2011 Trip 4 - Pacific Swift

The sun dispelled the mists the hung low about the cedars branches early this morning as we weighed anchor to make our way south around the Brooks Peninsula. The seas were calm and everybody was feeling fine, energized by the sun. We had our first views of Vancouver Island´s coast line stretching endlessly south, myriad peaks and valleys dappled in the shadows of passing clouds. Passing Solander Island, the rugged sentinel guarding Brooks Peninsula, humpbacks and salmon competed for our attention as puffins flitted over the water. We had a salmon on the line but he was able to escape before we could invite him for dinner. The Brooks Peninsula is a pristine wild expanse of land, untouched by glaciation or logging. Ancient cedars crowd the hills and white beaches crash with incoming surf. We are anchored now, tucked nearly away from the swell behind Jacobson Point, a snug and rocky anchorage, affording access to a beautiful sand beach ripe for exploration tomorrow.  Plans are afoot for using the ship´s rope swing after dinner dishes.