Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 3

Last night was spent in enjoyable company with the Pacific Grace,
swimming. playing electricity and having a rousing mugup on deck.
Today´s plan was to take advantage of the aquatic features of  Teakerne
Arm. First stop was the beautiful setting of Cassel Falls. The warm
waters cascade down a rock face to mix with the clear ocean. The power
of the falls is perfect so that one can walk beneath the falls and get a
hearty scrubbing and massage without being overwhelmed. As the sun
continued to gain in strength and warmth we put off for the source of
the falls, a dip in Cassel Lake. Much fun was had splashing in the tepid
waters and several trainees passed their intermediate swim tests. After
saying goodbye to friends new and old from the Grace, we decided to put
the warm breeze to good use. We set all fore and afters and beat our way
north. It was a great day for sail training and all hands did a great
job of handling the ship through the many tacks of the day. Trainees had
an opportunity to loose and furl topsails and headsails,  working high
in the rig and a chance to challenge some fears. The scenery deep in
Desolation Sound was so irresistible that a dory was launched with some
avid photographers to attempt to capture the feeling of sailing a tall
ship under full sail, in a warm breeze surrounded by steep and wooded
hills. After a couple lessons we shaped a course for an exploratory
anchorage at Rendez-vous Islands and sailed right up to our anchorage.
The setting is beautiful with small islets, long channels, and steep
mountain peaks keeping company with Swift  This fabulous day was capped
with a delicious lasagna and garlic bread dinner and hopes of another
swim stop in the offing. Secret friends will be handed out tonight, but
already the trainees are starting to gel nicely and grow together as a
community.