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Seal Rescue

Two weeks ago I was lucky enough to find myself in Squamish for a week, climbing some of the classic problems in the area and socialising with friends. Business in Vancouver had provided a great excuse for a change of scene which is always good for the soul, wherever you live.

The mornings were taken with catching up on work over coffee and walking the dog at the beach. Not a bad way to start each day before pulling hard on some granite rock. My dog Chilko loves to chase sticks, (although not obsessivley I am happy to say) and it sure does work as a great way to tire her out.

Swimming is another favourite and so I launched a stick into the ocean. As Chilko returned to shore another head bobbed up beside her, staying ever so close as if trying to get the stick from her. It was a curious sight as I had not noticed another dog anywhere nearby and it was also a strikingly white face. I had to double take as Chilko walked up the beach oblivious to her new companion. It was a baby seal! The seal was fixated on following Chilko up the beach, crawling weakly and calling gently as a puppy would its mother. At this moment Chilko turned and faced the seal and nose to nose I realised that the seal seemed to respond to Chilko as if it was its mother.

I decided the best thing would be for the seal to return to the water and so throwing a stick for Chilko to chase they both entered the water and the seal pup dissapeared.

As I walked back from the beach amazed at what I had just witnessed I felt uneasy and responsible for this creature that had clearly been in some distress. I heard a distant call further down the shore. The sound stayed with me and I decided to see if I could find a marine rescue centre in the local area. It proved to be quite a mission. Fortunately through some friends I tracked down Brian Vincent a local wildlife conservationist and we managed to find a marine animal rescue centre based at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Back at the beach I found the seal curled up on some rocks, no sign of any other seals and certainly no mother. It had been a few hours and so I sent some images through to the rescue centre via my cell phone. They agreed it looked skinny and that likely it had been abandoned. Within a couple of hours two staff from the rescue centre had turned up at which point we noticed the seal still had an umbilical cord attached. the seal was no more than 24 hours old and looked like he/she had not yet fed. Amazingly when seals are born they are 25% the size of their mother!



It is hard to say what happened. There is a lot of traffic in the water in this stretch of the Howe Sound. Perhaps the mother met an unhappy ending or maybe they just got seperated. Either way I agreed with the rescue centre that with so much impact on the environment from humans and the consequences to wildlife as a result, when we can, it is worth giving something back.

Each month the marine rescue centre has a theme to name the animals, so they are not just a number. This month was mountains and so number 25 will be known as Mackenzie who will be given milk supplements and reintorduced into the wild at a later date.

Secret places that we know

Bella Coola is such a remote and wild place that most people never get any closer than seeing it on a map! The valley is road access (you can also fly direct from Vancouver) but the drive here has a reputation as being a long drive along the infamous Freedom Highway (although it really isn't that far, but shhhh). 20 years ago it would take 13 hours along gravel roads to get to the first major highway....now it only takes 4.5 hours on a good run.

A friend last year reminded me how special this place is when explaining that around every turn there was another incredible, view, a waterfall, a bear...something equally breathtaking.

On leaving the valley I decided to fish the Atnarko River..a young grizzly bear was happily munching on some berry bushes on the other side of the river while I cast my line, huge salmon continually leaping out of the river. Snow capped mountains in the background, nobody else around, and a few feet from the silent highway, only just under 5 hours from a major centre. At this point my friend exclaimed 'this place is ridiculous!'

For a some of us this place really gets under our skin and keeps pulling us back. We are glad to make this place our home and invite you to join us.

The one that got away

We are fully in Spring Salmon (also known as Chinook) fever. These monster fish weigh at most up to 80 lbs and are the prize of anglers up and down the river. They start to run in May and peak during July. So far I have been fishing for trout and learning the art of fishing and discovering the best of the local fishing holes (mostly in jaw dropping locations!) However on the last couple of outings I have been battling with what I can only guess are Spring Salmon with a trout rod and light line...it was quite an experience and immediately reminded me of the film Jaws when the main character declares 'we need a bigger boat'. Finally after up to 30 minutes I lost the line, only to recast and have the same thing happen again.



There was only one solution. Get a bigger rod and heavier line. SO my friend Ernie and I headed back to the fishing hole with two rods and gear ready for the 'big one'. I felt this was my time. Ernie is indigenous to the area and so has had the opportunity to catch a Spring drifting the river with nets as they traditionally have always done (38 lbs being the biggest so far this year). Although neither of us has caught a Spring Salmon with a rod! This is the ultimate challenge and we were pretty confident after my tales of battling monster fish and the story of the one that got away. We headed back to the quiet spot behind the airport, a nice secluded spot where nobody else goes. Ernie got the camera ready as I cast my line expecting great things. And then....nothing. The first of half a dozen trips to the river with not even a nibble. I couldn't believe it. Maybe next time.

Food for thought

I never thought I would look up to Jamie Oliver, one of the prime time tv chefs in the UK, but I have to say I was really moved by his TED talk (an internet site www.ted.com - worth checking if you havn't 'remarkable talks by remarkable people') and his recent series in the USA.

Jamie Oliver is someone following his passion in food and inspiring other people into healthy eating and living. I am sure he makes some good money but it is clear listening to him speak and watching his show that he really does care.

Wild Earth Adventures ethic is to provide healthy and nutritional meals as part of a holistic wilderness experience that can be rejuvenating and refreshing for mind body and spirit. We endorse Jamie Oliver's message and encourage you to watch his inspiring speech:

Close call in the creek

At this time of year the creeks and rivers start to swell with the spring runoff, making for some spectacular waterfalls. It is also a time to be particularly wary when playing in or near the rivers, whether canoeing, fishing or even hiking. The other day while taking a short walk along Nusatsum Creek I was scrambling with Chilko, a young labrador and a great swimmer. I was travelling a little too close to the creek, jumping from one rock to the next, throwing sticks and balancing precariously. There were no steep drops or waterfalls to alarm me but the water was tanking and very cold.

Before I knew it Chilko was in the river being swept toward a massive boulder rock. The current was too strong for her and she eventually got pulled under. Fortunately as I was going in after her I saw her washed out further down the river. I know the rules. I know you should not go in after any victim. Safety first, safety second. But what would you do? It was a tough call and I am glad that Chilko made it out and I didn't have to risk my own life. A good reminder about how fast things can happen, especially on the river!

The 'Great Bear Rainforest'

Our base is the small town of Bella Coola in British Columbia which lies 80 kilometres inland at the head of an inlet and is the gateway to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, a hidden gem in British Columbia's remote interior. The whole area is known as the Great Bear Rainforest.

The coastal mountains, river valley and dense forests provide sanctuary for one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in Canada, as well as a healthy population of black bears, cougars, deer, beaver, wolves, to mention just a few. There are numerous places in mainland British Columbia where grizzly bears can be seen, but the Bella Coola valley is special.

No other location offers the chance of such intimate encounters amidst utterly breathtaking natural splendour. Bear-viewing can be enjoyed on foot or from a boat while drifting serenely down the river - which makes for exhilarating viewing and great photography.

Online Photo Album

We have been posting some new images to our online photo album. The spring weather has been fantastic so we have been getting out on lots of adventures. Our focus has been to revamp some of the climbing areas. And of course get the garden ready for planting! Traditionally May long weekend (22 - 24) is the time for planting in Bella Coola, so we'll be sowing our seeds soon.

Click here to see our photo album

Bella Coola Valley Tourism

We have a new listing on this great information site. Take a look at what we offer and find out more about our home in Bella Coola.

click here for Bella Coola Valley Tourism page

Social Networking Pages

We have a Twitter account under the name 'WEAdventures' and a Facebook Fan Page called simply 'Wild Earth Adventures' so if you want to keep up with our daily movements and weekly adventures then please take a look. We are linking these pages to this blog to provide regular updates. If you have friends using these networking tools then please forward our details to them so we can broaden our network and continue to promote Bella Coola and the unique adventure tours we offer.

New Bouldering Venue in Bella Coola

Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and (normally) limited to very short climbs (known as problems) over a specialised crash pad. It is typically practiced on large natural boulders. On the west coast of Canada, Squamish, 45 mins north of Vancouver, has traditionally been the mecca for bouldering with a huge area of granite boulders in a small area, with easy access from the highway.

Six hours north from Vancouver 'as the crow flies' the Bella Coola Valley is a wilder and remoter version of the busier commuter belt of Squamish. Bella Coola is the adventurous sister and can now boast bouldering problems to rival any that Squamish offers.


Last year myself and a friend made an unscheduled stop on a logging road 13km from the highway enroute to the stunning Odegaard falls (a bigger version of Shannon Falls in Squamish). I had caught a glimpse of a large boulder tucked away in the forest. It turned out to be a massive boulder field of featured granite rock set amongst a magical temperate rainforest of thick carpet moss and creeks. This Magic Kingdom of boulders has until now remained undeveloped.

The popularity of bouldering has risen significantly in recent years with bouldering venues being developed throughout the world. After dedicating the last couple of weeks to developing a new sport climbing crag in the valley it was finally time to explore the Magic Kingdom and I wasn't disappointed, finding a sea of world class granite boulder problems.

From a slopey rail traverse on the backside of the roadside boulder to a large slab with a series of variations to a large arete high ball (don't fall!) there is something for everyone. The grades range from easy V0 to mid range V5/6 and it looks like atleast two harder V8/9 and beyond.

At the moment there are about a dozen problems ready to climb and I am in the process of developing more this week (the weather forecast is perfect!). This involves cleaning the rock of dirt and moss to expose the features underneath. It has minimal impact on the environment and allows Bella Coola to add bouldering to its list of adventurous activties and another reason to visit this unique wilderness paradise.

The Magic Kingdom is on the Nusatsum logging road at the 13km signpost right side of the road on the top of the roadside boulder. (This is also the access road for Odegaard Falls.) The logging road is directly off the Bella Coola highway at the hairpin bend before you reach Hagensborg). Just past the 13km marker there is a pull out to park. If you miss it you will get to the bridge over Nusatsum river where there is a great swimming hole 5 mins up river!

Running Wild

Last night a Cougar (aka Mountain Lion) was spotted chasing a dog down the street. We live quite literally at the edge of Cougar Hill (although technically a mountain) so it is no surprise. Although sometimes I think the longtime residents are teasing with these local names!

Perfect Spring Weather for a Climb

There has been a fresh dump of snow on the mountains but we are still enjoying a warm and sunny spring here in the valley of Bella Coola! We have been exploring a climbing crag on a bench above Noosgultch River. I have to say in all the years of exploring this area this is by far the most stunning location. I was absolutely blown away having never been to this climbing crag. It is overshadowed by the most fantastic view of Nusatsum Mountain, still covered in snow with incredible views across the valley. It really reminds me of what a world class destination Bella Coola is for adventure tourism.

The climbing itself is a single pitch sport crag of granite slabs. The site is being rejuvenated with additonal routes and some cleaning to maintain the existing routes (the moss and dirt building up on the rock as the site has been neglected). The climbing is easy to moderate so perfect for groups and beginners. We'll ceratinly be getting some pictures up soon.

Meanwhile I am off to try out my birthday present of a new fishing rod for Cutthroat Trout and Coho Salmon. Bella Coola is also a world class fishing destination. We really are spoilt here!!! So hopefully some fresh fish for dinner tonight...

If you go down to the woods today...SASQUATCH

Bella Coola really is a wild place. WILD. Only last week the rumour circulated that a couple had been surrounded by wolves while walking their dogs on the Lost Lake Trail. And every now and again a dog goes missing, victim to another Cougar (Mountain Lion). In fact at the end of our street is 'Cougar Hill'. And it isn't unknown to have Grizzlies wandering down our road in the early hours of the morning. (I'm just going to check on the dog outside to make sure she hasn't been snatched...)

(The dog's still there). The wildest talk here is of the Sasquatch, known also by the native name which is the 'Boq' (boc), relative of the Abominable Snowman of the Himalayas and first cousin of the Bigfoot of California. If someone here hasn't had a personal encounter someone they know has. Sometimes it's a sighting, other times it could be a large unidentified foot print seen while hiking (I can claim to have seen such), in some cases people have seen nests and unidentified scratch marks high on trees and the rest of the stories involve rocks being thrown from the forest. Unidentified sounds can also be heard deep in the forests and in one case there was even a story of a man being kidnapped by a family of Sasquatch!

I mean really. Seriously? Sasquatch. Really? Well, I wouldn't believe it but these stories are coming from upstanding pillars of the community. The other day I went for a dog walk with a good friend. She has a 7 month old baby and seemed a bit on edge...I would describe my friend to be pretty solid but anytime a twig snapped she spun on her heels. It was a windy day. Cougars maybe? Bears? The dogs would bark, run into the bush and...nothing. Then we started sharing bear stories. We would walk past a creek and a story of a bear the size of a truck would be discussed. I started to get a bit twitchy. It's that not being top of the food chain thing.

And then I turned and asked her if she believed in Sasquatch. She looked at me with a cold stare as if to say, 'Oh yeah, are you kidding me, of course I do!' Then she explained to me that she had seen a 'shape shifter' (Sisiutl). Under the porch late at night she had seen two glowing red eyes. She turned to her husband and he too had seen the eyes...they backed off into the house. Several native representations of the creature depict a long, serpentine animal with small forelimbs and a dog like or crocodilian head. Pacific Northwest tribes were convinced of the animal's existence. It seem my friends share their belief.

Meanwhile I have learnt that local legend has it that the Sasquatch hang around in the Bella Coola estuary. The estuary is a beautiful place to walk the dog but I never see anyone else on any of the trails. Now I know why.

Bella Coola Arrival

As I sit down to write the long overdue blog update I can hear the curfew siren in the background. Historically this air raid siren would sound at 9pm in communities throughout British Columbia, signalling everyone aged 16 and under that it was time to head home. This is another quirk I love about Bella Coola, a paradise hidden away deep in the Coast Mountain range of BC.

Today I saw my first hummingbird of the spring while I was setting up the tipi in the backyard, (a reminder that I have to fill the bird feeder). Our home is a prominent site enroute the marina so the addition of the tipi to the property is creating a lot of interest!

It is a real treat to be in the Bella Coola valley at the beginning of spring. Two days ago there was a crazy amount of snow here (I lost control twice on the hill into the valley, not prepared for the unexpected conditions!) and the mountains are covered. Today however I was cooking in a t-shirt on the porch. Meanwhile the river remains very low, pre-spring runoff, so I have been able to explore deep into the tidal flats getting far out into the estuary enjoying the rich bird life.

I will be updating the blog regualary now after a long quiet spell. It has been a quiet winter with limited skiing opportunity and lots of administration to keep ontop of! So we are very happy to be back in Bella Coola, once again astonished at the shear beauty of the area! The licence plates on vehicles in the province declare 'Beautiful British Columbia', which it undoubtedly is, but Bella Coola... well this place is on a different level...how lucky I am to be able to live AND work in such an incredible place.

Meanwhile we are regularly uploading photos to our online photo album


http://www.flickr.com/photos/35180121@N07/

New Bella Coola Summer Base

Wild Earth Adventures has a new base in Bella Coola. We'll be there from April/May through to October. We havn't decided yet if we are going to be there for the winter! It is a great space with a two bedroom house, firepit area, large garden and seperate workshop and office space. We also have a 20 foot tipi to put up somewhere around the grounds!

A short walk to all the town amenities and the estuary and ocean. We are really excited to have a functional summer home in the Bella Coola Valley. This area is the focal point of our operations and therefore the best platform for our expansion. And honestly one of the most beautiful places on earth! SO why wouldn't we just move there? Really we have been putting it off FAR too long and there is lots of potential and new energy going into the valley.

We are particularly excited about growing our own food! We hope to be growing as much food as we can to provide our guests with some good organic homegrown salads and veggy dishes for their stay in the valley. AND some organic meats from either the local biodynamic and organic ranch or lamb from the organic farm!

A big change will be organising all the food from our base in the valley. Our food and nutrition expert will be buying lots of organic bulk supplies, dehydrating food and meals and pre-baking goods for the trips. This will make it a lot easier for guides and less time consuming when in the city organising transfers for guests.

AND we are VERY excited about the potential of a co-operative farming project at a friends farm in the valley. Lots of food growing potential and organic lamb!!! There is going to be some serious good eating for our friends and guests this year. As long as I stay out of the kitchen!

We hope you can come and join us soon. It's going to be a great summer!

Bushcraft and Survival Expedition

We are really excited to be offering a NEW bushcraft and survival expedition. A new programme is going to be intergrated into our 27 June Canoe Safari in the Coast Mountains.

Dave is a survival instructor using skills learned in the military and also time spent with First Nation peoples in Canada and other parts of the world. But ultimately his expertise has been gained with spending time with the great Canadian Bushcraft Instructor “Mors Kochanski” from who he gained his Canadian survival instructor qualification. Mors Kochanski is a Canadian bushcraft and wilderness instructor. He has a reputation as one of the world's finest bushcraft instructors and writers.

Bushcraft/wilderness travel skills covered will include:

• Basic shelter building
• Camp craft
• Fire lighting skills
• Traditional cooking
• Hunting weapons and trap settings
• Animal tracking
• Knife skills
• Bear awareness

Canoe Guide

An expert canoe guide will accompany Dave. During the expedition novices and comparatively inexperienced paddlers will have the opportunity to gain skills that are fundamental to wilderness canoeing.

Canoe skills covered will include:

• Solo and Tandem paddling
• The portage, lifting, carrying, loading and launching
• Manoeuvring the canoe: forwards backwards, sideways and turning on the move
• Paddling open water safely and efficiently
• Rescue skills: capsize and self rescue, deep water rescue and towing
• The theory behind the art of expedition canoeing

Some of the places we go...