and the slithy toves, did gire and gimble in the wabe.....
Happy Halloween.

This wicked hunk of meat comes out of that little shell. Notice the beautiful scallops in the bowl below.

Magical Mystery Tour

I know that the fear of water is hydrophobia, but what is the fear of land? Terraphobia? I know it may seem irrational, but todays pic is the last time I saw the mainland. It will be nice to perhaps go to Wendy's, see a movie and find out who's in the world series, but I really enjoy things in the simplicity that is island life. The trip back to Rupert will be welcome I will definitely look forward to seeing old friends.

That being said, today's pic is the sun rising behing Mt. Hays of Prince Rupert aboard the Queen of Prince Rupert en route to my new home. Truly a beauty of a sight. We can only imagine what's on the other side eh? Actually I know, it's a bunch of awesome islands and mountains covered in snow with the mighty Skeena river cutting through them like a relentless serpent. I do miss that lovely serpent that provided so many salmon for years.

So my trip to land is planned for next weekend in Terrace. I've also been booked to Victoria for December 4-15 for a swim meet and a week surf vacation in Tofino before travelling home to NB for Christmas. Any interested parties are more than welcome to join in any or all of these trips and I would love to have someone to join me, so speak up! These two trips are going to really give a good dose of family and friends that will be welcomed.

Speaking of hydrophobia, I am getting to think that I may never be dry again. With this wetsuit on everyday and in the pool and sauna, I'm beginning to think these nuts of mine, if considered edible would be deemed water chestnuts, may never dry. But hey, I wouldn't change a thing if I could. That being said (and I'm sure some of you wish I didn't say it) todays' surf was classic. We had our wind switch again to bring the wind swell into a nice wall of water coming in. These 4 fts were slow rollers and made for some absolutely beauty rides. Lots of time to carve back up the wave a couple times and rides lasting 10 - 15 seconds long, which for the rookie is a very long ride. But I must confess, this was the first time I've ever felt cold in my wetsuit. I think part of it was the sitting and waiting game as I paddled past the break quite easily and waited for the big waves for upwards of 15-20 minutes. I really hope the suit isn't degrading to rapidly from all the use. It is pretty much for sure that the weather is getting colder. Hell, we may be in a rainforest, but it is still Canada. Speaking of which, a nice clear view of the Alaskan Panhandle today from the waves. Brrrr just thinking about it.

So, all for now my chicky monkies. Anyone in the locale of my magical mystery tour, please let me know. Looking for old friends, new friends, family, and the occasional bite to eat. Ciao down.

Can't we all just get along

I'm not sure if you'll be able to make out todays pic, but it's a rock scallop washed up on shore today resting on my chopping block. Clinging to it's top is a piece of bull kelp. I think we all have something to learn from these two. That we can co-exist together, and some vegetable is trying to catch a free ride no matter where you go despite thinking they want to stay put. The scallop serchers were in huge abundance today with the rumours of the scallops washing up on shore. I only saw a couple, and from the sounds of things, I was pretty lucky. This guy had a meat a little smaller than a hockey puck. Bacon anyone?

The wind was pretty westerly today which brought some nice swell and some size to the waves, but they were sloppy and wet. I met the kayaks again which was cool to see in the waves. We debated even getting into these things, but hey the exercise is always worth the effort, and you know the fun was definitely worth the effort. Most waves were in the 4-6 foot range with a couple of bigger rollers, but definitely fun to ride. They seem to be getting a little less scary now, but I am still so aware of the size and volume of these waves. My appreciation for the sheer power is truly humbling.
Tonight was also our first rehearsal for 'waiting for godot'. It is an absolutely non-sensical play that starts nowhere, and goes nowhere, but there are some good larfs. It looks like we will be doing a day here, one in charlotte, and another weekend in Rupert. I'm sure any fan of the arts will appreciate the text.
Well, off to bed kinda early tonight as I'm pretty sure today's wind swell is going to switch up and give us a good ground swell tomorrow when the wind changes. Gotta love the surge. Howa'a!

Is it hot in here or is it just you...

Mmmmm.... toasty warm. That's been the mantra since I've been here. How did our forefathers and foremothers do it. I couldn't imagine living in NB during the winter months with only wood heat to keep warm. My fire goes out and my nipples could cut concrete. Luckily on Haida Gwaii, in the coastal rainforest we have such wonderful weather, but wheweee, a cold snap and I'm gonna be making love to this stove. Alas, comforting as it may sound, I'm sure it will be painful.

Life today was obscure. Frustrations at the swim club were followed by wonderful times with friends, so I guess a mixed bag is better than no bag right? Am I being a bag? Surf was flat ass today, but apparently there are 30 foot waves at langara point so we should see a swell come in tomorrow. I did manage to get the kite running a couple days ago which is waaay cool for anyone who's ever seen this method of euthenasia. I'm hoping to find a good day to really get to know my new board. Until then, the ugly egg (surfboard) will be my stallion. I'm looking forward to getting up early for the big scallop swell that has been coming in. Amazing to think that my neighbor picked up nearly a $1000 worth of seafood before the seagulls got them. So tomorrow will hopefully be cockle-full. Stay positive.

Tow Hillbilly

Today was a no-surf day again, but hey you can't always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need. Soo, I went hiking instead. Today's pic is kinda shotty, but it's actually a view of north beach from Tow Hill. You can sort of make out the formation of the spit from here if we took that damn tree out of the way. But alas, it's not easy getting a good picture for you everyday! The trip up the hill was a nice one and became more of a run which was good to keep the lower body fit. After the run, I was greeted by my weekly organic veggies. Mmmm. Although Barb needs to give me less beets and more fruit, but I'll discuss that with her. My buddy Jeff phoned after dinner for a quick fish which turned out to be productive. I got skunked, but he landed a nice 12lb'er and tossed it over to me. He's got 15 cases of sockeye already canned, so I sure could use this one and about 10 more to last my winter. I've got about 10 sides in the freezer and with a couple more I'll get a smoke on and can before starvation is a concern.
Last night was a blast with a trip to the 'trout house' a local eatery for the folks. Excellent food and good atmosphere. I ended up tearing my toenail off trying to complete the trout house challenge which is getting on top of a huge beam support. As an avid rock climber and psudo athlete, I though no problem, but after several tries, realized why only 1 person out of 50+ attempts have completed. For those interested: free cup of chowder for those that get up there. Howa!

Calamari Anyone?

Oh my gawd! What do you think, a little taziki sauce or what. FYI my board is 6'6", so you can do the math. I'm guessing this squid is a little over 7 feet long. Well, as you may or may not have guessed, winter storms officially arrived yesterday with a huge wind swell bringing stuff like this on shore. The waves are getting to be Hawaii Five-O huge with me dropping into 6 footers yesterday and falling straight down off some 8 footers which if anyone has ever dropped 15 feet into a washing machine on the spin cycle knows what I'm talking about. Breath holding has taken a whole new level. Out in the crazy surf yesterday were some kayakers which was neat to see. Sure wish I had a paddle to get out into these monsters. But alas, the paddle I did was incredibly tiring and I've got to be getting into shape doing this for 3 hours a day. This morning was met with a walk during low tide to pick up a feed of scallops on the shore. I learned how to shuck em' and they'll be a meal in a short time. Looking foward to the weekend and hanging out in the community. Have a great one!

Prized Possessions

My two prized possessions today with my surfboard and the tail end of my 4-runner. Both of these at my favorite locale - Hiellen River on the North Beach. These two toys hang out every day together and I think they enjoy each other's company. You can see Tow Hill in the background. Today's surf swell was really nice, but really small. The offshore came up at the end of the day and curled up the incoming tide. I hope it sticks around for tomorrow when I have more time. Again a beautiful day and always wonderful to just be out walking the beach. Nothing out of the ordinary today with a short stint of wood splitting with has become borderline fun with my new maul that let's me get into the big cedar feeling like a real man. I met with my new director who is putting on 'waiting for godot' which is apparently a fairly popular play and been done in it's best by Robin Williams whom I can see doing a bang on job as it's pretty high energy throughout. Should be a good feat to lead this play of almost 3 hours and never leaving the stage! Gotta keep the braincells intact for another 4 months! A little joke for anyone that hasn't heard it.....

Question - What did the salmon say when he hit the cement wall......

Answer - Dam

Have a nice day ;-)

First Nations Summer

Here we are, nearing the end of October and the lilys are still blooming. Amazing. Our indian summer is going on and on. Just loving it. Today had a nice surf swell with what I now understand as the 'wind switch', which means it was blowing hard out of the north west for the last couple of days generating swell and then for 5 hours it switched up and blew south east and held all the waves up in a beauty fashion. Made for some nice waist high rollers that were easy to paddle into and fun to ride.

Yesterday was blogless, but certainly eventful. Saturday night party at Harvest and David's was absolutely amazing with such good people around and such good music. The party was full of good vibes and 'sillys' roaming through the air with the sweet scent of sweat that all of us beach people have. So the party was a complete amazing time with everyone in a state of perpetual admiration and dancing the night away. Sunday was met with a surprisingly early rise and off for coffee and a shitty surf with Steve, who is a newbie to the sport and insisted that we go out. So, alas I obliged and ended up having a good paddle which is important at this time to keep getting in better shape before the big season comes. After the nice paddle I went to a rehearsal for a children's play we're doing on Halloween. We're doing the 'Jabberwock' by Lewis Carol, and it is going to be scary!!! I'm playing the part as the narrator and reciting the play with several finger fire perfomers, jugglers and people on stilts. All of it truly amazing individually, but as a performance, will no doubt be really cool.

So after rehearsal, I made it to a jam night we're trying to get to be a regular occurance out here. There are so many amazing musicians, it's a pleasure just to hang and see them play. Well, I was a bit late, but Aaron was still there and we had a good hour jam, and this guy is amazing. Fully competent in guitar, flute, violin, mandolin, and double bass (all of which he played in the hour!) Even his little girl of 3 was playing the violin! Another case of amazing energy going on in amazing places.

Look what washed up today

This Octopus was on the beach today during my walk. We went looking for surf which was again non existant, but seeing little beauties like this makes the smiles sneak back out.

Crazy Friday Night

Well folks, this is as exciting as it gets on a Friday night (and Saturday for that matter). But, I must say that the relaxing lifestyle has really taken my spirits to a new level. The solitude took a while to get used to, and am now appreciating the hermiting that I do at night. I do see lots of wonderful people everyday and never feel alone at any point. As for the time spent, if you look at my little wood fire that stays lit 24/7 now has been a serious preoccupation. Anyone who's been without heat and cut a cord of wood with just an axe knows what I'm talking about and the pleasure in simple jobs that need to be done. I must confess that the rustic living has left me to neglect a few things that I'm sure any woman around me would not agree with. Note the bare feet and pajamas... well they looked like that all day. I love it here, I can wear my pj's to town and nobody says a word! I've lost my shaver, and I believe I have now officially stopped wearing deodorant. Not as a protest or as a means of laziness, but I sincerely believe I don't need it anymore. I'm sure the rest of society would beg to differ, but to hell with them. I feel fine and don't mind my smell at all. Besides, I"m cleansed by the ocean every day, and I do manage to make it in the pool most days and have a shower there. Whatever the case, I have had good dreams every night I've been here and have found my appreciation for the magic that makes this misty isle so wonderful. It's hard to deny the energy that surrounds this place and inhibits the residents of this area. It is truly one of the last gems of the world. Please do me a favour and don't tell anyone about it. It'll be our secret.

Everybody's working for the weekend

Hi all! People have been asking for pics of me, not too sure why when you can pictures of much more beautiful scenery, but here's one. A beautiful 8lb silver bullet of a steelhead trout just before release back into the Yakoun river. For those unaware, the steelhead fishing on this river is absolutely world class with trout reaching into the 20lb range. All 5 species of Pacific salmon and a huge variety of different salt water cod and groundfish. The crabs you can catch right off shore at the right time of year with a dip net. I couldn't believe it myself, but I waded in waist deep and there the little buggers were walking on the bottom. Just scoop em' up and dinner is served! Shouldn't go hungry this season! The scallops are starting to wash up on shore and apparently with a good northerly wind they'll be a-plenty.

Life itself is pretty mellow with the last couple days just being swim club stuff. The club is getting really organized this year and unbelievably self-supportive of it's swimmers. The club pays 100% of the travel costs for it's swimmers which is unheard of by today's standards in swim clubs. It really will mean the difference between these kids getting off island if only once this year. I'm really proud to be at the growth phase of this organization.

Surf has been flat ass calm and people are already calling me to teach them. I'm thinking about getting a couple boards and selling lessons - whatta you think? Paid to surf... hmm... I think I'm still alive, but that sure does sound like heaven. Have a great weekend!

Pain is short, joy is eternal

Nice effect on the picture, but no, these are not the magic variety. Beautiful local chantrelles that are abundant and amazingly delicious. In about 3 minutes these are going to a pan with a kick ass steak and some great organic veggies for a nutritious/delicious dinner. A good end to a somewhat crappy day. For those without the know, it's exactly $138 for not wearing your seatbelt. Coincidentally the exact same cop that busted me in Rupert a month ago... not a big fan of this member of the RCMP right now. Alas, you should wear yoru seat belt. That's the lesson learned. Idiot - him and me.
After that, I proceded to drop a huge piece of wood on my finger which I believe isn't broken, but tomorrow we'll figure that one out.
On the positive side, the surf was small but really fun today and I'm finally learning how to drop in on a short board which may look cool and easy, but is amazingly difficult and is certainly filled with a great deal of time underwater with a wave trying to shove more foam in your eyes, face, nose, mouth and body parts I can't mention on a family website. Oh, but pain is short, and joy is eternal.

Nice long weekend

A bug's view from the river today. Yesterday I went fishing down the Mamin river looking for coho, got three, but two were a little beyond their years. Beautiful red crimson color on the fish, I sure wish I would have remembered my camera. The pinks were spawning in abnormally sick numbers. There must have been at least a thousand in a 200 foot stretch of stream. Man the smell of the 'stinky pinky' was running pure. Another good day for sure. The surf was non existant again today, but I got to see a pod?? of Sea lions no less than 50 feet off shore. I thought they were whales when they first arrived due to their size, but after more inspection they were 1000+ lb lions. I watched the 6 or so of them feeding on the passing salmon for a half an hour and went home for a lovely leftover date with the rest of Sangan community. Good food with good people once again.

The end of the world

So here's a clear picture of both the north beach and the east beach at the pinnacle of Haida Gwaii; rose spit. Amazing sand formation of tide and wind that just seems to go on and on. We drove as far as the road, or so it seemed, ran. A little walk provided for some productive agate searching and an update on the beached whale from last year. He was pretty much decomposed and smelling ripe. Only bones left were a few discs and a nice piece of baleen that the kid wouldn't let me bring in the truck on a count of the smell. Despite the great view, we came looking for surf which was absolutely the opposite of what was happening there. A flat-ass calm like no other. I would venture to say it has not been flatter. Despite the flat calm, we decided to head back to beat the tide and try another spot, taking the beach road. Now this was a total fear factor experience in this pea gravel trying to not stop because if you do, that's it, the truck, you, everything is gone in the highest tide of the year! So we finally get out of this to realize that the road off the beach is about to get flooded, so luckily Kaj (the kid), pulls into a side road that leads to a great longhouse that the locals party and what-not. So as we shit our pants we sat out for 3 hours to let the tide drop and then on our way. Whew.

So then comes the dinner. I've got 45 minutes to cook a ham thinking they're is going to be tonnes of people showing up for dinner. Well there were lots of people and they all brought hams and potatoes and mushrooms and everything. It was a feast of no less than 40 trays of meat and vegetables. Truly all beautiful and full of nutrition. A couple glasses of wine were shared and the good vibes passed on around the fire outside. Hope everybody got to eat as much as I did.

Lazy days

Howdy. Today's pic has a handful of agates picked at a special location that are a plenty. I have to keep it a secret so there will still be some there tomorrow. I'm sure the picture doesn't do them justice and if anyone knows a simple way to shine them up I would appreciate the advice. Today was extremely lazy with a nap at noon and no donning of the wetsuit. Barb came over with my weekly delivery of organic veggies which are absolutely awesome! I can see healthy eating being so much easier with such a wonderful service here in the Tow Hill community. We are all preparing for a huge dinner tomorrow night with all of the community gathering for what I belive to be dinner for 50! Apparently 3 huge turkeys and all the fixings. I picked up a ham for the rest of us carnivores to chow on as well. Should be a great time with kids a plenty, live music and a hoot for everyone. May you all have a great dirty bird day stuffing the turkey and stuffing yourselves.

Happy Thanksgiving

Howa'a everyone again. Today's pic is a couple weeks old, so I hope you don't mind. It was a totem pole raising in the village that I was lucky enough to be part of. The totem was a dedication to a very popular carver in the area and a fitting specimen was in his honor. There were about 100 of us who essentially grabed one of 5 ropes you see pictured and pulled until this 60 ft cedar tree found it's way into a 10 ft hole in the ground. We kept it tight until they filled in the hole and that's where it will lie for eternity, or when an Albertan tries to buy it. There must be at least 20 poles on a stretch of road 3 miles long. From what I understand, they are all either markers of territory or dedications to individuals. Always amazing to see these specimens living beyond the time they were cut down.

Today for me was the same ol' with a bit of work and finally finishing my buddies roof and then off to get absolutely mutilated by the surf. Just when you think you're getting good at it, mother nature blows straight on-shore with a huge swell which equates into Michael getting man-handled. I'm thinking of pressing charges against mother earth for the abuse she put me through today. Waves were definitely 6ft + and some reaching close to 10. I will lick my wounds and see if I can get a little confidence back tomorrow. The wind was a bit closer to the much needed steady stuff, and if this is any indication of what the winter swell is going to be this year, I am in serious trouble... most excellent.

I've got blisters on my fingers...

Gotta love this sign. True island fashion. Hours are as sporadic in stores here as the colorful people that run them. We have coffee shops that open at noon, but hey, who gets up before noon anyways... Oh right, the real world. Restaurants serve specials until they're out, and if you want firewood, you've got to wait until 'Smokin Joe' gets a starter for the truck. And that guy is a hoot, no pun intended, because his other vehicle is a limosine which is frequently seen clam digging on north beach. I love it. The pace of life is very slow with everything getting done in the time it needs to. Everyone is busy every day, that's for sure. Work is everywhere and if you want to, you can make a decent wage doing most jobs. Professionals are in high demand, and they are very keen to keep you here, which is truly wonderful. Everyone I've met has been extremely hospitable and offered assistance and invitations at every corner.
Well, as for today, not too much to report. I'm now officially dead-dog tired. Tomorrow should be the last of the roofing and then off to surf city. Today was definitely chest high with a big swell, and I'm guessing the big winds this saturday will finally allow me to get the kite out and rip up a few. Let's hope that one of these next few pics has a righteous dude in a wetsuit.

Going Swimmingly

Today's pic has future olympians Mardy and Emily at our pool here in Masset. It is a staggering 3 lane 20 YARD pool. Antique by today's standards, but the only one on the island, so we're pretty lucky to have it. We've got over 30 kids in our program this year, which is approximately 1/3 of the entire elementary school children. Far out eh. Feeling very lucky to be here with such supportive parents and swimmers. They belly ache a LOT as I'm pretty sure they're not used to strict technique work and pounding out some yards in the pool, but these gracious souls thank me at the end of every workout. I just love the politesse of these young ladies. So, with the swim club flourishing, I've found myself a little more busy than I expected, and helping my buddy with his roof, it's been an exhausting week. Mum, when was the last time I did a week of labour?? Got to be 10 years. Anyways, blisters feel good and I sure am learning a lot about house construction. Perhaps I'll put a roof on my own property in the near future. If land wasn't so damn expensive around here, I'd think about it. Actually, I'm still thinking about it.

Surf was ok today with nice 4ft rollers. I just went in for an hour when the other boys were having lunch. Gotta get my dose. Another nice day with temperatures still in the high teens every day. This indian summer is just going on and on. Love it.

Another beautiful day

Another day on island time. Aaahhh. Waves were perfect today with chest high rollers. Too bad I was on a roof helping a buddy. Luckily got to watch them roll in all day long. Tomorrow I imagine they'll still be around so I'll get to partake. Today has a pic of my quaint little stackhouse built by my landlady Pam and others in the area. Very cool inside and out with a lovely garden you can see in the foreground and a greenhouse and woodshed right beside. I've got electricity and phone, but the only heat is a wood stove, so it gets a little chilly, but toasty when the fire is a ragin'. Speaking of which, time to toast the beautiful day we had today and sit by the fire.

Foam Central

Another mediocre surf day, but still able to be conquered. They were about 2-4 foot with, once again, just a little too little wind. Sun is shining and I'm sure glad I got the fire raging. Sea foam was abundant today and veeeerrry erie in the water. I know they're is nothing out there, but it sure feels like there is... Big tides this weekend should bring up a good swell.

New Week

Well new week is starting with the swim club and other ventures. Hoping to see some better surf this week and some wind. The kite has been in hiding for almost a month with only 1 kitable day. The westerlys would be nice if they picked up just another 5 knots. Got a trip planned for tomorrow down island to pick chantrelle mushrooms and take advantage of the big coho salmon run going on right now. Need a couple more for the smoker. Here's a picture of the Pesuta ship wreck (1927) off east beach. Beautiful hike just 3 hours return, with snack.

The beautiful Tow Hill Road en route to north beach in Haida Gwaii.

Contact

Hello World,
First posting of the blog. I'm hoping this will be an avenue for people to check up on me and get to share with me the great things I do every day. Life is grand and I trust everyone lives this way. With the beginning of October comes the cold(er) weather. Today was burning sun and 17 degrees, so it's hard to say that this was a cold day. The wind was up a bit, so the trip to the beach was met with a nice wind swell, but not a surf day. Perhaps tomorrow. I finished smoking a salmon with Heidi and it was damn good. Hopefully a few more before the run is done.