Whether you spell it with one T or two, Masset(t) is on the northern edge of Haida Gwaii. The next land mass is Alaska, and I'm saving that for another trip!
Our trip to Haida Gwaii ends here.
The twin towns of Old Massett (Haida) and Masset (mixed Haida and non-Haida) are located only 1 km apart, at the northern end of 100 km long Graham Island, and each have a population of about 800. There are carved poles in both towns, but especially Old Massett, which has seen a true Renaissance of Haida art, now practiced by a new generation of carvers and painters and recognised and valued by collectors all over the world. As we were checking in with the owner of our B&B at the Raven Gallery, where she works, a young man from Vancouver came in and purchased a $500 hat hand-woven and painted with Haida designs in the traditional colours of red, teal and black.
After stopping by a pole carving shed, we settled in, made a late lunch and then took a walk out to Old Massett, where there are galleries and pole carving sheds scattered around town. Nobody was about, however, as it was Saturday evening and they were all at a big potlatch.
Sorry about the light. It was raining
Haida street sign
Skilay memorial pole
By artist Jim Hart
The following morning we hitched a ride out to the start of the Tow Hill trail, a boardwalk trail through the forest up to a viewpoint atop Taaw or Tow Hill, a volcanic plug which formed a basalt column 2 million years ago and was then eroded on one side by glaciation so that it now forms a steep cliff on the seaward side. From the lookouts on the trail there are fantastic views over North Beach on one side and Agate Beach on the other. In between is the Blowhole, where water spouts up through the rock when the tide is high (unfortunately, it wasn't).
Tow Hill seen from below
Where the Blowhole would be if it were blowing
Tow Hill seen from Agate Beach
Why it's called Agate Beach
Walking along the edge of the world
This trip ends here!
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