Destination Bella Coola

July 21, Awoke late after all the hot tubbing in time to assist Seabear to the dock. They were just stopping in to introduce their onboard guests to the pools. Tatiana from Argentina and Hans from Mexico City were up in Canada on their first trip to the North Coast. They had a great attitude despite the rain. Much appreciated cinnamon buns all around for SeaBear crew and our hosts Sharon and Al.
We hiked 4km up to Nascall falls where at the end of a rugged road. Found quartz along the road is various colours and shapes. Stepped over numerous bear scat but no live ones spied. The falls were steep and pounding with mist spraying up to us about the falls.
Anne made a snack of salmon pate and I put on a hearty chorizo and bean soup for later. We left Nascall mid day for the 20km journey to Bella Coola. Sailed a lot of the way so it was nice and peaceful. Beautiful smooth rock cliffs lined the channel so we sailed very close while Dave got into the skiff to film the Irish Rose under sail. The steep mountainous shores were dotted with waterfalls and we chose a nice one to get up close and photograph. Otter were hiding in the rock crevasses as we sailed by. Once in Bella Coola bay Dave exited via skiff to check out moorage while the girls brought the ship in. Dave radioed what slip to dock at and it was a tight squeeze but Karolina did a stand up parallel parking job. Once on shore we walked into town (2-3km) in search of  cultural information and entertainment.
 Soon realized the reservation was one half of the town and the business centre the other. We had heard  we would need a first nations guide to see the pictographs just outside of town so we went on a mission to find one. The first people we saw on the street recommended Chris & Lance, twins who are traditional drummers/ dancers who are culturally aware.  Someone told us where Chris lived but it was 9pm so we didn’t want to disturb him this evening. Soon we landed in the only pub for a beverage and the bartender offered to get ahold of Chris. Soon he came back with arrangements for Chris to meet us at the dock at 0800 so we could have a tour before I departed via plane.  On the way home we stuck out our thumbs and the first vehicle gave us a lift back to the marina. They also confirmed that Chris was a good choice for a guide. Then they informed us that the local bus required 24hr notice for pickups and that there was no taxi in town which left me in a dilemma for airport  transportation.