Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 4

We awoke early to find contrary conditions for passage around Brooks
Peninsula, though our immediate surroundings were calm and misty. The
news allowed forward watch to catch a little more sleep as plans now
allowed for a later departure. Our sights were focused on the closer
Klaskino Inlet, offering good protection and some fresh water bathing.
As we headed out into the monochromatic sea, we thought it couldn´t hurt
to throw a line of the stern. It turns out that the combination of a
headwind and surface shop slowed us to a perfect speed for salmon. We
were blessed with several beautiful fish and had to change our menu plan
to accommodate the bounty of the sea. It was very exciting and several
trainees and crew had opportunity to wrestle the energetic salmon to the
deck, some more fortunate than others. Liz deserves special commendation
for her excellent service cleaning and filleting the 5 fish on the
rolling deck. Once stuffed to the gills, we headed for the lone spot of
sunshine on the coast, which just happened to be our anchorage. Amidst
the heavy gray skies and charcoal seas, the valleys of Klaskino Inlet
were washed in a radiant golden light, striking through the clouds.
Navigating through the reefs and rocks, we have nestled into our
anchorage which holds a beautiful solitude and steeply spired forest.
The dories put ashore at the unassuming beach and river mouth. A much
shorter walk brought us out into a stunning wooded grotto with cascading
falls, gently tumbling from the many pools above the waiting swimming
hole. The fresh, clear water and rich green foliage would immediately
bring to mind a more tropical locale, were it not for the cool air and
the initial and shocked reports of the brave bathers, belying the
glacial qualities below the surface. However the temptation of beauty,
adventure and a shower lured almost all hands to screw up the courage
and plunge into the icy pool. Jordan the mate led a team of voyageurs up
the pools, to follow the cascades to their origin. The sentiment was
that the trip up the pools unveiled some of the most beautiful locales
of the coast. Feeling clean and refreshed we put back to the Swift
laying calmly on her, where once dories were weighed a warming mug of
hot chocolate was served out.  All hands are eagerly awaiting the fresh
salmon being prepared for tonight´s dinner. A sense of appreciation and
accomplishment mix well with hunger and the delicious smells wafting
from the galley. The trainees coped well with today´s seas with only one
or two mildly queasy tummies. The group has a calm, relaxed and
confident manner and we are excited to see how the community develops.