Pacific Grace Trip 4

First day, great sailing with Swift as soon as we left the dock. Both boats rails down flying out of the harbour. We spent first night in Bull Harbour on Hope Island. Second day underway at 0630 in calm conditions to Triangle Island. A few green faces but most doing well. Arrived at noon and spent remainder of that day and night ejoying all this magical place has to offer. We saw whales, tuffted puffins, aucklets, albatross, we rowed dories past huge sea lion colonies and through 200´ sea caves. An amazing island with breathtaking rock formations teeming with life. All on board are well as we head for Winter Harbour for white sand beaches, salmon and peaceful anchorages.

We had a great sail back from Triangle Island to our anchorage in Winter Harbour. Sunday morning was spent enjoying low water at Grant Bay. A beautiful white sand beach perfect for games, swimming and exploring. From here we had an amazing sail down to the south side of the Brooks Peninsula boat speeds of 10kts racing before a 30kt north westerly wind. Glorious sailing, clear skies, spectacular coastal views. Sunday had a idyllic ending under pastel skies and calm seas in one of the most beautiful anchorages on our coast. Monday was another very full day. Lessons in the morning and then a team of 20 very keen beach coamers were dropped of at the outer end of the Brooks Peninsula for a 5 hour walk back to our picnic beach. Those who remained on board were treated to a very productive fishing trip before returning to our previuos nights anchorage. It was here that we met the Swifties for our legendary Paella beach bake. Both boats enjoyed a full day on the beach making cooking fires, sauna fires, games, swimming, and of course cooking. Paella is a spanish dish cooked in a large 40´ pan over an open fire. It contains chicken, fish, rice ,wine, vegetables. All these slow simmer for a delightful dish that was complimented with foccacia bread, cheese scons, and two salad choices. This meal fed 80 people. A feat we can give many thanks to Stephen Duff for. We are spending a second night at this same anchorage as we have just returned to the boats. Swift also had a great sail down to the south side of Brooks Peninsula spent Sunday afternoon on another beach before joining us today at the Paella beach. Friday was spent enjoying a sauna in Klaskino Inlet. Swift was in Columbia Cove Sunday night and is with us tonight. Both of us will continue south tomorrow. All are well.

Best regards,
Pacific Swift and Pacific Grace  

Tuesday was spent travelling south to Hesquiat Harbour near Estevan Point. We set sail at 1030 and flew down the coast to our anchorage arriving at 2130hrs. We enjoyed the best sailing day yet running down wind, wing on wing reaching speeds over 10kts. Many sail changes amidst some large west coast rollers. Everyone was fascinated with our tour of Cougar Annies Garden, a remarkable legacy left by one of the more colorful characters on our coast. Those at home should google Cougar Annie to read more. From Hesquiat we moved on to Hot Springs Cove where all relaxed for hours in the soothing thermal pools masterfully placed along side the rolling pacific. Today our plan is to go whale watching south of Flores Island and anchor near Vargas Inlet for the night. All are well and growing together into a strong community.

Left Hot Springs after a great visit.  Spent some time at Ahous Bay on Vargas Island.  Making their way down the coast at trolling speed towards Ucluelet and catching fish in the fog.  Weather is chilly in the fog.