Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 3

I must start by saying words will fall tragically short to capture
today. Yesterday ended with perhaps the best night sky we have seen all
year. With no city lights or moon the sky had a crisp clarity that
allowed the milky way to shine bright and see stars most people have
never had the opportunity to observe. Forward watch rose early to weigh
anchor and begin our journey up Bute Inlet. Bute Inlet is a 40 NM fjord
that runs almost due north and terminates below the glaciers of the
Homathko Snowfield with a latitude above Vancouver Island. The night sky
held its clarity through dawn allowing for unsurpassable views of the
many peaks, glaciers and waterfalls en route. Every 5 minutes would
bring dramatic change to the scenery as valleys and views would open and
close.The water as well changed chameleon-like as we moved northward,
starting as startling rich evergreen, transitioning to deep teal and
eventually a steely blue. When we thought things couldn´t improve on the
scenery a fine following breeze sprung up and the squaresails were set.
However, before the last gasket of the topsail could be loosed by
excited trainees, the cry of "dolphins!" rang out. Unbelievably we were
suddenly surrounded by a pod of 50 or so dolphins leaping clear of the
contrasting milky waters. It was a scene of indescribable beauty.
Finally the topsail was sheeted home and we proceeded in company with
our playful companions for several overwhelming minutes, before they
resumed their course down the inlet. The breeze eased as we approached a
tall waterfall nestled in a wooded nook along the steep shores. The
Swift nosed close inshore as Jordan the mate led a spontaneous swim stop
into the cold yet and mostly fresh water. Soon all hands followed and
emerged much refreshed from the heat of the day. It would been an ideal
spot to stop had not the depth far exceeded the scope of our chain, even
a 100 feet from shore. Yet we were called onward, picking up the breeze
again and enjoying a nice sail in the ever increasing beauty.
Evergreens, raw granite, snow and ice were the palette of the shoreline.
Close to the head of the inlet we were drawn to investigate one more
waterfall. The intrepid bosun Steve was put ashore to assess the
landscape. A hearty thumbs up led the way for a full scale expedition to
explore the falls by the ship´s company. It was a beautiful wonder of
nature as its turbulent waters rushed into the dramatic scene of, inlet,
mountains and a very diminutive Swift. Once the wonders of the falls had
been absorbed the Swift hopped  north to find rest in arguably the most
magestic anchorage on the coast. Waddington Harbour is 3 miles wide and
completely encircled by glaciers, valleys, peaks and a sense of wonder
that is beyond ken. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?