Calder preparing for the journey.
One of the best things about being the Hostel Dog is that I get to meet all sorts of interesting people. Why travel the world when the world comes to you?
One such interesting person goes by the name of Calder the Kayaker. While I like chasing rocks and staying on the dry side of the shore, Calder likes chasing the waves from the seat of – yes you guessed it – a kayak! After making his way westward across Canada, Calder caught wind of the adventure to be had on the seas of the West Coast. He came to Port Hardy with the intention of doing a solo kayak trip from Bella Bella to Prince Rupert – not just a doggy paddle away, let me tell you!
Calder needed to save up enough biscuits to buy a kayak, so he worked odd jobs around town and stayed at our hostel, while getting to know the locals. Calder and I got along great, because we both like to hunt for treasure. Mine of course is rocks, but Calder knew that Port Hardy has many hidden gems. I got to show him all my favourite spots in town. I introduced him to the coffee shop where he later hosted a poetry slam, attended by many locals – even some who took a ferry from the local islands just to be there. I showed him where the radio station was; I take credit for his cool-as-a-sea cucumber interview promoting the event. He got the idea from me to help out with a local youth group (I am a rather friendly and helpful Hostel Dog, you know).
Preparing food
Calder liked Port Hardy so much that he stayed for two months, instead of his plan of two weeks. My humans and their friends were so sad to see Calder go that they threw him a going-away party out at my favourite beach (my idea too). They barbecued kabobs, corn on the cob, and salmon all over an open fire, with of course a cake that they made, shaped like a kayak in honour of his trip, for dessert!
I was very sad to see him go too, but it was quite interesting watching Calder get ready for his trip. For a week he pored over maps and collected equipment, drying all sorts of fruit and vegetables in the hostel kitchen for ready-made nutrition. (Why didn’t he just take kibble?)
In the end, we saw him off, knowing that he’d gotten a taste of the wild North Vancouver Island and the warmth of the culture here. His experiences I know will stay with him. Personally I think he was barking mad to leave, as there are so many amazing things to experience here – but that’s another tail.
