Well, I am back on the mainland after a basically sleepless night on the ferry. Boy, they make those reclining chairs uncomfortable. Because that ferry takes 10 or so hours to make the passage, there are berths available for anyone who wants to pay for them. On the daytime trip last Sunday, everyone sat on the deck, watched for whales and met people. This trip was totally different. I would say almost every one booked a berth because there was almost no one on the deck, inside or out. The place was deserted except for a few crazy people who armed with air mattresses, blankets and pillows took up space on the floors and seats for the night. The seating, like park benches made to discourage the homeless from sleeping on them, has fixed arm rests so that no one can lay across them. Each individual seat reclines a bit but not enough to be comfortable. I brought my pillow and tried to make my self comfortable to no avail. I think I dosed for a bit but around 3 gave it up and sat looking out at the dark horizon. I felt pretty good. Could be because someone told me that there was a shower on board and I had my first good hot shower in a week just before I settled down.

Yesterday Alexander and I headed for the north end of the Island to see Massett and go for a hike up Tow Hill. From the top I would be able to see Alaska and maybe even Canada. I put $30 worth of gas in before we left. At $1.12 a litre, I thought I would get gas on the mainland and just wanted enough to get me there and back. Well…who knew how far it was. A two hour drive (give or take a few minutes) to Massett, then a trip through old Massett, then the gravel road to Tow Hill. I put another $30 in on the way back at the gas station in Massett. $1.22/litre. I would have saved money to fill up properly in Skidegate the day before. Isn’t hindsight wonderful.

Tow Hill from the bottom in the mist

I was a bit worried about Tow Hill because my thighs were still aching from my trek up Sleeping Beauty but I was fine. A board walk all the way up protected the sensitive vegetation and it meant that the walk was easy. There was one part where it went close to the edge and I got a little vertigo but that didn’t bother my legs a bit.

board walk up the hill

When we got there there was a heavy layer of that marine mist and so the views were obsured. From the top we could barely see the bottom which made it seem even higher.

Taken from the top looking down at the surf. Can you see it way down there?

After climbing the hill we went back to the beach which was formed thru volcanic action. The rock formations there were weird and wonderful. When the tide is just right the waves catch under the rocks and are forced out a hole forming an incredeble blow hole. The tide was not right and so I didn’t a picture of the water spouting up into the air 30 or 40 feet. You will just have to believe me.

The beach of volcanic rock

It was a long day and I was tired when I got back. I said good bye to Zander and Alexander and headed out to the ferry. It was a pleasant wait. So many people were on their way home and wanted to talk about their adventures there. Because it is a pre registered ship, when everyone is on they leave. We left around 10:30 and I settled in for the night. I was off by 6am feeling groggy and pulled off onto a roadside rest stop for a good snooze. I was up by eight making tea and having breakfast in a mist morning.

Skeena River at breakfast

I am now back in Terrace. I did a bit of shopping and will top up the tank with gas at $1.08 a litre. That feels better. I don’t think it will be any better as I get further north.

I am anticipating having no internet til I now reach Whitehorse…but I have been surprised before so you might hear from me sooner. Talk then.