August 8th Ahouset and Hugh

August 8^th Ahouset and Hugh

We tie up at the dock at Ahouset instead of anchoring, mainly because we will just spend the night and then head back out after ‘provisioning.’  We find Hugh still behind the counter of his store and talk with him for quite awhile.  He proudly tells us that he has had this store and dock since 1955.  He explains all of the areas he built, including adding on the hotel wing and the upstairs, where he lives.  He put in the boat ways and fish processing sheds.  When we ask if the shower and laundry are still available he says “No, but you are welcome to use mine up in the house.”  We thank him kindly but opt to not impose as we know we will be in Ucluelet in a few days.

We gather our purchases which include nice steaks out of his freezer since the restaurant is not currently open.  I mention Hot Springs Cove where his Dad had the store.  He brings out his photo album and goes through it slowly, reminiscing about his time as a kid at Hot Springs.  He shows us photos of their home, the small school and numerous other buildings.  The only one still standing is one he built which currently serves as the living quarters for the park ranger.

We thoroughly enjoy the steaks which Carl bbq’s to perfect medium rare.  We read in the cockpit while Hugh relaxes on the bench outside his store.  The next morning it is the same.  We read in the cockpit over coffee while Hugh sits outside the store watching for the fuel barge.  We watch as the tug boat expertly maneuvers the fuel truck barge onto the dock just down from us.  Hugh, 83 years young, hikes on down to the dock and prepares all of his bulk tanks for loading of the fuel.

We take four books up and exchange them.  We chat with Hugh briefly before we leave.  He says he is ready to sell. “I’m tired of the store now.”  Hoping to sell the store, he tells us where we may  find him next time, which he hopes is living in Tofino, right across from the Post Office where his daughter is the Post Mistress.  We wave goodbye knowing that Ahouset will not be the same without Hugh but that life goes on.  Having committed 64 years to the store perhaps it is time for someone else to have a go at it.