Pacific Grace Trip 4 2008

Our last couple of days have been very full with plenty of excitement. Yesterday morning all spent time learning either chartwork or rules of the road. After lunch the rest of the day was spent tramping through the forest on a hike near Winter Harbour. Today we weighed anchor at 0800hrs and proceeded to our faavorite fishing hole four miles out to sea. Our efforts were rewarded with two lovely salmon, one to be eaten tonight and one that will be smoked in the ships small smoker for enjoyment tomorrow. As we made our way around Brooks Penninsula again the wildlife welcomed us. Tuffted Puffins took flight as the Grace slipped in towards Solander Island to visit the large Stellar sealion colony that occupies the northern end. Shortly afterwards a mother Humpback whale with her small calf swam alongside the Grace for a look. Our afternoon took and exciting turn when we stopped to view a very large Sun fish, close to 300lbs. At the height of excitement Jordan our Mate donned his wetsuit and jumped in the water to try and coax the large fish closer so trainees could get a better look. All went well and everyone had terrific views of this very odd looking fish measuring 6-8 feet long and 4 feet wide, in the shape of an oval. Yes, just another day on the Grace, cruising the west coast. All are well and becomming closer as a group with each day of the voyage.
Tony