It's pronounced 'Tow' like 'Cow'

A shot of Tow hill this time, named for a boy, in a story too long and complicated for me to get into. I have been told that Tow has an identical brother that exists in Juskatla down the Massett inlet and the maps seem to agree with this story. I've recently completed "The Golden Spruce" if anyone has heard of this book/story. It begins with a small boy taking a dump... Legends are deep and prolific in their meaning, and literal in their translation. I got a good kick out of the story of the Golden Spruce and an eye opener out of the history of Haida Gwaii. For those not in the know, we are no longer the Queen Charlotte Islands and now are considered, and most residents would say, always, Haida Gwaii - Islands of the Peoples. After a landmark decision by the provincial and federal governments, the archapelago, formally named after the venturing ship of Jolly ol' England "Queen Charlotte" has been re-re-named back to it's original name of the people who live and govern it's land - Haida. Gwaii simply means island. The Haida legends clearly state that man was created as raven coaxed man out of the clam shell onto land. The geology of the land states that this area survived the iceage and has remained virtually undisturbed longer than most land masses of the planet. We have species of plants and animals that only exist here and I have to tell you we have people that could only exist here. Between the smell and the attitude it's surprising that more people don't get sent off the island. For me, well, I smell, but I like to contribute. The surf shop has been a great way for me to share my knowledge of the islands with the locals and the visitors. I've found a great deal of support for my projects and just last week had a crew of Skidegate folks up to enjoy the waves. Tonnes of hoops from the kids and sincere appreciation from the elders. Makes me feel very proud to keep the lights on in the place. Haa'waa to the Ngystle Society for allowing the youths to have a fun time on the beach.
Off for now as I have a date with a little portuguese gentleman this weekend. No, it's not that serious, just a guy I know. Looking to rip up a few moguls instead of waves this weekend in smithers. Photos to follow with words. Peace to all.

Wave to the camera

Tell me this isn't one of the nicest waves you've ever seen! We've been having some great waves over the last weekend and a full contingency of surfers out for it. This is a pic I took with my new camera that I got for myself for christmas of one of our top breaks. I've also been entertaining Lucy's stepdad George who has found out the appreciation for our world class breaks. Not too much else to report right now, but I'll snap a few more pics of the waves today and give a better update on the goings on. Until then... keep warm and hug someone today for a little longer than you usually do, see what happens.

Goin' Right

Hello Everybody! Thanks for the nice compliments on the blog and after careful consideration and a bout of anger with crackbook, I've decided to continue the blog and enhance my writing skills rather than let people I barely know be aware of my every move.... Michael McQuade is having a dump... Michael McQuade just wiped..... Michael McQuade lit a match.... I know, I know, facebook has been a great way to reconnect with lost friends, and let all those past lovers see how fat you've become. I did appreciate the fun that I had with it and must say some of the facebookers that are dilligent in updating their post and posting quick witted humourous responses to posts are a fun way to spend hours each day. Alas, I have to step back a hair and do some more things like... Writing my first book. I'm really focussed now on doing a compilation of these blog entries combined with my surf journal of all the days I've been surfing since I arrived on Haida Gwaii. (approximately 1000!) Wow, that's a lot of blood, sweat and reefer. I've got a bunch of photos like this one up top of a beautiful right-handed wave going off. It's been pretty flat lately, but looks like the model is up for the next week and hoping to shed a few pounds that I gathered over the christmas season. I'm not 100%, but I believe I gained around 135 lbs. Seems hard to believe, but I'm sure if I had a scale it would read in the 315-335lb range. Nobody should be out of breath tying their shoe.... whew...
The writing is coming by way of my new gig as the night security guard at the hospital. From 11-7, I walk around the empty halls of our new and expanded hospital as a result of an unfortunate event a couple weeks ago. A gentleman, well maybe not so gentle, took one of the nurses at knifepoint and demanded drugs. It's too bad that our otherwise safe and friendly town found itself in danger due to a insatiable need to eliminate pain. I really feel for the guy as do the hospital I'm sure to figure out how this could have been avoided. None the less, I'm now responsible in escorting the ladies to our doors when patients arrive. And I must say that our ladies in white are excellent in what they do and troopers for being ready and able at the time when most of us are fast asleep.
Well, all for now. I'll keep you posted on the other things keeping me busy and happy in future posts. Until then, peace out.

This might be a sign

Well, inspired by boredom, I've managed to start writing a bit more. Been doing the graveyard shift at the horse-pistol as Drew calls it and thus had a few hours to fill. Trying to write a bit about the surf scene around here for a surf rag down south and maybe a little bit for those interested in the emerging sport of Haida Gwaii. In the meantime, here is a pic of the surf shop sign. I think it's lovely, a free-hand painting by Raven. It's recieved a lot of compliments from the general public and I must say it is tempting to take this 9 footer out and surf it once, but alas it will serve as a good marker. Big winds have been put our surf careers on the back burner as we've just recieved nipply north easters followed by ripper south easters and just not the right stuff. With the boards in tow, still looking to take a little drive out to the beach today and get some wood and regain some sanity. Hope you all have a good one too.