Pacific Swift Trip 4 2008

Trip 4 is up and running with a fresh load of trainees. We boarded
yesterday in Port Hardy as the fog slowly drifted away to unveil clear
and sunny skies. We have a good mixture of new and returning trainees
bringing alot of experience and exitement. Once clear of the Port Hardy
dock we proceeded to set sail. It was a lovely four lower breeze and we
skimmed along close hauled making a respectable 6-7 knots. Our joy was
short lived as a dense fog closed around us even as the breeze picked up
to set the scuppers awash. By the time we had shortened down we came
clear of the fog and land hove in sight as we made for Blunden Harbour.
The sun was out and shining once more as we ate dinner in the beautiful
anchorage. Our evening was rounded out with games, singing and an anchor
watch talk by Drew the mate. After a peaceful sleep and breakfast the
watches piled into the dories to explore our surroundings. Hopes were
high as the dories sought to brave the tidal rapids to make entrance
into Bradely Lagoon. After several valient attempts by all watches,
reality set in and attention was directed to a shore landing, were there
was a rousing game of camoflage amongst other activities. After a tasty
lunch we set out to the North in search of fish and another beautiful
anchorage. As the wind was light mour attention was turned to teaching
with both juniors and intermediates commencing their formal lessons. Our
search for fish yielded 2 small sole, and our anchorage is the very
picturesque Southgate Group, surrounded by densley wooded, small rugged
islets. The flavour of the geography has a more desperate (yet
beautiful) feel as we make our way further north. . Tonight will have
more mugup fun along with the intorduction of "secret friends" for the
trip.