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Port Hardy, BC, Canada 8/6/2013

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Michael and I were both so excited to see more of Vancouver Island that we didn’t get a whole lot of sleep.  We did wake up early to be on the road by 9 AM.  We stopped for gas in Langford, and lunch in Courtney.  Other than that it was all about the drive and about the natural beauty.

A roadside view stop en route to Port Hardy.
A roadside view stop en route to Port Hardy.
More road side view.
More road side view.
Duncan township sign
Duncan township sign
The Old Country Market in Coombs, where goats roam on the roof. Started by a Norwegian!
The Old Country Market in Coombs, where goats roam on the roof. Started by a Norwegian!
The Old Country Market in Coombs, with roof goats.
The Old Country Market in Coombs, with roof goats.
Japanese Gate with Totem in background.
Japanese Gate with Totem in background.

 

Edie's penchant
Edie’s penchant

 

Covered Totem
Covered Totem
For all the signs didn't see a single Elk.
For all the signs didn’t see a single Elk.

 

Beautiful rugged country side. Couldn't imagine how they log some the hillsides we saw logged.
Beautiful rugged country side. Couldn’t imagine how they log some of  the hillsides we saw logged.

We did take a couple of side trips to Telegraph Cove.  Quite a ways off the road but what a view.  Lovely.  You can tell it’s a fisherman’s paradise there.  We also took a side trip Port McNeill.  We drove around and explored the residential, industrial, and commercial areas.

Very lovely, very expensive.
Very lovely, very expensive.
Off the beaten path, we are told the place from which to go whale watching, mostly Killer Whales.
Off the beaten path, we are told the place from which to go whale watching, mostly Killer Whales.

 

Up from Telegraph Cove.
Up from Telegraph Cove.
Lumber is King, Fishing is Queen, and Tourism is the Prince.
Lumber is King, Fishing is Queen, and Tourism is the Prince.
No trip up island is complete without a tour of Port McNeill. A small town easy to drove through and see.
No trip up island is complete without a tour of Port McNeill. A small town easy to drove through and see.
I made Edie take this picture: Mitsubishi AWD, winch, camper top, 4 extra lights, perhaps my penchant, weird cars.
I made Edie take this picture: Mitsubishi AWD, winch, camper top, 4 extra lights, perhaps my penchant, weird cars.
A strong fishing industry.
A strong fishing industry.

Once we got to Port Hardy, we checked into the Orca House Bed and Breakfast.  Our host, Hans, was very gracious and took us upstairs to our room.  He offered us tea or coffee and asked what time we would like breakfast.  We asked about a place to eat dinner and he offered suggestions, and even went back downstairs to get some brochures.  Michael’s neck is bothering him again so we put some Voltaren on it and off we went to explore Port Hardy.

Orca House B&B
Orca House B&B
Tonight's bed $90.
Tonight’s bed $90.

 

Skinny TV!
Skinny TV!
Handsome stairs.
Handsome stairs.

IMG_4654

Very comfortable.
Very comfortable.

We headed downtown and on the way saw Carrot Park.  We also saw some totem poles and went across the little bridge to explore that area.  It looks like a very poor neighborhood that the residents don’t bother to take care of.

Great wood signs everywhere. One of two huge wooden carved signs welcoming us to Port Hardy.
Great wood signs everywhere. One of two huge wooden carved signs welcoming us to Port Hardy.
Carrot Park.
Carrot Park.
Totem on right side of bridge.
Totem on right side of bridge.
Totem on left side of bridge.
Totem on left side of bridge.

 

Messy. Lots of litter, not sure why when the rest of the town is spotless.
Messy. Lots of litter, not sure why when the rest of the town is spotless.

We saw the fog rolling in over the islands in the bay. There’s even an old, old pirate type boat in the harbor here.  Fun to see.  Lovely here.

Ghostly islands in the fog.
Ghostly islands in the fog.
My favorite of the day: sand, sea, fog, mountain, snow, cloud and blue sky.
My favorite of the day: sand, sea, fog, mountain, snow, cloud and blue sky.

We drove all of Port Hardy looking for wild life, nothing.  Was hoping for an eagle or something, anything, even another deer.  Not even a deer.  Oh well, maybe tomorrow. We went to dinner at Seto’s Wok and Grill.  Different but very good.

Probably why Edie wanted to go in to this restaurant.
Probably why Edie wanted to go in to this restaurant.
Good food. But I think it is like the guy said, "If it tastes real good to you then you better just spit it out."
Good food. But I think it is like the guy said, “If it tastes real good to you then you better just spit it out.”
War Won Ton soup. Very tasty.
War Won Ton soup. Very tasty.

 

I think this is where we went wrong. House special fried rice. I think the special ingredient was bacon grease!
I think this is where we went wrong. House special fried rice. I think the special ingredient was bacon grease!

We ran into some other travelers from the California area near us.  Was fun to talk to them.  They told us about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police doing some fancy horse stuff at Port Hardy tomorrow.  We’d love to see it but have to head back.

We attempted to go see the “shoe tree” but after traveling down a gravel road for a few miles, decided against it because we were low on gas.  Got back to our B&B around 7 PM.  We’re both pretty tired so gonna try to get to bed early and get some sleep.

Hope your day was wonderful!

5 Comments on “Port Hardy, BC, Canada 8/6/2013”

  1. What – no wildlife sightings? Are you willing to keep trying? Check out this tour if you have more island time:
    click on link ‘Sights Along the Route’, a day trip for sure…

  5. Checked them out, thanks. We are going to make the drive. The websites really help, we will plan so things to definitely see. Thanks again.

    ..M