2010 Trip 5 - Pacific Swift

All hands boarded the Pacific Swift by 1400 in Ucluelet Harbour
yesterday, spirits were high and an easy comradeship between the
trainees was already developing. Lines were slipped under sunny skies
and we were underway by 1600. Not long after exiting the harbour the fog
enveloped us as we entered the open Pacific and it´s relatively calm
swell. We decided to push north against the prevailing NW winds to
explore the wild beauty offered up the coast. The fog cleared just in
time to enjoy a radiant sunset. Waves crashed over the bows sending a
rainbow-hued shower high in the air while we motored past long beach.
While strains of singing drifted over the deck the sun was quickly
replaced by a brilliant moon which helped to guide us into Clayquot
Sound. The seas and wind calmed to a faint memory as we entered the
narrow channels of the sound. Steep peaks were silhouetted against the
silvery light while the multitude of stars gazed down to be reflected on
the glassy sea.  Our anchor found bottom around midnight in Hecate Bay
which boasts a view into the heart of the Sound. All slept well in the
gentle anchorage and awoke to the sun shining and illuminating the puffs
of cloud that clung to the mountain tops like teased cotton.  We
continued to work north today taking the protected route behind Flores
Island. We found a favourable breeze mid-morning and we wasted no time
in setting the main, fore, staysail and jib, bearing off to make a brisk
9.5 knots. Everyone was excited to set sail and feel the ship surging
along in her natural element. We took the opportunity today to get some
lessons done in the calmer waters inside and everyone seems to be taking
well to the lessons and challenges presented to them. Today we have
enjoyed seeing sea otters, porpoises, eagles and a feeding humpback. We
are now anchored in Pretty Girl Cove, it is very wild with no sign of
human interference. We set off on an expotition to the waterfalls and
pools that lay hidden deep in the temperate rain forest. It was a nice
hike through ancient cedars rooted amongst dense salal and bright ferns.
The falls were warm and nestled in a lush green grotto that opens
suddenly from the thick forest. This evening we will rest at anchor and
enjoy the regular evening programme of games and singing.