Photo courtesy of Dona Naylor.


Nootka Island. Each flight, however, is chartered, but what incredible views of the coastline they offer! Another option for travel is the MV Uchuck III, which is a converted


minesweeper and departs from Gold River. Guests that travel on the Uchuck are served freshly baked muffins and other delicious homemade meals while the vessel delivers necessary supplies to various camps and fishing lodges that are located among the steep fords of the Inlet. This ship is also equipped to let kayakers off anywhere they choose to explore the many waters. The Uchuck III offers several tour options for visiting Nootka Sound and is well worth the journey. I was very fortunate to have been on the Uchuck III in June of 2001


when the vessel turned off its motor and drifted to allow Luna, a young Killer Whale, to perform. Luna became separated from his pod months before, and for a while, found a happy home in Nootka Sound. He loved to play around boats and seaplanes and the First Nations believed he embodied the spirit of Chief Ambrose Maquinna. He seemed to know when he had an audience as he leapt out of the water and then scooted to the other side of the ship and performed there also. Sadly, his playfulness led to his early death when he came too close to the propellers of a tugboat. Nootka Island is well known for its history. First Nations people


came to Yuquot over 4,000 years ago, and in March 1778, Captain James Cook, the first European to step on British Columbia soil, sailed into Nootka Sound. The area quickly became a major source of trade and exploration, with otters becoming drastically over hunted and almost extinct due to the demand of their remarkable pelts. The Nootka Island Lighthouse is located on an islet slightly south of


Friendly Cove and remains one of the few manned lighthouses on the West Coast. This Lighthouse has witnessed tragic weather and many maydays since it was built in 1911. My goal initially was to find Calvin Falls in my continued search for


waterfalls. I had read a story about Calvin Falls and how they drop onto the sand, similar to Tsusiat Falls on the West Coast Trail. Imagine our delight as we flew over Nootka Island and watched the river from its headwaters until it splashed down onto the sand, creating a crystal clear pool before it washed out to sea. We then landed at Friendly Cove and spent three hours wandering and sharing a picnic while the seaplane operator took a nap lying on the wings of his aircraft. The Nootka Island trail is becoming more and more popular. A


couple friends and I once hiked it and had an incredible adventure. I had one pack on my back and my camera bag on my front, which kept me pretty upright. No chance of me ending up turtling! Many of the fallen logs were taller than me, so yes, we laughed and cried as we traversed


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endless sandy beaches, massive trees, seaweed covered shoreline, rocky and mussel-coated bays, and scenery that was unbelievable. I have also visited Nootka Island Fishing Lodge several times. We met our hosts, the Cyr family, mid-ocean as we climbed down a ladder from the Uchuck III onto their boat, amid cheers from the Uchuck staff and fellow guests who had quickly become friends in the few hours we shared. While staying at the lodge they took us to Friendly Cove several times so we could hike and explore. I think on one of those trips I laughed so hard my stomach muscles were aching; they treat their guests very well! There are many ways to visit and enjoy the area ranging from


kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping. Places like Critter Cove, Moutcha Bay Resort, the towns of Tahsis and Zeballos, Bligh Island, and so many more, continue to draw me back again and again.


IT


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