Pacific Grace 2009 - Trip 4

We spent a very comfortable night tied to the dock in Kyuqout while the wind blew over 50 kts just outside the harbour. This is one of the most protected spots on this stretch of coast so the water was almost glassy calm most of the night. With lessons filling the morning hours yesterday and a quick visit to the town store we were off to Rugged Point which lies about an hour SE of Kyuqout. Rugged is one of the most spectacular beaches that we visit on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is very similar to Long Beach near Tofino but we usually get the whole beach to ourselves. After a short hike through a beautiful west coast forest  everyone enjoyed a great game of sticks and then some body surfing in the chilly waters breaking onto the beach. Long walks, fort and castle building and Frisbee took up the remainder of our day at Rugged. Back on the boat  chilly and baked potatoes were on the menu for supper. Last night instead of our usual mug-up routine everyone gathered into the hold for a very relaxed evening that we labeled as "Cafe Night". This trip has so many musically talented individuals that it seemed only fitting to enjoy the varied gifts. There was an "open mike" available and we enjoyed music sung by numerous trainees and crew members. There was Jazz singing complete with "scat". Some sang songs that they had written themselves as well as popular songs everyone recognized. Sarah and Melanie made special coffee´s or spiced teas for everyone as well as fresh Biscotti. Our cafe night went on to 2300hrs and was spectacular, your children are very talented and it was wonderful to watch them share with each other. We were underway today at 0700hrs and are south bound again heading to the well loved Hotsprings Cove. Here we can enjoy a hot bath in pools that vary in temperature from 104F to sea water near 40F. It is lovely to have the sun back even if it is only for part of the day. All are well and continually growing closer as a group.