Split Day

Today we had separate objectives. Dave’s was to summit Sleeping Beauty (too technical / too much exposure for Jen); Jen’s was to add some relaxation to vacation.

Jen started by walking into the village, and doing some low-tide beachcombing. Next was to check if the coffeeshop was selling sourdough today – it wasn’t, but she got a decaf latte and took it to the gardens by the wharf, where she watched eagles, ravens, barn swallows, crows, and a cedar waxwing. A visit to the visitor centre to browse came next, then a trip to the grocery store and a wander back to our abode.

A few chores – mostly packing up – and a nice sit on the deck with a cold drink took up the early afternoon.

Dave’s hike was coined Sleeping Beauty by the locals as the mountain looks like a woman’s face in profile. A short drive on forest service roads brought him to the trailhead. It’s a steep trail, with lots of root-y steps, and some scrambles assisted by fixed ropes. The views from the top can be incredible, but he was surrounded by cloud and strong winds at the summit.

He ate his lunch in the bowl, and did some drone flights.

Late afternoon was relaying our stories to each other and a bit more relaxing. For dinner, we’re headed for fish and chips on the dock. It’s open nine hours a week. It’s incredible how many businesses here have limited and sometimes changing or arbitrary hours. But figuring out the timing was worth it. Fresh Haida Gwaii Ling Cod and twice-cooked chips. Yum.