Main Menu -> SALTS -> 2009 SALTS Summer Programme -> Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 4 -> August 9th 2009 @ 20:00
Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 4
tracking Pacific Swift: 7 recorded positions
| Last Position: 49°58'15.96 N 127°14'49.20 W on August 9th 2009 @ 20:00 |
Ship's Log:
Again we awoke early to try to take advantage of a break in the
weather to pass round Brooks Peninsula. The conditions were more
favourable, so port watch hove the anchor aweigh as a few sea otters
casually watched us depart our snug anchorage. Within a couple of hours
we passed the lonely sentinel of the west coast, Solander Island. It is
a stark testament to the severity of the weather with itīs steep,
scoured and barren shores. Several sea lions didnīt disdain its narrow
and craggy shore though, finding it a fine place to haul out and take a
nap. Shortly after passing by, the weather closed in and we met a brisk
headwind and dense rain showers. Once again we were wrapped in the gray
cloak that can settle on this coast. Having cleared the peninsula we
were able to set a foresail to reduce the roll and gain some speed as
we motor-sailed into a building southeasterly. The long motor provided
opportunity for people to continue to build relationships as
conversations were shared and the rain and wind tried to find any
chinks in our west coast armor. The rain and mist cleared enough at one
point to see two humpbacks close by joyfully rollicking in the waves.
The pair took turns rolling, splashing, waving flukes and flippers and launching out of the water
for full breaches. It was a good reminder of the joy and beauty around
us. We have seen many humpbacks over the last two days, some traveling
casually and others playing in their unique way. As we came abeam
Kyuquot Sound we were able at last to shut down the engine and bear
away under sail alone. It was beautiful to see colour returning to the
landscape as we came close inshore, the greens and browns emerging from
the steely backdrop of sea and sky. We are now anchored behind Rugged
Point which has an admirable lee from wind and swell, with only the
gentlest rocking to send us to sleep. A warming dinner was served as we
hid below from the damp and rain.Even though some felt sick this
morning, people adjusted well through the day and all are very fine
now. Tomorrow we will head ashore to rugged beach.
weather to pass round Brooks Peninsula. The conditions were more
favourable, so port watch hove the anchor aweigh as a few sea otters
casually watched us depart our snug anchorage. Within a couple of hours
we passed the lonely sentinel of the west coast, Solander Island. It is
a stark testament to the severity of the weather with itīs steep,
scoured and barren shores. Several sea lions didnīt disdain its narrow
and craggy shore though, finding it a fine place to haul out and take a
nap. Shortly after passing by, the weather closed in and we met a brisk
headwind and dense rain showers. Once again we were wrapped in the gray
cloak that can settle on this coast. Having cleared the peninsula we
were able to set a foresail to reduce the roll and gain some speed as
we motor-sailed into a building southeasterly. The long motor provided
opportunity for people to continue to build relationships as
conversations were shared and the rain and wind tried to find any
chinks in our west coast armor. The rain and mist cleared enough at one
point to see two humpbacks close by joyfully rollicking in the waves.
The pair took turns rolling, splashing, waving flukes and flippers and launching out of the water
for full breaches. It was a good reminder of the joy and beauty around
us. We have seen many humpbacks over the last two days, some traveling
casually and others playing in their unique way. As we came abeam
Kyuquot Sound we were able at last to shut down the engine and bear
away under sail alone. It was beautiful to see colour returning to the
landscape as we came close inshore, the greens and browns emerging from
the steely backdrop of sea and sky. We are now anchored behind Rugged
Point which has an admirable lee from wind and swell, with only the
gentlest rocking to send us to sleep. A warming dinner was served as we
hid below from the damp and rain.Even though some felt sick this
morning, people adjusted well through the day and all are very fine
now. Tomorrow we will head ashore to rugged beach.
Observations:
overcast, heavy rain, 15 C
Readings:
| Pressure | 991 |
| Wind | SE5 |
| Temp | |
| processed: 2009-08-09 21:48:03 |
