Orland Lee - "Explorations in BC" March 15, 2007
Posted by Russell McMurchie
"Gwaii Haanas", the Haida Nation Indian name for the Queen Charlote's, Orland Lee, a Port Moody Rotarian, shared his trip around the Queen Charlote Islands with our club tonight. It was an exciting trip! Orland's son sent him on a 10 day trip as a tourist on a guide boat with 14 other people. They lived on a boat and travelled each day to new locations of historical importance. They started by flying to Skidgate where they visited a canoe carver's shack and were introduced to the skills involved in making large canoes out of single logs. . . . The canoes were huge!
They transferred to a boat where they would spend the next 8 nights and 9 days visiting Spirit Lake, Sandspit, Hecate Straight, Woodruff Bay, Equinox Harbour, Hot Springs Island, Tanu Village,and back to Skidgate. On the fourth day, they were treated to what appeared to be a squall coming toward them, but it turned out to be about 2,000 Dolphins all swimming and jumping. The same day a whale went alongside the boat that was absolutely huge. The group left after 9 days having had an "Amazing Education" in birds, whales, fish, & plants. Sounds wonderful. The tour is so popular that all spaces are sold for 2007 and bookings are being made for 2008. Orland wants to set up a Rotary tour for 2008. If interested, contact Orland Lee in Port Moody.