Pacific Swift Trip 5 2008

We awoke cradled on smooth and misty waters in Toquart Bay at 0645
to get underway and make a passage to the north to explore some of the
raw wilderness of the Island´s west coast. Our second treat of the day
was the sun breaking through the heavy clouds and steadily warming all
day. We cleared Barkley Sound to calm wind yet some lively swell. As we
rolled our way north we were fortunate to see several humpback whales
close at hand against the beautiful backdrop of Vancouver Island rising
from the sea. Some hands were seasick in the morning but as the swell
moderated in the afternoon most sprang back to life and were quick and
keen to help steer, stand watch and do dishes. While the afternoon wore
on, the breeze freshened surprisingly from the south and we were able to
spread our squares and main before the wind and proceed the last couple
hours to Hesquiat Harbour. Trainees were keen to lay aloft and try their
hand at loosing and furling topsails. Crossing the bar at the harbour
mouth the swells dropped and the fish bit the lines as we coasted gently
to anchor amid the magnificent scenery of this historic anchorage.
Everyone is looking forward to an opportunity to stretch our legs ashore
tomorrow and continue to learn about the shipmates around us.