Wuikinuxv is a fly-in community. That means we must take a plane to fly in or out. There is no other public transportation available. We rely on Wilderness Seaplanes to move people to and from Wuikinuxv.
That being said, the plane is intriguing. It’s a Grumman Goose. This is an amphibious aircraft, able to land with equal ease on water or on land. This is a useful trait in Coastal BC where weather may require a water landing in lieu of landing on the airstrip, and vice-versa.
Five of us were scheduled to fly out on Saturday 20 December. Six if we count Granville as a passenger, although technically she was cargo.
The day dawned with about 10 cm of slushy snow on the ground. It did not look optimistic for a flight. At about noon, someone was asked to go to the government wharf to take a snapshot. This would give Wilderness Seaplanes some information to decide whether to cancel or keep the flight. When Frankie took the photo the sky was overcast but clear. He emailed the picture. Within 30 minutes it was snowing again. The snowplough made another run along the road, clearing snow. Oh well, that’s that, we thought.
Suddenly, within minutes, Frankie, who was driving the Band Van as a shuttle to the plane, was beeping at the door. He phoned up. “Let’s go. The plane is flying.” He zoomed around collecting the passengers, and someone to help with Peter, who needs mobility assistance. We were at the government wharf in plenty of time, waiting for the plane.
After a few auditory illusions, what to our wondering eyes should appear but a sight we were glad to see – the Wilderness Seaplanes’ Grumman Goose smoothly landed at R.I.C. (the term we use for the government wharf) on its scheduled flight today. It was delayed due to weather, but the clear weather window was big enough to complete this flight. The plane arrived despite the overcast sky accompanied by the threat of snow and reduced visibility.
Although we were in a rush, there was time to take a quick snapshot just before boarding the plane.
We loaded selves and baggage within minutes, and off we flew. The wake created by the floats under the wings is always a thrill to see.
On board, Granville was busy looking everywhere. It was a tad noisy for her, I expect. Granville came out to stay in the kennels at the vet (great kennels) while we were in Victoria for appointments.
Nigel was in the first seat, so he could see out the front window as well as the side windows. A prime seat.
Visibility was surprisingly good, considering the weather conditions. Good for the pilot, since on these trips the pilot flies by sight, generally.
On my side of the plane, the fish farm cages were clearly visible.
As was the ice on the ponds on the islands.
By the time we reached Port Hardy, it was raining heavily. Our landing was smooth. We got ourselves and Granville to our respective accommodations.
Travelling – always something lateral that makes us smile, sometimes even laugh aloud. We stayed at Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy for a couple of nights. Our evening meal at the Ha’me’ Restaurant in the hotel, was pricey but tasty. Nigel’s meal, beef tenderloin, well presented, and well cooked. The smile of appreciation says it all. He accompanied it with a glass of Telegraph Cove IPA, the proceeds of which are used to refurbish a fire-damaged historic site in Telegraph Cove, BC. Nigel said he’d have that beer again. He’d have the tenderloin again too.
Best part of our stay in Port Hardy – and unfortunately there are no photos for this part – much to our pleasure, we bumped into several Wuikinuxv friends while we were in Port Hardy. They certainly seemed glad to see us as well. Perhaps that’s an indication that we are settling well into the community.
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