Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 5

A great day and the classic example of the west coast at it´s
finest. Fore watch weighed anchor at 0630 beneath a promising sky
cleared of yesterday´s clouds. As we departed Nootka Island the sun set
gloriously, spilling it´s golden warmth from the evergreen valleys
surrounding us. The humpbacks and sea otters also stopped by to pay
their respects as the pacific swell once again rose beneath our hull.
The sun has remained shining all day and after standing offshore for
several miles we finally picked up the first ripples of the NW breeze.
Hands excitedly leapt aloft to loose topsails and swarmed the deck below
setting the main and fore course. It was great to have everyone feeling
well and lending a hand with hoisting and handling sail. Throughout the
afternoon we surfed down the rolling swell with white canvas billowing
against a clear sapphire sky. The fishing was exciting but fruitless as
a couple salmon were able to escape before they could be hauled into the
onrushing ship. One large humpback swam close alongside as we rounded
Estevan Point, gracefully surfacing before turning his flukes down for
the mysterious depths. We sailed right up to Hot Springs Cove withs the
ship being handled very smartly indeed to douse full sail on the run and
prepare to come alongside the dock. As dishes finish up to drifting
strains of mug-up songs, we are preparing to departed for the hot
springs. There is a lovely walk on a carved boardwalk through dense and
hoary temperate rain forest. The walk winds its way along the sharp
coastline till it emerges at the completley natural hot springs. A hot
waterfall cascades down the rock to form pools that descend towards the
open pacific and the fiery sunsets that quench upon its horizon. Nestled
between the rocky cliffs one settles into the pool of their choice,
finding just the right temperature or back rest. The hot and soothing
waters wash past taking all cares on their journey towards the sea.