2011 Trip 2 - Pacific Swift

The bald eagles dipped their talons below the surface in search of fish as trainees rolled from their bunks in search of cinnamon buns. It was a tranquil morning and our first with sun as the sky cleared over the mountains and the steep wooded islands of Desolation Sound. The anchor was weighed during breakfast dishes and the Swift travelled north towards Raza Island. Raza is remarkable in the fact that it looks as if one of the great pyramids of Giza was settled on the waters and planted all over in coniferous forest. Tendrils of waterfalls marking the small contours that run down it´s sides. At last a breeze was found near Raza´s base and course sails were run up with alacrity and eager trainees leapt to the shrouds to shake free the dormant topsail. The sail was brief though as the wind was fickle, yet the sun shone warm and bright and all were in good spirits. There is an easy camaraderie on board and the trainees are creating a positive inclusive atmosphere full of fun and understanding. As we lowered sail a large splash astern caught our eye and not a moment more passed before a humpback whale launched himself in a full body breach to crash again into the still ocean. We were then treated to a 45 minute spectacle as the frisky cetacean performed all manner of jumps, splashes, tail lobs before ending with one final wave from his long white flipper. All this against the dramatic background of snowcapped mountains towering almost closer than belief. With the show and sail over we motored to Teakearne Arm to be treated to one of Desolation´s famous treasures. A tepid lake spilling directly into the anchorage over sheer cliffs in a majestic waterfall. With our ground tackle secure and a sternline ashore lessons were had to build a healthy appetite for a dip in the refreshing lake. Also ongoing is the presentation of the M.Joan Grimsdick Award to the winner of the evening cabin tidy event. The hold and focsle are deadlocked at 1 win apiece currently. Updates on future results will follow.