Surf Landing - July 2, 2011

Our first day of paddling was exciting on the one hand and frightening on the other.  Although the waters were generally good, paddling in the mist annd rain can be trying at best.  With that said, spirits of the paddlers were up.  On this treturous day, we did a "surf landing."  What does that mean?  We would go on shore bow first ging perpendular to the surf.  Normally, the canoe would go to shore stern first to indicate that we are arriving in peace.  However, under these conditions the canoe would turn over if attempted.  one canoe almost had annd took in some water.  This canoe was blessed before departing for our next destination. everyone paddling are safe and sound.

Josh's Paddle - July 2, 2011

thanks to josh's dad, brian, that we had the seawardliness of the orca on our journey today.

Our Youth

We have not even made it in the water yet with our canoes, but our Sunshine Coast youth are amazing and have already impressed the rest of the Sunshine Coast crew.  Parker has met a tonne people from other canoes; Maize picks up litter from the beach and helps out with lunch; Diamond tags along and goes to bead early to read her book; Bradyn is a quiet guy but always willing to help with a happy disposition; and Robert is a true leader with his singing and public speaking.  We love our youth.  We are honoured to spend the Journey with you.

Meant to Happen

I was talking to one of the paddlers this morning in the food line up.  I noticed last night that she was working on making dream catchers with another woman I did not recognize.  She was totally engaged in her crafting so I inquired.  She told me an amazing story.  She said that she trying to make dream catchers on the ferry a couple of days ago.  She was sitting next to the woman who was chatting to other people around her.  The woman must have recognized that she was making the dream catchers incorrectly and unravelled her work to show her how it's done.  Days after the catching the ferry the woman reunites with the paddler with branches of willow.  Apparenntly dream catchers were not made with mnufactured plastic rings and leather strips.  They started in the beginning.  Stringing and beading loops of willow collected enroute to Tofino. It was a beautiful process... a beautiful connection with this paddler and this woman.  Thank you for your story Margaret.  It was meant to happen.

The Eagles

Eagles came to our circle today - as they always seem to do. Each time, theree is something special - their gift, or their message.  Today, in our circle of 260? 300? people, first one circled low overhead, flying in a diameter so similar to the size of our circle.  Around and around, in such an unusually tight, circular flight.  The chief of Clayquot was speaking, his family/people were drumming and singing an honour song, 2 Elders were leading and inviting women from our circle to dance - and all the while the eagle was flying overhead.  As our procedings continued, our eagle circled higher and further afield, but still close - and then another joined.  Together they flew - listening, I swear.  I believe their message to us was one of safety, protection - wishing us well.  As I thought this, thanking them, asking for their guidance and strength, they flew due east and 2 more eagles joined. It felt as if they were tking all our toughts and prayers with them - heading towards the sun.

Submitted by: Tami Forsyth

The Pulling Together Dinner Line

one of the greatest things about the pulling together journey is dinner time.  the dinner time meal is a feast cooked by volunteers.  dinner is anticipated with great excitement.  as you can see with the huge line up, bbq salmon is on everyone's mind.  before the line proceeds, a group of singers drum and bless the meal.  elders eat first then it's our turn  the two pictures shown were taken when i was near the back of the line and when i had finally approached the food.  by the time i got my food, ate my delicious meal, and washed my dishes, the line still persisted.  thank you volunteers, organizers, and contributors for the wonderful meal.  the line was worth the wait.

Tin-Wis Beach in Tofino - July 1, 2011

Happy Canada Day Everyone.  The Pulling Together officially begins at Tin-Wis Beach where we had all collected together with the entire Pulling Together Fleet to watch the safety demonstration in the water and be welcomed by the people from Tofino.

sunshine coast pulling together family 2011