Now, let’s see…where did I leave off on my last post? Oh yes, a big honkin’ dinner on Haida Gwaii.
To prove that I’m not solely focussed on the consumption of big honkin’ dinners, here are a few non-food pictures.
The journey from Masset to Skidegate began vertically. Our guide, Andrew Merilees of Haida Gwaii Discovery Tours, led us up this rugged path on Tow Hill. As you can see, it is fully untouched by humans and quite the challenge for even the most hardy mountaineers. I dare you, Sir Ranulph Fiennes. I DARE YOU!!!!!!!!
We could see Alaska from the top of the hill. And, obviously, Russia too (according to Sarah Palin).
Happy hikers! L-R: Josie Heisig (B.C. Tourism), Doug O’Neill (Canadian Living), Jayne MacAulay (Zoomer), Reb Stevenson (this website, duh), Andrew Merilees (guide), Brandy.
I just want to take a moment and sing Andrew’s praises. So (fa la la la la la…warming up), imagine the following sentence sung to the tune of Pop Goes the World by Men Without Hats: seeing Haida Gwaii through Andrew’s laid back, friendly eyes was awesome. He radiates a true love for this place and really cares about its inhabitants. Also, he’s hip to all the best coffee places.
So if you come to Haida Gwaii, do book a tour with Andrew.
And sing him something in the tune of Pop Goes the World. He’s cool enough to roll with it. 
We took a wander through the woods past some huge trees to see the location of the fabled Golden Spruce. Did you ever read My Side of the Mountain? I dreamed of living in a tree like this! You could actually crawl right through it.
The magnificent Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate is not to be missed. Except by me. I was too busy shooting a video (watch this space!) to properly take it in.
In Adventurous: From Masset to Skidegate Part 1, I featured veteran Haida artist Christian White. Now, I want you to meet part of the new generation of local artists: Raven Pearson, 20. She’s apprenticing with Ben Davidson in Skidegate and she seems like an awfully sweet girl.
Don’t you love her hummingbird print?
And now we’ve come full circle…back to…another honkin’ dinner on Haida Gwaii!
Above is a freeze frame from a video I shot with Roberta Olson of Keenawii’s Kitchen – the definitive Haida dining experience.
Keenawii’s Kitchen is basically Roberta’s Dining Room – an intimate meal available by reservation only. There is no website, there ain’t no twitter. If you want to eat at Keenawii’s, you have to pick up the phone and call her (250-559-8347).
The appetizers included bannock, octopus ball, dried seaweed, herring roe on kelp (not my fave) and dried fish.
‘Twas my first time eating venison, and it was actually delicious.
Smoked salmon.
Not shown: ling cod soufflé, potatoes, crab salad, vegetables, wild rice, oolichan and fruit pie. The dishes just kept coming and coming, served by three remarkably polite young people (including Raven Pearson, the artist shown above). And a meal at Keenawii’s Kitchen costs only $55 per person – a steal for a meal you’ll never be able to duplicate.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Considering I’d never heard of either Masset or Skidegate I found this extremely interesting – and entertaining, especially the piccie of you in the hollow tree. Too funny, Reb.
I can’t believe I know of some places that Carol Perehudoff doesn’t!!!!
Are you back from Banff? How was it? Let’s meet up for coffee to debrief sometime this month.
Reb, we must meet up! Great idea. I can let you know how few places I really know … btw, Banff was amaaaazing.
{ 1 trackback }