2010 Trip 4 - Pacific Swift

Dawn broke with not a wisp of fog this morning. It was a welcome
sight to see the sun beating down and providing warmth early in the day.
We weighed anchor from North Harbour and slipped out of Quatsino Sound
to see the Pacific sparkling before us. The wind we picked up offshore
was ideal. Blowing fresh off the land it provided a perfect beam reach
scented with evergreens from the shore.  In a low swell we set full
sail, the Swift gathering speed as topsails were sheeted home. The only
regret was that 10 knots is too fast for trolling. However all agreed
that the speed and thrill of sailing under full press in a warm breeze,
the deep teal sea roiling past, trumped all other concerns. Trainees
worked very well, scampering aloft and sweating lines on deck.  Our sail
took us to Klaskino Inlet where a cozy anchorage shelters us from the
seas and winds of the coast. It is very rugged and secluded with
glimpses out to the open ocean. Several sea otters glanced curiously at
us as we sailed in before returning to their meals as they floated
gracefully in the swell.  We put ashore to explore the brisk fresh water
pools and waterfalls. It was beautiful and everyone dove into the pools
for a scrub and refreshment. Some intrepid souls followed Matt the mate
up the pools to see the large waterfall nestled amongst the rain forest.
We are now teaching at anchor in the warm sun awaiting dinner and
another evening of fun . It was a much more settled day and everyone is
getting used to the routine of shipboard life and settling into easy
conversation and relationship.