Pacific Grace Trip 4 2008

It was once mentioned to me that August on the west coast should really be called "Foggest". Today our west coast lived up to every bit of this description. After boarding all of our trainees in Port Hardy we headed north and enjoyed a short speedy sail before the fog set in. Just before lowering sail we were charging along at nine knots in visability no more than a boats length,( 100 ft). Being the first day and given that we were in a busy section of the coast, the prudent choice was to lower sail and and continue to our anchorage under power, this being no small task as the visibility was reduced even more soon after lowering. We were headed to Allison Harbour, 25 miles north of Port Hardy on the mainland coast. Not until we had navigated through numerous rock piles and narrow passages did the fog release its grip on us and allow everyone to enjoy the remaining hours of sunshine as we entered our anchorage for the night. We left the fog at the "door" and had a wonderful eveing with games, singing and double chocolate chip cookies made by Jacob and Sean. Trainees did an admirable job today amidst the difficulties of having to steer by compass in the fog during thier first chance at the wheel. All are well and look forward to a dory trip up the nearby lagoon tomorrow for a swim in a quiet secluded lake.