September 16th, 2018
This morning we made our way up to the Fisheries Pool to see if we can spot any bear. We chatted with a lady who had been there for quite some time and there were no bear sitings. Down close to the river, I spotted a black bear quite a distance away, that just came out of the woods. I walked fast to get back to the truck to get my camera gear. Upon returning the bear had gone back into the woods, but most likely would come out again.
After waiting about 25 minutes and watching down the river, a gentleman said, “Hey!” and pointed behind all of us to see 3 bear crossing the river! These bear spent a great deal of time eating fish and creating some fantastic photo ops … I got my photo of a grizzly with a fish in its mouth! Yay!! Not exactly the pose I was looking for, but happy with the pic. LOL
What a fantastic morning!
We left thinking that it would be hard to top this, but planned to visit the ancient petroglyphs.
Apparently, these petroglyphs are over 3500 years old and are linked to New Zealand. Once we found the correct road, we made our way up the path. There was a tour taking place and we walked passed them quietly. There was an elderly gentleman, Bryan, who was working around the petroglyphs. I had asked Bryan if he was the guardian and he indicated that the guardians were all around us. We got talking to this gentleman and he shared his stories about various sections of the petroglyphs.
This was absolutely incredible. When he indicated what some of these represented, it made so much sense. Bryan has been visiting this area for over 35 years and in that time he has discovered a section of the petroglyphs that was completely buried. This site has some major significance to the region and a definite must to visit when in this area.
One of the stories Bryan shared was about the dip in the rock that held water. This was the only spot on the entire rock that was holding water. He explained about the four directions that were carved in the bottom of this and that one direction points to true north. Bryan explained that there were 6 directions and included the up and down directions which was very noticeable. He then explained how the shape of the dip was somewhat circular, but where the water sits it was shaped like an eye. Very interesting!
As we were walking around the first section, I asked Bryan if the feather and other items on a rock were his. He indicated that they were and that he was going to be doing a smudging later.
Bryan asked if we would like to join him and I was delighted to be asked. Bryan shared a story about how at this end of the petroglyphs displays stories about the ice age, about issues that the first nations people faced, and about rebirth. He indicated that on top of the first petroglyph we were at, there was one figure that faced in the opposite direction, meaning that after going through everything they had experienced they are still here and this figure is looking to the future … whatever it may hold.
After sharing some stories at the other end of the petroglyphs we walked back to his feather and items and began the smudging.
This was such a special time … very spiritual, what an honour and at such a historic location. All I can say is, “Wow!”
As we walked back to our vehicles, Bryan shared many more interesting stories. I quickly went back to the truck and grabbed an agate. I shared a special moment with Bryan and presented him with this agate from Haida Gwaii. Bryan reached into his truck and gave both of us an eagle feather. He then gave us some of his smudging grass to use. We were so grateful, thanked him and went back to our vehicle. As we drove off he stopped us to give us his smudging bowl … a shell he got in New Zealand and had been using to smudge. What a genuine man … we were so fortunate to have been there at that time to meet him. An experience I shall never forget.
We made our way back to Bella Coola to see if the tide was out … it was not. We then stopped at the Alexander MacKenzie memorial and visited the Hidden Falls.
You truly would not know these falls were there as there was a wall of trees and bushes in the front, but once get through there was a big opening inside … lovely.
We visited Snootli Creek Regional Park, which had some huge ancient cedar trees. It was a short walk, but very majestic.
We drove passed our campsite to Bailey’s Bridge and then continued down the road to another bridge. A young lad who was from the area informed us that a sow and cub had come out in this area. We visited this area for a little while, went back to get a bite to eat for supper and then headed back here. We ran into another young lad who told us that a sow and cub were fishing in the area for over half an hour. No luck this afternoon, but no matter as it was an amazing day.
When we returned to our campsite, we decided to stay for another night and would check out for bears tomorrow by the bridge as it was a great site to watch them from.
After such a spiritual day like today, what will tomorrow bring?