Rupert

With a few days to burn before my ferry arrives, my curiosity led me to the streets of Prince Rupert BC on walkabout.  The weather is dismal and cool.  Today’s weak offering of flat light is uninspiring for photography, riding or sightseeing.

Two fine examples of Haida Poles are placed near the center of town.  The first is the Anget Pole of Ninstints.  Starting at the bottom, it depicts a grizzly bear, an upside down human, a man with skils (sic), a bear with a frog in his mouth, a cormorant and an eagle.

 

The second is an Alder House Frontal Pole.  It portrays a bear mother with 2 cubs, the head of a killer whale (sea grizzly) with a seal in its mouth, a killer whale with woman on its back and a man with two watchmen.

 

 

 

Given that Rupert serves as a ferry terminal town that services much of Alaska via the Inside Passage, Vancouver Island and even some Washington ports, it serves as a way-station for many international tourists.  Today I overheard French, Vietnamese and German being spoken.  Beyond that, I heard 5 distinctly different forms of English: USA, Australia, England, Canadian and New York.

Once again at lunch, the motorcyclists seemed to find each other.  I met 3 guys traveling through from Alberta, hoping to reach Alaska, but possibly being foiled by a bad water pump on one of their KTM bikes.  During our conversation, 2 guys from New York rode in, offering that they had been on the road “for ……. ever”.

After a bit more walking, I encountered Pru and Denise.  We all were wearing the same blank touristy look on our faces as our necks chicken-snapped around trying to absorb all that Prince Rupert had to offer.  Having misplaced Pru’s husband and Denise’s brother, who are one-in-the-same, and being uncertain about how the pedestrian crosswalks work, they began the conversation.  Originally from Nottingham England, they now reside in Sydney and Cairns Australia, respectively.  Later we again crossed paths at the hotel garage and with them showing interest in my bike, I obliged them with a short ride and photos.  They were destined for Anchorage and sailing within the hour.

 

The magnet of the day was Gary’s Lock and Security Shop, Ltd., aka “The other museum in town”.  Friendlier people than Gary and Joan, you’ll not find.  What you will find here is a warm greeting, unhurried conversation and a collection that’s quite eclectic.  They serve as another example of the genuinely congenial people of western Canada.

Here’s hoping for a bit of sun tomorrow as there is much yet to be seen.  If not, I’ll console myself with more of the freshly caught local halibut.  It’s pretty incredible.

 

Today’s Wildlife encounter: