2010 Trip 5 - Pacific Grace

Another full day today even though we did not move from our anchorage. Lessons were underway for all three levels,  Junior, Intermediate and Senior for most of the morning. After lunch everyone went ashore for our traditional Paella feast. We have a 36 inch diameter Paella pan which we take ashore and spend the afternoon creating a memorable dinner all in the context of community sharing and preparing a meal together. It takes about four hours to complete the task. There are fire crews, wood collecting crews, food chopping crews and of course cooking crews. Our Paella had Arborio rice, onions, garlic, chicken, chorizo sausage, fresh snapper from our fishing trip, lima beans, green beans, red and yellow bell peppers and a touch of saffron for Spanish tradition. These items were all simmered in a chicken and wine stock over an open fire on a  fine white sand beach that was tailor made for the occasion. Parallel to this production the sauna team was in charge of building a tarp sauna on the beach large enough to fit 30 to 40 people in. Hot rocks were carried in buckets inside the tent and fresh water sprinkled on these to create a sauna hot enough for anyone present. Once thoroughly heated everyone runs out of the tent and into the cool, (no cold) ocean to rinse off and cool down. We arrived on the beach at 1400 and did not make it back to the boat until 2030. On our way back to the Grace in the dories we were treated by the sight of two bears wandering the beach on the opposite side of the harbour. At thrill for everyone to view these beautiful creatures from the safe confines of the dories on the water. Tomorrow we hope to sail to Hot Springs cove to enjoy a hot bath in the 108 degree waters. All are well.