Daniel arrived in Victoria on July 17th and then boarded a ferry from Swartz Bay to Tswassen on the mainland of BC. When he arrived he then boarded another ferry to Nanaimo at Duke Point on Vancouver Island criss-crossing the inside passage. We rented a car from Port Hardy and drove to Nanaimo to pick him up. We returned to Port McNeill and in the morning Daniel and Louie sailed to Port Hardy while I returned the rental car and met them at Quarterdeck Marina. I took the photo from the dock as they arrived.
Port Hardy has a annual celebration called Filomi Days. It honors the 3 main contributors to their economy:"Fi" for fishing - "Lo" for logging - "Mi" for mining - and thus we have Filomi Days!
Unfortunately because of "over fishing" in the past, the industry is highly regulated and seasonal openings are fewer and less time for commercial fishing. Logging is down because the United States imposed huge illegal tariffs on the soft wood industry coming into the U. S. during the Bush administration and after litigation refused to pay British Columbia back. The paper industry has also been deeply affected due to the decline of printed newspapers around the world. Mining has disappeared due to the exploitation of natural resources such as copper, silver and gold.
But . . . . the people of Port Hardy celebrate anyway. These "salt of the earth" hardworking people will not let the economical problems get them down. The celebration included a parade, games, music and food in the park all topped off with a wonderful fireworks display.
Let's put an end to Polio and immunize children again!
Men on stilts throw candy to the crowd!
Big earth movers from the mining industry rumble the ground as they pass.
Shinning fire trucks delight the children as their sirens scream with excitement!
An ambulance pulls a little patient on a stretcher as she throws candy to the crowd.
This beautiful little girls exercises patience as she is transformed into a "Kitty Kat"
Children frolic in plastic bubbles as they bounce and roll in a large plastic swimming pool!
This darling Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation's boy and his dad pose for a picture. The little boy and I became instant friends as he followed me asking me to take his picture.
This little guy saw him and wanted his picture too! He even removed his glasses so I could see the details of his painted face.
These First Nation's kids were having fun climbing on this huge old anchor. I so enjoyed the authenticity of this community. No frills just great people having a good time!
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