The journey
For those of you who don’t know, I am going to be living in Masset, BC for 8 weeks. Masset is a community of about 800-1000 people, located on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). The UNBC Nursing program saw fit to send me there for my Mental Health Practicum. At first, I bitched, and I complained, and I moaned. Masset, BC?! Hadn’t I already done my time away from home, by going to Fort Nelson? But gradually, I began to see the journey as a chance for self-growth, self-reflection, exploration, and a chance to recharge my soul. Haida Gwaii is reputed to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, and here I was, having a chance to live there for two months. Driving away from my house in Prince George, the only thing I regretted about this coming journey was the separation from my beloved pets.
I hopped in the back of Ryan T.’s father’s pickup, and set out. We drove to Smithers, uneventfully. The drive was pleasant, not too long, and the leaves were beautiful shades of golden yellow and burnished oranges. Smithers itself was beautiful; the mountains had a fresh dusting of snow, and the air was cold. We had a beer or three at the Hilltop Pub, while visiting with Cara. We got lost on the way home, and had to beg assistance in the form of a short ride to a crossroads and a call to a cab from a young couple camping in the woods. They were very nice, and readily helped us, refusing all offers of recompense. Thanks Chris and unknown-lady!
The next morning we drove to Rupert. There, I got to visit with Ryan L. for a while. Check out the Fish and Chips at Cu’s. Delish. Quest for Gravol turned out to be difficult; it’s kept behind the counter and pharmacists go home early on a Sunday in Rupert.
Getting on the ferry was interesting. They could take some lessons from the Sechelt ferry workers; we are far more efficient at loading! Book a cabin; they’re spacious, quite nice, come with private bathroom, shower, TV, internet (!), and two beds...not in bunk-bed format! Beds are ridiculously comfortable. Very nice. They play movies in the Raven Lounge. Don’t plan on spending the night in your car/camper, because you can’t stay on the vehicle deck. Also, do bring Gravol. I was feeling ill and it wasn’t rough, apparently. Either I’m overly sensitive, or the local islanders are immune to a rolling 3-4 meter sea. I personally think it’s the latter.
You get off the ferry in Skidegate and the drive to Masset is about an hour and fifteen or less. We made a business stop in Tlell for Ryan’s dad. There, we met Kris and Ralph. Kris, until recently, owned a bakery, but business is bad on the Island, and she had to close the bakery this summer, because she wasn’t turning a profit. It sounds like businesses all over the island are suffering. Kris and a friend are going to open a local-made goods Christmas Store, for the holiday season. I, for one, will be shopping there. Supporting local business is important here.
At any rate, she made us delicious coffee, and home-made raspberry-chocolate scones, which were to DIE for. I can’t believe her baked goods weren’t turning a profit. I’d almost sell my first-born child for another scone.
We pulled into Masset, I got the keys to my place, and started setting up house. More about life in Masset to come!
Pictures and further writing will come soon. I have limited internet access. I will also be x-posting to another journal, for those friends/family that I don't want to be privy to my LJ. I'm going out to take photos today.