Monday 25 June 2012

Hospital Days 2012 - Village of Queen Charlotte

Let's check out Hospital Day on Haida Gwaii - an annual tradition since 1908 (although I could only find photos dating back to 1958)!

 Photo Credit: www.hospitalday.ca
Hospital Day originated as a fundraising effort to build the first hospital in “Queen Charlotte City.” For many years thereafter, the annual event provided the only source of operating revenue for the hospital.

 Photo Credit (1980): www.hospitalday.ca
Hospital Day continues to raise funds to purchase equipment for various healthcare programs on Haida Gwaii.
 Photo Credit (1986): www.hospitalday.ca
The tradition of Hospital Day draws islands residents together for a fun day consisting of various activities and socializing.
 
 Photo Credit: www.hospitalday.ca
Each year the event commences with a lively parade reflecting the eclectic lifestyle of our islands' communities. Let's take a look at this year's parade ...it looks like your average parade....keep looking...
 Photo Credit: Megan Romas
Photo Credit: Donna Hodgson 
 
 Photo Credit: Sheila Wigmore
Photo Credit: Megan Romas 
 
 Photo Credit: Megan Romas
 Photo Credit: Megan Romas
Photo Credit: Megan Romas
 
 Photo Credit: Megan Romas

Take for example the Kazoo Band - it is unclear as to when it began, but every year, the Kazoo Band gathers once again at the parade grounds - I believe a few other instruments have been added over time...
Photo Credit (1975): www.hospitalday.ca

Photo Credit: Megan Romas
Photo Credit: Fran Fowler

The parade winds down the main street and ends its journey on the Queen Charlotte Community Club Ball Field.
 Photo Credit: Fran Fowler

And now for MORE FUN!
Photo Credit: Fran Fowler

It's almost a post-parade ritual to start with lunch from either inside the hall (chili and pulled pork) or from the burger/hot dog kiosks on the 'street'. The lunches and dinner (supper) are made and served by a dedicated team of approximately 20 community volunteers!
Photo Credit: Fran Fowler


Photo Credit: Fran Fowler
All-day live entertainment at the oceanside stage!
 
Photo Credit: Tery Haymond
 
 Photo Credit: Tery Haymond
 
 Photo Credit: Tery Haymond
Many of the adults found themselves sprawled on the lawn or seated at the numerous picnic tables alongside the waterfront and facing the performers - could you ask for a lovlier way to spend the afternoon!
 
 Photo Credit: Tery Haymond
 Photo Credit: Tery Haymond

The younger crowd had other ideas...
such as horse back rides...
 Photo Credit: Megan Romas

the 'Pony Bounce'...
 Photo Credit: Megan Romas

Photo Credit: Megan Romas

and the always popular game kiosks!
Photo Credit: Donna Hodgson

This year, the sun shone brightly throughout the day (one might even say that it was a bit HOT). Ahhh, the advantage of having the ocean at the parade grounds...
Photo Credit: Fran Fowler
Consider  including one of our island festivals into your travel plans - it's an opportunity to meet islanders in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. You'll experience island life at it's best.

Come Visit!

Monday 18 June 2012

Go Haida Gwaii - A Photoblog

Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com

Photo Credit: Herb Heyder - flickr.com/photos/crystalfinder/sets/72157626284347809

Today, I thought you might enjoy the Haida Gwaii Experience through the lens of some of the many talented photographers capturing the beauty of Haida Gwaii!

When you’ve reached
the edge of your world,
ours begins
!

Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com
A series of islands at the most westerly point of Canada, Haida Gwaii is made up of ancient temperate rainforests, quaint villages, secluded inlets, and beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. A place so remote that roads cannot bring you here, yet the warmest of welcomes awaits your arrival.

 Photo Credit: Caroline Cournoyer-Galt
Photo Credit: Mary Helmer
Photo Credit: Anvil Cove Charters
Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com

Wander through the ancient rainforests. Look for giant Sitka Spruce and Red Cedar along the rivers and ancient shorelines.

 Photo Credit: Ian Gould
  Photo Credit: Ian Gould

You haven’t experienced adventure until you have battled a 50 lb salmon or landed a halibut! Book a charter with one of the many experienced and knowledgeable guides. Take a net and catch some crab for supper.

Photo Credit: charlottegraphics.ca

 Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com
Haida Gwaii is the only place in Northern BC where travellers can surf the North Pacific. While the waves are best between October and May, Masset’s North Beach produces swell year round. Bring your wetsuit and board, or rent all that you need at the North Beach Surf Shop.

 Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com
 
Photo Credit: North Beach Surf Shop

 
 Photo Credit: Archie Stocker Sr.
 Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com

Photo Credit: Donna Hodgson
Photo Credit: Donna Hodgson
Haida Gwaii is renowned for its great boating opportunities! Rent a kayak and explore the many islands in our inlets. Sailing and power-boating adventures await!

Photo Credit: Flavien Mabit
Photo Credit: Anvil Cove Charters
Photo Credit: Anvil Cove Charters

Visit the heartbeat of the Haida culture in Old Massett and Skidegate. Meet world-renowned Haida artists, book a tour to learn about cultural sites or visit the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum.

 Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com

 Photo Credit: charlottegraphics.ca


Haida Gwaii is home to a wide array of gifted artisans! From pottery to painting, felt-making to sculpture, this landscape inspires so many to create! Be sure to stop by and visit.

 
 Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com
 Photo Credit: charlottegraphics.ca
Photo Credit: sheilakarrow.com


Photo Credit: sheilakarrow.com
Experience ancient Haida culture as you tour Haida Heritage Sites in Gwaii Haanas.From Tow Hill to SGang Gwaay, Rennell Sound to the Tlell River, Haida Gwaii is an epic landscape that invites people to explore.

Photo Credit:© Brodie Guy www.brodieguy.com

Photo Credit: Anvil Cove Charters
 Photo Credit:Natural Impressions Photography -  facebook.com/naturalimpressionsphotography
Photo Credit: Caroline Cournoyer-Galt
The water is clean, the beaches endless and not a person in sight for miles – you can quite literally have the ocean to yourself! Book an oceanfront cabin along Tow Hill Road, curl up by the fire and watch the storms rage outside your window!
Photo Credit: haidagwaiiphotos.com
 Photo Credit: charlottegraphics.ca
Photo Credit: Ian Gould
Relax, You're on Haida Gwaii Time Now!

 Photo Credit: Ian Gould
 Photo Credit: Herb Heyder - flickr.com/photos/crystalfinder/sets/72157626284347809