2011 Trip 5 - Pacific Grace

After returning from an afternoon on the beach yesterday we all enjoyed a spectacular sunset with clear skies and all colours imaginable as the sun went down over the Brooks Peninsula. Today we started with lessons before weighing anchor and heading south to explore Spring Island, our goal for today. As there was very little wind we decided to travel south for about 12 miles to a very interesting island off of the community of Kyuqout. Trainees were ashore by 1430hrs and spent most of the afternoon walking amongst the large deep tide pools and wild rock formations. Those of us left on the boat did not anchor but hove to to launch dories and then did a few passes of the island being explored. We also took some time to drag a line or two to see how productive this area might be. We were kept busy with numerous fish on the lines and by the time the dories were returning from the beach we had a respectable amount of fresh Salmon on board. Tomorrow we will fill the smoker on deck and enjoy the smoked Salmon sometime in the evening. All day yesterday and today we have again been having delightful whale shows. The Humpbacks are out in force and are not shy by any means. Almost hourly we get tail waves or pectoral slaps and once in a while mouth dropping full breaches. As well we have been treated with numerous Sea Otter sightings. These are always a thrill with the Otters floating on their back munching on some delicious treat. Yesterday the highlight was seeing an Otter on its back chewing on a large octopus which it held draped across its belly. We are presently anchored at Rugged point and hope to make good use of the forecasted NW wind tomorrow. All are well and enjoying each others company. We have a great mix of veteran trainees and new comers as well as a wide variety of ages.