As I sit here and watch the drizzle coming down outside, I’m feeling wistful for even a slight hint of summer weather.
And yet, I feel incredibly grateful we aren’t burning up like so much of the province, that we are blessed with the precious water that sustains the lush landscape we love so much.
I hold both truths in balance. So, I’d really rather not be wondering if I should take vitamin D supplements in late July, but here we are!
It seems we just need to pretend it’s summer. Take a lot of pictures when the sun does break through the clouds, so we can fool our sense of a summer lost. Or just do the things, regardless of the weather.
Such was the case last Sunday when Tlellian Kris called us all out for the First Annual Tlell Flotilla! The grey clouds and chill in the air were no match for the Tlellian spirit.
“Are we really doing this?” texts got lobbed back and forth before the launch, but no one wanted to be a quitter.
In various states of summer dress, we convened near the bridge. One participant looked more ready to hike Mount Moresby in winter rather than float down the Tlell River.
Float-ees of every description were rustled up and down the river we went, the water surprisingly warm — perhaps just in contrast to the cool air.
Passing conversations, giggles and laughs echoed along the way. The float down to the Haida House took about 40 minutes: a perfect length of time.
Unlike a certain rubber-ducky race, we timed the tide perfectly. If we’d thought ahead, we would have set up closer to the river mouth, had a bonfire and food, then floated back on the rising tide four hours later.
Or, even through the journey to the Haida House was enjoyable enough, perhaps a reservation there could have passed the time! I wonder if Gwaii Trust would fund that?
They just might. Gwaii Trust is now reviewing some recommended changes to its grant applications that were developed from community feedback. The goal is to have a more accessible and responsive application process so Gwaii Trust money can better benefit Haida Gwaii and her people.
I look forward to seeing the changes, even if they aren’t likely to cover a three-course community dinner at the Haida House! But you never know… community-building is certainly a goal.
However you are or aren’t enjoying our “summer,” a walk on the beach in (almost) any weather is still enjoyable.
Come to Tll’aal, stroll the shore, or cruise around and enjoy our shops. Get a latte at Crow’s Nest, a tattoo at Blackhearttt Studio next door, even stamps at the post office, should you need some.
You can then visit our galleries — Sitka Studio and Crystal Cabin — and then visit Richardson Ranch to get Fido a treat or some fishing gear and a locally brewed beer from the Tlell River and Tackle Shop.
Last on the tour, visit the adorable new Cococabin down on Andrew’s Place for coffee and chocolate.
Doesn’t get any better than that!
Summer is simply a state of mind.