Cultus Sound to Bella Bella and Shearwater

Ruth was booked on the 11:20 flight out of Bella Bella so we left Cultus Sound in the morning to get to the airport on time.  Around 10:30 we turned the corner and there was Bella Bella!  We parked at the Fuel dock and Ruth got off and into a cab.

Bella Bella is a native reserve of the Heiltsuk people on the Mid Coast of BC.  The community has a strong fishing community and the the wharf had a large selection of boats - both comerical sized vessels and small pleasure boats.

The town is both small and large - it would be small anywhere there is a highway but considering the location, it is larger than anything else near by.  There is a hospital in town, a bank (open three days a week!) and a large modern looking school.

Bella Bella seems to have a bit of a Bald Eagle problem!  The weather was temperamental - light rain starting and stopping.  The eagles came out during a break to try and dry off.  They occupied a number of high perches and would stretch their wings out and just look around.  They didn't seem to care that we were there.

Soon enough the ship was full, Jan and Mike had picked up some new vegetables for the next leg and we set off.  Shearwateris a small resort across the bay from Bella Bella.   Shearwater was built in World War II to act as a float plane base.  2000 people helped build the base and at it's height 1000 people were stationed here.  The mustard coloured building used to be a Hanger for the airplanes.  In 1947 the base was purchased and converted into the fishing resort it is now.

In 1996 BC Ferries installed a ferry dock and ferry service started.  The new pub was built and there are new accommodations available.   Shearwater is a popular jumping off point for Kayakers and fisherman alike.