I am sitting in Uncle Quinn and Brigitte's house. It's really very posh; they're designers at heart, and also in the middle of installing an outdoor shower and bath, much to my jealousy and admiration. Goddamn. Wish I had me one of those.

We underwent a "orientation" course which outlined the rules governing the Gwaii Haanas national parks. Or Haida Gwaii; either way I'm a little confused. It was an hour and a half long, but felt about three or so. The woman's voice was so soothing, I was almost lulled into the deep and comforting recesses of slumber. However, thanks to an informational video, I managed to stay awake, or at least make a reasonable semblance thereof. I am so tired. I think I'll probably turn in around five. Well, not really. I actually have to pack my stuff into another bag; this time, one that's waterproof. So far, our plans include going and camping on the remote island of Hotsprings, with a Zodiac and massive amounts of gear. To get there, we will piggy-back on a larger tour boat, named, imaginatively, "Queen Charlotte Tours."

The house, by the way, is a comforting and homey take on Japanese architecture and Indian design, with an eclectic blend of Modern IKEA and local Haida art. The whole effect is quite attractive. I immediately feel as if I'm at home. Aeren and I walked around the "downtown" today. First, we stopped at a thrift store, where I purchased a pair of roller blades, a swimsuit, and also a book by Cosby. The total came out to less than three bucks. It was quiet, unlit, and a little eerie, but comforting at the same time. I tried to roller blade to the grocery store, but since the roads are paved with a combination of gravel, it was a smidge difficult.

Today is Hospital Day, something that I speculate is put on by the local, ah, hospital. (Logic demands it, really.) So there's a shindig going on down at the baseball field. "It's a real big day around here," Brigitte informed me. I loved it.

June 24th, 2001

Am stuffed in the back of Uncle Quinn's truck, and am waiting out a 20 minute ferry ride to South Moresby. After somewhat of an adventurous morning, we're finally on our way, although I am a little concerned about the proportion of gear to boat space, what with the boat being somewhat "small." But I think that if I were to bring up that particular point right now, I would get brained with a kerosene-fueled cook stove. I'm also wearing a hat so itchy that I think my forehead is going to break out in giant red welts.

Fleetwood Mac sounds gooooooood.

Canadians are so cool. They're laid back and uber-friendly. Can't write any more. The road's become bumpy.

Sometime in the Afternoon

Am sitting in the back of a zippy little (large) tour boat (steel) racing along the islands of South Moresby. My God! is the scenery beautiful. You know about that expansive, awe-inspiring bounty of nature so many people talk about so that it evokes images of spacious, lusty nature-filled rapture? I'm traveling through it. Mud-stained and sleepy, but cheerful nonetheless.

It's kind of chilly out here, sitting in the back where the motor kicks up quite a wind, but after a long period of unusual Seattle heat, the change is most welcome. Both my sister and I have boycotted makeup for the bulk of the trip (traveling via plane being the exception) and I think it's been a positive notch on the self-acceptance stick.