Eucott Bay Anchorage to Shearwater & Bella Bella, B.C., Canada (42NM)

Another short hop on a beautiful day brings us to Shearwater. We spend two nights here in order to fuel up, do laundry and provision at Bella Bella. I attempted to go for a jog our first morning and less than a quarter mile in I was (thankfully) warned by a very nice local that perhaps that was not the best activity. A mother bear with her two cubs was spotted in the area that day and the day prior a wolf had killed his neighbors dog…about face and back to the boat!!!

Nice day for a cruise among the snow-capped mountains that dive into the sea

Shearwater “Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest”. I guess that sign should have served as my first warning not to go for a jog here.”

“Bella Bella - United in History” by Paul Ygartua, 2013. This mural is the one of the first things you see as you come off the dock in Shearwater. Depicts the four founding Haitzaqv (Heitsuk) Chiefs and other influential figures from Denny Island and Waglisla (Bella Bella) history. (Google)

We take the little shuttle (Sea Taxi) from the dock at Shearwater to Bella Bella ($10 Canadian/person) to provision and walk around the town. The dock at Bella Bella is very small and mostly reserved for Commercial or local boats.

The Heiltsuk people are trying to keep their Wakashan language alive in many forms (eagle on the top of the light pole)

Tlingit & Haida “Hold Each Other Up”. Eders/ancestors teaching, supporting the next generation. Symbolizing unity and support and the cultural responsibility to mentor and elevate others within the community (Google).

Ceremonial Big House built in 2019

Didn’t see one Tesla during our five mile walk around town but we sure saw a lot of gas/diesel Dodge, GMC, Ford, etc.

Looking back across the water toward Shearwater

This nice little cove is a rest for the eye. I sadly must report that Bella Bella residents have a horrible ‘litter-bug’ problem. The trash and broken down boats, trailers and vehicles are everywhere…really tragic.

Where was he drinkin’?1? This is at high tide…

By accident we found an incredible nature trail that someone had lovingly made and tended. It started right by this creek….

…and leads over a little hill to this pretty little lake with a trail and boardwalk that circles it.

Leaving Shearwater early the next morning for a big transit day (we are behind the sailboat)