Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 4

Trip 4 started with a trickle of familiar faces down to the Port
Hardy public wharf, eagerly awaiting the 1100 boarding time. There were
many friendships made and rekindled during the excited embarkation. Once
again we have many returning trainees and several new faces. However all
are being welcomed and included in the many aspects of shipboard life.  
With safety orientations completed, the lines were slipped and we pushed
off into the waters of Queen Charlotte Strait. With a favourable looking
forecast for rounding the top of Vancouver Island out to the west coast,
we motored north into a surprisingly cold breeze. Long forgotten
mittens, toques, scarves and other practical warming devices were
excavated to ward off the persistent and penetrating chill. Once across
Nahwitti Bar the pacific ocean started  its welcome with gentle
rollers.  The threatening clouds made good their promise and closed in
tight around the Swift, like a well bundled peacoat. The leaden sky and
sea merged so closely together that the horizon was almost
indistinguishable, and one had the feeling of sailing in an endless
smoky globe. All hands handled the swell very nicely and were able to
enjoy some light hearted games and hearty singing below. The weather
still holding fair, we rounded Cape Scott around 2230, as the beam from
it´s lofty beacon (surprisingly not installed till 1960) swept the gloom
high over the topmasts. The promised NW 20-30 knots ended up as a meager
2-3 knots, however we were able to eke out a little sail in the middle
of the night for a couple hours.  In the awakening dawn we ghosted into
Quatsino Sound and found still and calm waters in North Harbour. A
chartwork lesson completed early gave rise to the opportunity for an
epic expotition to Grant Bay. Grant Bay which has eluded is share of
aspiring explorers, is reached by the efforts of a long row, marsh walk,
followed by a dense rain forest hike, before one is dropped suddenly on
to a pristine white sand beach. The journey went very well, with a
remarkable display of first time rowing and endurance from all watches
to bring us close to the forest trail head. The trail weaves it
serpentine track through the heart of the temperate rain forest, where
the towering cedars, dense ferns and salal evoke a very ancient feeling.
The beach played host to some fun games, exploring and swimming as the
fog slowly rolled away to reveal the warmth of the sun, a frolicking
humpback and distant views of the Brooks Peninsula. All hands seem to be
settling well and are looking forward to evening programme at anchor and
the picking of secret friends.