2010 Trip 4 - Pacific Grace

We will not forget all that was seen and experienced today for a long time. After a windy night in the anchorage morning brought calm and clear weather to this small bit of “Jurassic Land”. Triangle Island really is unique in every way. Last night at anchor we had Rhinoceros Auklets landing on the deck after discovering the ships rigging in their flight path. Early this morning once the wind calmed down you could hear the 200 strong stellar sea lions growling at each other from the rocks nearby. As daylight arrived so did the Puffins, they were everywhere, thousands of them checking out the Grace with agile fly bys near enough for us to see their beautiful tufts just above the eye. There were Terns, Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Cormorants, Rhinoceros Auklets and many other birds we are still trying to identify. It was a show that went on for hours. After breakfast dories were launched and for the next three hours trainees in their watches rowed around the south end of the island exploring the impressive geology and wild life. Large sea lion colonies were viewed at close range with some of these magnificent animals swimming underneath the dories filled with nervous faces. Massive kelp beds were crossed as the seething pacific swell gently kept everything in motion. Large rock formations with house sized holes in them were investigated, caves all along the shore were inviting to get a closer look within. All this in weather like we have never had before in this area. Warm, clear and calm. We could see the whole Scott Islands chain leading back towards Vancouver Island, multiple islands very different in shape and size. During our time in the dories birds were everywhere and sea lions were regular visitors. There really is no other place like this on our coast. Everyone was thrilled with the experience and were excitedly recounting stories once we all arrived back onboard the Grace.  At 1330hrs our anchor was up and we had shaped a course for Grant Bay which lies just outside of the entrance to Quatsino Sound. Mug up is just finishing and the hold is filled with satisfied faces content with their day and the company that surrounds them. All are well and were not bothered much by the motion on today´s run. Tomorrow we hope to do a bit of fishing, sailing and visiting a favorite sand beach on the north side of the Brooks Peninsula if weather permits. Studies in Junior, Intermediate and Seniors are well underway.