Pacific Grace 2009 - Trip 4

yesterday was a day to make tracks south. we ran south for about 10hrs which brought us to hot springs cove just in time for and evening bath. most of the day was spent catching up on lessons and having oral exams signed off. our arrival at the springs was timed so that the last of the tourist boats was just heading out of the harbor, thus allowing us to tie to the dock. once again we enjoyed a delightful stroll through the forest as we made our way to the springs along the cedar boardwalk. everyone enjoyed a hot bath in pools of various temperatures. walking home was also a treat as night had fallen and the forest seemed a different place. another group decided to go for an early soak this morning at 0700hrs and were back in time for brunch at 0930. today is day seven which we usually reserve as a sleep in day complete with pancake breakfast. at noon we departed with excitement to use the freshening nw wind that had been building all night. we set sail at the harbour mouth and enjoyed a very satisfying beat to our next anchorage. at times there was water pumping in the scuppers as the grace took on the gentle pacific roll while heeling to the twenty knot breeze. six hours after setting sail we anchored under sail in hesquait harbour a little north of hot springs cove. everyone had a job working the boat as we made tack after tack. a very satisfying day. our efforts were rewarded soon after anchoring with a spectacular show given to us by a small humpback whale in the area. this whale was feeding on small fish in the bay and often would lunge out of the water 20 feet of the boat as we all stood watching with our mouths open. even as i write now (2330hrs) i can hear the whale feeding near the boat. it will be a night watch to remember. as it was boat sunday today (day 7) after supper we had a sunday service on the after deck with scenic views in every direction and yes our friend the humpback making a regular appearance. quite a setting.