Slow Exploring to the End of the Road

It was a grand day of slow exploring. The farther north we drove, the brighter the sunshine became - unexpected and most welcome. Near day’s end, we arrived at the beginning: Mile Zero of Highway 16, at the northern tip of Graham Island in Masset. We celebrated the moment with a well-earned beer at Daddy Cool’s Public House pub. Our drive revealed one treasure after another - Balance Rock, beautiful totem poles, windswept beaches, whale skeletons, and countless evocative viewpoints. There was barely any traffic, the road was in excellent condition, and it was an absolute pleasure to drive. One of the day’s highlights was spending nearly 20 minutes quietly watching a large black bear enjoying a meal of fresh swamp grass. Completely unhurried and blissfully unaware of us (safely tucked inside the car, I might add), he had the glossiest coat I have ever seen. It must be that seafood diet. And speaking of seafood, we wrapped up the day at the fish processing plant in Skidegate, where we enjoyed delicious, freshly caught cod and chips. It was one of those days that asks for nothing more than your time and attention, rewarding both with unforgettable moments around every bend. We ended the day feeling grateful - for the sunshine, the scenery, the wildlife, and the simple joy of discovering a remarkable corner of the world at an unhurried pace.