Pacific Swift Trip 4 2008

A grand conclusion to a bit of a dreary day. We got underway and bid
farewell to the Grace during the second breakfast sitting to continue
our push south. The SE was up for the 6th straight day as we motored
through strong headwinds and large swell. It was our most unpleasant day
for motion so far, but everyone still did well, although several dared
not venture below. Although the wind and rain were driving we passed the
time and kept spirits up playing charades around the cockpit, bundled in
foulies and scarves. By midafternoon we were able to set a foresail and
staysail and motor sail. After an hour of that we were able to bear of
towards Nootka Island and kill the engine, a blessed sound after so much
motoring along with a couple glimpses of sun. We reached Mary Basin in
the heart of Nootka, well sheltered from the wind, rain and swell on the
outside. Once peacefully anchored the hands turned to finishing lessons
and preparing for the written exams in the next couple days.The rest of
the evening was spent making perogies. We started from scratch using
Skipper´s traditional family recipe from the old country (Ukraine) and
half the ship´s company bound together to churn out 500 perfect perogies
in record time. The hold and galley were filled with the cheerful
banter of people, making dough, rolling, cutting, stuffing, folding,
baking, cleaning all to live fiddle and guitar music. A great experience
and wonderful team effort. A great time to learn about hard, cheerful
work all to serve others. Once again despite some trying weather, the
most was made of it and all are in great spirits and the community is
being strongly built.