We got off the Juneau ferry boat at 3 in the morning, went through Canadian customs and were almost in trouble because we had been drinking in the ferry few hours earlier. But after a bit of explanation we were released and we made to the town just to have a peak on Prince Ruppert.
We got back on line and back in another ferry to leave at 7am heading to Port Hardy, first stop in Vancouver Island. This ferry is much bigger and fancier that the other two Alaskan ones, but also more intimidating. It feels like a cruise ship and as our friend Ubbe said, “it’s for rich people”. But it is a nice ferry boat, new, very clean and with a expensive store, a fancy restaurant, a big cafeteria, movie theater and a wonderful deck. But no shower (???)!!!
After taking a nap I woke up with the announcement inviting people to an information session, at 9:30. I went and found out that 90% of the people on the ferry were Europeans, most of them from Germany and Holland. Our touristic agent, a very knowledgeable man gave us great tips on where to go and what to see during our trip and once we drive in Vancouver Island. Very helpful! He also was very kind offering me his cabin to have a shower. Maybe I stink!
The whole trip (about 15 hours) was incredible. I can’t describe how beautiful it was. Most of the journey we were in a passage, so between mountains, completely uncivilized. We just sat on the deck, on the back of the ship, and remained silent enjoying the peaceful moment. It was good for reading as well. I finish “The Book of Negroes” – which I highly recommend – and started “The Rebel Women of the Gold Rush,” a book that I bought in Beaver Creek, Yukon, wanting to know more stories about that fascinating time. So far, so good.
We saw lots of whales. The captain of the boat was really nice announcing on the speaker every time we approached one.
We also took some time to socialize a bit. We hang out mostly with Eleth (from Australia) and Jef (from Belgium), who we met in the other ferry. We also met Damien from French Guiana.
We got in Port Hardy at 10pm and headed to Jessie’s B&B (bed and breakfast). She is a very interesting artist who has been living here since 1939, but it was too late to continue our pleasant conversation. Tomorrow, we are heading to Victoria, in the south of Vancouver Island.
Balance day 12
Kms: zero, we are in the ferry, again!
Hours: 15 hours in this ferry
From to: Prince Ruppert, British Columbia, to Port Hardy.
Animals: many whales
Hotel: Jessie’s B&B ($60)
These are the breath taking pics ever....
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