Main Menu -> SALTS -> SALTS 2011 Summer Programme -> 2011 Trip 5 - Pacific Swift -> August 25th 2011 @ 18:00
2011 Trip 5 - Pacific Swift
tracking Pacific Swift: 6 recorded positions
| Last Position: 49°58'15.60 N 127°14'45.60 W on August 25th 2011 @ 18:00 |
Ship's Log:
All hands reported aboard the Swift by 1420 yesterday in Ucluelet Harbour ready for the final leg of our circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. Our group is mostly older but still a pretty even mix of new trainees and those returning for further adventures. With safety orientations complete, lines were slipped at 1620 and a quick trip out of the harbour past lounging sea lions found us in the open Pacific once
more. The seas were relatively gentle and we decided to push north against wind and sea to explore the bounty of the northern portion of the island. Watch duties were commenced and the trainees acquitted themselves well steering by compass in the swell. The mug-up routine of games and singing was held on deck while we rolled past Long Beach.
While the first strains of ”Farewell to Nova Scotia” rose from amidships, we were treated to a dramatic coastal sunset. The sun slipped below a band of low clouds burning a fiery orange that lit the underside
of the clouds and brushed the mountainous shores of Vancouver Island in rich oily colours. As the sun was plunged into the waiting sea we were treated to a phenomenon know as the green flash. The sun appears a
vibrant emerald green as its light is refracted after dipping below the horizon. The seas built around nightfall, but most coped with good spirits. The night sky was resplendently flecked with stars, a late rising waning crescent moon allowed the stars to shine unhindered, the milky way spilt across the inky dome above and was chased by shooting stars. Bright green phosphorescence hissed of the crests of the waves providing an equally dramatic show of light and colour below. Occasionally humpbacks could be heard to surface and breath nearbye in the darkness.
The morning broke clear and bright as we continued to motor north to Kyuquot Sound to find a gentle anchorage to rest in. At 1330 we anchored behind Rugged Point, the ship settling comfortably into the still waters surrounded by old growth forest. A lonely sea otter busied himself with his post-meal ablutions and humpback whales lazed about in the channel close bye. After an introduction on how to use the shipīs dories, the watches pulled ashore to the beckoning beaches. Much like Goldilocks we passed through several beaches linked by rain forest walks till we found the one that was just right. The ”right” beach was a pristine flat hard packed white sand beach that stretched for a mile before clear sparkling waters. Silvered driftwood edged the beach to where the dense forest emerged. In the warm sunlight a grand game of soccer and frisbee was played. I must admit the port side roundly thumped the starboard side but everyone had fun and there was excellent participation. Following the game some fun was had body surfing, playing land and strolling on the expansive beach. Vigorous appetites drew us back for a tasty supper and chance to rest at anchor. This evening we will start secret friends and enjoy games and singing. Everyone is doing well.
more. The seas were relatively gentle and we decided to push north against wind and sea to explore the bounty of the northern portion of the island. Watch duties were commenced and the trainees acquitted themselves well steering by compass in the swell. The mug-up routine of games and singing was held on deck while we rolled past Long Beach.
While the first strains of ”Farewell to Nova Scotia” rose from amidships, we were treated to a dramatic coastal sunset. The sun slipped below a band of low clouds burning a fiery orange that lit the underside
of the clouds and brushed the mountainous shores of Vancouver Island in rich oily colours. As the sun was plunged into the waiting sea we were treated to a phenomenon know as the green flash. The sun appears a
vibrant emerald green as its light is refracted after dipping below the horizon. The seas built around nightfall, but most coped with good spirits. The night sky was resplendently flecked with stars, a late rising waning crescent moon allowed the stars to shine unhindered, the milky way spilt across the inky dome above and was chased by shooting stars. Bright green phosphorescence hissed of the crests of the waves providing an equally dramatic show of light and colour below. Occasionally humpbacks could be heard to surface and breath nearbye in the darkness.
The morning broke clear and bright as we continued to motor north to Kyuquot Sound to find a gentle anchorage to rest in. At 1330 we anchored behind Rugged Point, the ship settling comfortably into the still waters surrounded by old growth forest. A lonely sea otter busied himself with his post-meal ablutions and humpback whales lazed about in the channel close bye. After an introduction on how to use the shipīs dories, the watches pulled ashore to the beckoning beaches. Much like Goldilocks we passed through several beaches linked by rain forest walks till we found the one that was just right. The ”right” beach was a pristine flat hard packed white sand beach that stretched for a mile before clear sparkling waters. Silvered driftwood edged the beach to where the dense forest emerged. In the warm sunlight a grand game of soccer and frisbee was played. I must admit the port side roundly thumped the starboard side but everyone had fun and there was excellent participation. Following the game some fun was had body surfing, playing land and strolling on the expansive beach. Vigorous appetites drew us back for a tasty supper and chance to rest at anchor. This evening we will start secret friends and enjoy games and singing. Everyone is doing well.
Observations:
anchored, sunny, warm
Readings:
| Pressure | |
| Wind | light |
| Temp | |
| processed: 2011-08-25 19:45:14 |
