Has nature ever left you breathless? Has your heart raced at the sight of something truly majestic? Have the hairs on your arms ever stood up as you witnessed something momentous? I have.

Translated Gwaii Haanas means islands of beauty, yet the name barely begins to describe how incredibly astounding this place really is. Visiting the park has been on my top to-do list since moving here, so I feel pretty pumped about the opportunity to go exploring. However, I am doing my best to reign in my high expectations since this trip feels like going to see an epic movie after everyone else in the world has bragged about it.

On a political level, Gwaii Haanas is unique in that it has been co-managed by Parks Canada and the Haida Nation since 1993. There are several important Haida Heritage sights scattered throughout the islands, and all have played an integral role in shaping Haida culture. All have a story to be shared.

So, thanks to Haida Fisheries, J’s “boss”, Fisheries workers and their immediate families are invited on a weekend trip to Hotsprings Island. Yahoo!

It’s early Friday morning and we are packed up in the truck heading to the marina in Charlotte for our 8:30am scheduled departure. Like an eagerly nervous kid on her first day of camp, I run through all my packed items… sleeping bag, gravol, veggie burgers (this is a meat-eating vessel), infant life jacket (not for me), camera, wine.

We load the gear onto a huge seiner, and while the day promises sun and salt air on my face and I have to use every ounce of “Okay Verena, just act cool” to prevent me from bursting into song. We head off (cast off?) just after 8:30am, with a couple unplanned stops along the way. Apparently this is typical…”Oh you’re going south, do you mind dropping off…”

First, we collect a Haida canoe from the Kaay Centre to be dropped off at the Rediscovery Camp. Then we have to collect not one, but two skiffs – one which will be dropped onto the deck of our boat, while the other is towed along with the canoe. Our trip south has become more of a milk-run, but I have nowhere to be but on the deck soaking up the sun, sea and coastline, so I settle in.

By the time we have collected all our items, the tides have changed, slowing down our speed and our dinner time arrival quickly changes to bedtime arrival. But the trip is a welcomed opportunity to meet some of Jay’s co-workers and family. The weather is great (well, Haida Gwaii great) and while Cathy and I stay snug in our down vests, the Haida ladies across from us enjoy shorts and bathingsuits. Apparently the other side of the deck is 15 degrees warmer! We eat enroute, arrive just as the sky darkens, tuck ourselves into our comfy bunks and allow ourselves to drift off to the sway of the ocean.

Words can’t describe how gorgeous Hotsprings Island is, so I’ll leave you with a few photos. My only advice once there – invest as much time as possible soaking in the natural hot springs and soaking up this truly special place.

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