2011 Trip 3 - Pacific Swift

The rushing waters of Cassel Lake Falls lulled us into a deep sleep as the myriad constellations, undiminished by light pollution, blazed in the clear night sky. The sky remained clear  , unblemished by cloud this morning, while the early sun held promise of a warm day ahead. The Grace slipped away during breakfast and we anchored alone off of the falls with a plan of enjoying the aquatic features of Teakerne Arm. We traipsed to the waterfall´s source lake after breakfast dishes and everyone jumped in and enjoyed the warm and pulchritudinous water.
Intermediates and some juniors completed their swim test while others frolicked with a  large inflatable whale. This group of trainees is incredibly inclusive and participates fully in all activities from furling to swimming to splicing, creating a wonderful dynamic where everyone´s skill or opinion is valued. After the lake it was off to the waterfall itself. It is a majestic site, water hurtling and tumbling between sheer cliffs to mix in the ocean at it´s base, the Swift anchored close offshore glimmering in the refracted sun. The falls are strong but warm and everyone enjoyed a massaging scrub, emerging invigorated and clean. Anchor was weighed after lunch and we motored north to make slack water at two sets of rapids this evening. The journey to the rapids was wonderful. The air was warm, sun was blazing and the pyramidal peaks, snowfields and abrupt islands close by lent an air of grandeur to the passage. The crenelated  granite ridges were shedding the remains of their snowy mantles and waterfalls slipped through green valleys. The trainees are applying themselves with admirable vigour to their lessons, navigation safety, sail theory and practical seamanship the order of the day. We reached the rapids at dinner time and passed through easily with the slack water, watched by indifferent eagles, perched on ragged cedars, intent on their own meals.
The climate changes abruptly once through the rapids; the air cools and becomes more humid, arbutus trees are replaced by dense cedars whose lowest branches brush the water and a sense of wilderness pervades the hillsides. Entering Frederick Arm, sheer granite cliffs and low belts of snow were illuminated by the jewel toned setting sun. The closeness of the crisp snow and cooler air seems a stark contrast to the heat and swimming earlier in the day. We anchored at the head of the arm at 2000 and are blessed with a panoramic mountain view reflected in the still teal waters, disturbed only by seals and porpoises passing bye.

N.B.-The ladies of the fo´c´s´le won the inaugural M.Joan Grimsdick Award for tidiest compartment with bunk 26 of the hold winning the M.V.T. (Most Valuable Tucker) Award
PS- 2300 -We just had another energetic time of song followed by a great group discussion about expectations, community and constructive ways to continue to develop. The group is very mature and committed to making the most of the time and opportunities available these 10 days.