2010 Trip 1 - Pacific Swift

Today´s grand adventure was to explore Jedidiah Island, which we
have never visited before. The morning was once again warm and sunny and
we haven´t seen a cloud in four days. We had a gentle sail to the island
with trainees working the topsail aloft with greater skill and
confidence. The Swift clung to the steep shores of Jedidiah as the
dories rowed into the beautiful warm still lagoon overlooked by the
ruins of the old homestead founded in 1903. The whole island is a park
set in a beautiful semi-arid Mediterranean climate, which was on full
display today. Upland from the picturesque lagoon are the remnants of
the farm, an orchard, barn, workshop and pastureland slowly returning to
nature. After exploring the ruins we enjoyed a game in the hot sun
before setting off through the pasture to explore the far side of the
island. In the middle of the island we entered a forest, with soaring
maples cooling us under their vibrant green canopy. It was a beautiful
place to visit and well worth the stop. By the time we returned to the
Swift the breeze on the water was an immense relief from the heat
ashore, so after a short relocation of anchorage a swim stop was ordered
to cool off from are shoreside adventures. We are now nestled between a
cluster of islands dotted with arbutus, pines and junipers with
mountains distant on the mainland, a perfect setting to enjoy a Sunday
dinner of roast beef, yorkshire puddings, mashed potatoes and all the
fixin´s. With our bellies full we will have a simple Sunday service as
the vibrant sunset gives way to the glittering stars.