Haida Gwaii: Windy Bay (Hlk'yah G̱awG̱a) and Wrap-up

 On May 31st, 2025, the Island Solitude sailed from anchorage #7 to Windy Bay, or Hlk'yah G̱awG̱a, the final watchmen site of our Haida Gwaii adventure. With this visit, we'll have visited all five sites. (Click on any image to enlarge.)

The day began with paddling or a zodiac cruise at the anchorage. Some went solo,

some double,

while Joan and I opted for the zodiac cruise.

Afterwards, with everyone back aboard the Solitude, a black bear -- Haida Gwaii subspecies -- decided it was safe to explore the tidal zone.

As we pulled into and along the main channel, the mix of clouds and sun created "god rays."

Eagles are always a treat ...

The watchmen site at Windy Bay sits behind a wide beach.

The watchman favored us with an extensive talk about the history of the island and the watchmen.

Don't cross the pebbled ring.

He is standing in front of the Legacy Pole, raised in 2013 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Gwaii Haanas Agreement. Its size makes it difficult to take it all in at once.

A side view.

A zoom into the midsection,

and a peek-a-boo.

This image of the nearby Blinking House is pulled from Wikipedia with some reformatting.

Those desiring an early return to the boat had a long walk to the zodiac (low tide).

Employing a pole to free the zodiac.

Many of us went for another walk in the woods.

More rain forest giants!

Inevitably, the time to sail on arrived.

We passed more clusters of Steller sea lions that had walked out of the water.

They seemed to be everywhere.

We arrived at our final anchorage, the same cove where we first boarded the Island Solitude, and settled in for the night.

 

The next morning, we had time to paddle or zodiac around the harbor before the van arrived to take us to the airport. Joan and I opted for the zodiac ride, and we wandered far.

Note the snow patches atop the peaks.

Here are the remains of a logging camp's pier. The Sitka spruce of the Pacific Northwest was prized for many uses, including aviation.

Cruising by the islets in the bay revealed an abundance of flora.

An automated weather station for a frequently used harbor.

 

The red dot is one of the kayak folk. Click on any image to enlarge!

Then it was time to reverse our arrival and meet the transfer van at the landing.

After a bumpy ride on logging roads and then better roads, we arrived at the airport. It was just starting to open for the daily flight to and from Vancouver, so we had time to grab a bite and shop.

At the Vancouver airport, we revisited the canoe sculpture. What a remarkable people the Haida were and are.

Back home, Joan and I applied Haida pole stickers to our cars.

Haida Gwaii: SG̱ang Gwaay Llnagaay

May 29, 2025, more than made up for the bumpy Hecate Strait the day before. From anchorage #5, we swung around a headland

Click on any image to enlarge.

and arrived at an island renowned for its wildlife, especially seabirds. (I didn't write down the name.)

The Island Solitude kept a respectful distance, but with binoculars or cameras, we could observe a study tower and a plethora of birds.

Yay, puffins!

An hour later, we ventured ashore at SG̱ang Gwaay Llnagaay, also known as Ninstints, our third Watchmen site after having visited Skedans and Tanu. We picked our way up a rock-strewn shore,

met our guide, and walked into the woods,

through rocky mazes,

and along boardwalks. In the lead, you can just make out our guide in the grey shirt.

A stop with an explanation of what we're seeing. (There's a lot of storm damage.)

A rock face and fallen tree.

A massive rootball.

A short distance away is an old Haida settlement site, Koyahs,

including remnants of carved poles,

and plank houses.

Here's a closer view of one pole.

Then it was time to take a break at Koyahs' shore.

Joan found an interesting shell.

We had a hike back for our rendezvous with the Island Solitude.

Another panoramic view of water, stone, and islands along the way.

Then it was time to boogie a long time north, to anchorage #6.

Click on the image and see the red outlines!

Sailing on ...

These folks had a less congenial vessel than we did.

A little more than an hour after the above photos, we slowed and puttered by Joyce Rocks/Bishop Rock to view the resting Steller sea lions.

This one looked quite noble.

Eagles take advantage as well. (It's hard to get a photo of one in flight, but this one posed for me ... from a distance.)

'Twas a very adventurous day!