Port Hardy Welcomes All Travelers

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FROM AMA LOG: Tuesday, 8/22/17

Port Hardy



WEATHER: Clear & sunny, temp about 72˚

www.DecarbthePassage.net



We wake to rock & roll, not heard through our ears but felt from all the fishing boats heading out at first light. The tide is out too, so maybe a few are heading towards good clamming beaches. Not us though, we are focused on Ama’s repair needs.



After pulling out folding bikes from deep in the hold, we realize with our first foray into town, how relieved we are to be at Seagate Docks. Dockside Marina, the main docks in town, are a half mile south of town but more notably, on the other side of a big hill. Being on the boat for so long makes our legs weary after only a few blocks, and the reality of being at sea level hits us, everything else is uphill, in all directions.



Feeling very much my mother’s daughter, I first check out the local fishing, logging, & mining museum after first finding the local bike shop. Right next door, we find our major souvenir of the trip, a beautiful red cedar carving of a diving Orca from a young carver in the Gwa’sala tribe. It is a perfect piece of art to treasure from our trip this year.



Among all the other cool cafes, pubs and stores in Port Hardy, we visit the Gwa’sala Nakkwaxda’xw tribal administrative office and gather research about the two first nation bands here, spending time chatting with local natives and kids who love our folding bikes.





The most inspiring event to take place during our stay in Port Hardy was the return of the bald eagles! We are rewarded for our efforts to keep looking up, while dining at the best pub in town, we are interrupted by the screech of seagulls, taking flight in all directions. We can’t help but watch as the largest mature bald eagle we have ever seen enters stage left, circles the inner harbor, taking his time making sure every creature notices him, then spying a familiar perch, on top the highest tree, flamboyantly shaking out his wings as if to relieve aching muscles. He lands atop the best view of town and harbor. Everyone knows, he has arrived.

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