soliciting ideas

mosquitodirk · 11-25-2008, 08:17 PM

Any suggestions for places to stay on the Queen Charolette's and Vancouver Island (specifically the north end of the island and Tofino - obviously not at the same time

)

Conversely - any suggestions for places to avoid?

Jim Bennett · 11-25-2008, 09:31 PM

I'll be taking notes too.

I have camped on the island a couple times many years ago, and never north of Tofino. I would really like to head up there and do some paddling too.

I do remember staying at a Rathtrevor PP near Nanaimo 16+ years ago when our kids were little and getting a great spot. We was did day trips from there.

gbaglo · 11-25-2008, 10:16 PM

My buddy recently dragged his Trillium to the Queen Charlottes. I believe the ferry over and back was well over a thousand dollars. He loved it. I'll pick his brains. I was last there some 35 years ago, so I hope it has changed. When I was there, there was one hotel in Masset, above the beer parlour. Blood stains on the carpet. When the tide went out it exposed engine blocks and tires.

The reporter and I drove on a couple of tire tracks, along a river leading to the ocean. Passed a Daffy-shaped sign nailed to a fence post, "Silly Goose". Not far beyond that the track petered out. We couldn't turn around. Tried backing up, and as we did the VW rental car would slip down the slope toward the river, which was rising on the tide. The engine died many times, trying to pull the wheels out of the sand.

Eventually, the reporter did the backing up and I pushed on the side of the VW trying to keep it from slipping into the river. When we finally were able to get turned around, we saw another sign, in the shape of a tractor with a phone number.

Don't forget your rain-coat.

baglo

mosquitodirk · 11-26-2008, 01:01 AM

I just booked the ferry and it wasn't too bad - $485 return with the trailer (34' in total). BC Ferries is 33% off for December and January.

Hopefully I won't be stuck in tire tracks and slipping into the tide (as I'll be alone, and my dog likely won't be able to drive or push the truck away from impending doom).

Tips on places to stay would be fabulous (I think I'll avoid the blood-stained place above the bar - good call).

Cheers,
Dirk

Nancy B. · 11-26-2008, 09:43 AM

I can't speak from personal experience as I have not been there yet, but I came across this website that looks very interesting. Advertising itself as a place for "snowbirds" who do not want to leave Canada.

http://www.campingbc.com/

If you do go there, I look forward to your feedback.

Nancy B.

mosquitodirk · 11-26-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy B.

I can't speak from personal experience as I have not been there yet, but I came across this website that looks very interesting. Advertising itself as a place for "snowbirds" who do not want to leave Canada.

http://www.campingbc.com/

If you do go there, I look forward to your feedback.

Nancy B.

Hi Nancy B. - I went to that place this summer (actually that was the first rv park that I took my trailer). It's very nice there. With the little trailer - and a 4x4 - you can get to one of 4 sites down on the river. Absolutely lovely, quiet, and out of the way. With a canoe or kayak you are rewarded with a wonderful paddle right outside your trailer.

Cheers,
Dirk

Jim Bennett · 11-26-2008, 03:06 PM

Sounds nice there Dirk, I almost always have my canoe with me and love to hear of places where I can just set out directly from my campsite.

mosquitodirk · 11-26-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Sounds nice there Dirk, I almost always have my canoe with me and love to hear of places where I can just set out directly from my campsite.

Fort Langley campground - I was just there (I think you've seen my photo) with a canoe. FABULOUS!! I paddled every day on the channel.

Jim Bennett · 11-26-2008, 06:22 PM

Yes, I know the photo. I assume THIS the campsite you refer too, I will bookmark it for consideration when I head out that way.

mosquitodirk · 11-27-2008, 10:10 AM

That's the spot alright. There's a nice trail just along the channel that goes to the end of the island. It's also about a 5-10 minute walk to some nice coffee shops and a really nice grocery store. Excellent urban camping without the urban crunch. The sites are spacious and the staff are friendly.

gbaglo · 11-29-2008, 04:01 PM

Didn't get much from my buddy:

there are a couple of great camping spots on the east coast of Moresby near Sandspit
closed for season meaning outhouses only I think
restaurant in Airport @ Sandspit listed as Best Local in Hardy's Where to Eat in Canada

Talk to the locals and you can't go wrong

endless places to visit
cvh

I can send you another emai from him with a half dozen pix, but not much info. Just ask at gbaglo@shaw.ca and I'll forward it to you.

baglo

mosquitodirk · 12-01-2008, 03:28 PM

Hi Glen,

Thanks for the tips - I sent you the e-mail.

I do have a local tour leader/friend when i get to Skidegate (a Haida artist - should be fun). But the north end of the island will be pure exploration and tip following.

I do plan on heading to Moresby as well to do a bit o' paddling with the dog - should be exciting.

TIP - stayed at "Helena Lake Campground" - about 12 km off the 97 just north of Lac La Hache - very nice free campground right on the lake (frozen right now, and the road in was "fun" with snow and steepness, but the Escape didn't bat an eye - I did).

Cheers,
Dirk

mosquitodirk · 12-13-2008, 08:16 PM

Misty Meadows campground - beautiful, near Tlell (between Skidegate and Port Clements) - no services

Agate Beach campground - amazing!! north of Masset (and east) - no services

Hidden Island rv site - very friendly, services including laundry and showers, internet, and great fish and chips.

gbaglo · 12-13-2008, 09:21 PM

Are you now there?

If so, I await extensive reports.

baglo

mosquitodirk · 12-14-2008, 01:40 PM

Hi Glenn,

I've attempted a blog to track my movements. Let me know what you think.

http://web.me.com/mosquitodirk/Site/Haida_Gwaii.html

It's fabulous here - the photo ops abound at every turn.

Cheers,
Dirk

Jim Bennett · 12-14-2008, 02:33 PM

Dirk, I have bookmarked your blog and look forward to seeing the updates. The Haida Gwaii seems like a great place.

PGDriver · 12-14-2008, 03:28 PM

Hi Dirk

We are following your adventures from snowy, cold Prince George.
Hope you have a great trip.

Sandra L · 12-14-2008, 08:15 PM

Thanks for the vicarious fun! I thought North Beach was in San Francisco!
Peace and Sunshine

Nancy B. · 12-17-2008, 01:18 PM

Dirk,

Now that you have told us about your blog, the pressure should be on you to "share" on a daily basis! I just signed on again to hear about the latest paddle (not on the ocean!) and to see the latest photos, but you haven't updated since Sunday! It's like a soap opera -- we have to get our daily fix! I know why you didn't get blown away -- your Escape is weighted down with all the stones you've been collecting.

Looking forward to reading the next chapter!

Nancy B.

mosquitodirk · 12-18-2008, 10:43 AM

Hi Nancy, I'll try to update it today - I've been dry camping (really cold dry and windy camping actually) with no cell or internet (blissful). Also been running out of battery - I'm back into Masset today to plug in, dry out, and warm up.

thanks for the interest (and I found more rocks - needed them last night).

Cheers,
Dirk

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