Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 4

"This is the best day ever!" This was the joyous refrain heard from
the vast majority of trainees throughout the day yesterday. The start
was spectacular, a wee sleep in had trainees rubbing the sleep from
their eyes as they mustered for breakfast under clear and sunny skies,  
the first time since departing Port Hardy. While awaiting a chance to
gather pancakes from below, a humpback whale was spotted circling the
bay having his breakfast as well. After breakfast we put ashore at Boat
Basin for a tour of Cougar Annie´s garden, perhaps the last remaining
homestead on the coast. During the row the humpback treated us to an  
amazing sight.  He would chase the mackerel to the surface before
lunging out of the water with his gaping maw to capture the fish, making
us feel like so many insignificant Jonahs. Once ashore Peter the kindly
restorer and caretaker of the garden, gave us a great tour through the
homestead, the dense forest of hoary cedars and some of the new
buildings being constructed for field study groups.  We stopped at Rae
Lake for a great swim where many trainees swam out to the secret rock in
the middle of the lake. A place that held great tradition for the
original inhabitants of the area. A small black bear was also spotted
snuffling the seaweed in search of some lunchtime sandfleas. We bid a
fond farewell to Peter and the garden and headed back for the ship for
lunch. During lunch the whale continued his active scavenging passing
very close to the Swift several times.  After an afternoon study session
we weighed anchor to make a passage for Hot Springs Cove.  At last the
northwest wind had arrived. Canvas was shaken out aloft and a low by the
trainees as we sailed out of Hesquiat Harbour. The Grace was inbound for
our vacated anchorage and we had a lovely sail past as we crossed the
harbour bar. It was a great feeling to have the ship surging beneath us
in her proper way. Quick passage was made with the wind and we tucked up
into Hot Springs Cove. After dinner we headed for the hot springs. It is
a lovely boardwalk cut through the forest eventually arriving at the
springs themselves perched on the edge of the pacific ocean. The springs
have been left completely natural as they begin with a waterfall hotter
than the shower at home at with a little added power. The steaming
waters then proceed pool by pool till they eventually mingle with the
chill ocean. Trainees made their way between the rock walls till they
found the pool and temperature of their choice and settled in to allow
the soothing waters to ease all chills, aches and cares. The sun set
dramatically with all the fiery oranges, reds and purples it could
muster, silhouetting the rocky points and desperate trees that cling to
this coast. After a stroll back along the forest path, the dories
slipped through the calm waters as the oar blades splashed
phosphorescent swirls of electric green and glowing fish were seen to
scatter at our approach.  What day would then be complete without being
sated by cookies and hot chocolate before collapsing into the awaiting
bunks.  Life moves happily a long, various crafts are always underway,
whether secret friend presents, marline bracelets , drawing, journaling,
water colours with the mate. Everyone is very comfortable with each
other and themselves taking the time to share and grow.
    We are underway now making our way south towards Barkley Sound. The
fog has lifted and we are awaiting the arrival of the northwest wind and
sun to speed us onward. We hope to make landfall by supper time. Dinner
is scheduled to be the famed roast beef spectacular with all the usual
fixin´s. After dinner we will have our "Sunday" service.