2012 Trip 1 - Pacific Swift

We've had two very exciting days to report aboard the Pacific Swift. After leaving Drew Harbour yesterday morning we had our first whale sighting of the trip. Just as second sitting was about to head down below for lunch Tristan shouted “whale!” and everyone was in a flurry of excitement rushing to the bow to get a glimpse of some of our local Orcas. To make it more picture perfect we were just entering Whale Passage, so now everyone can return triumphantly home declaring that they saw whales in Whale Pass. It was a great show with about four whales back and forth between the port and starboard sides; one even decided to cross right behind our stern not even a full boat length away. We were hoping for a sail, but ended up with a partially sunny motor over to Teakerne Arm where we rafted up with the Pacific Grace for the night. It's not often one can shower in a waterfall, but this beautiful location is perfect for climbing into the falls so all hands were shuttled in shifts over to the waterfalls and everyone is feeling “clean” once more. Rafting up with our sister ship allows for a thrilling evening mug-up with twice as many trainees for an invigorating game of camouflage followed by a rockin´ mug-up complete with dance party. This morning everyone (even our cook turned off her stove and came along) headed up to Cassel Lake for a morning dip in the sunshine before slipping our lines and heading out once more. We´ve been blessed with sunshine and blue skies today so there were no complaints as we had a lovely afternoon sail with everything flying and making a leisurely 2kts down Lewis Channel. Lessons were taught, secret friend gifts were made, conversation was had, climbing, and furling, and plenty of lounging in the sun completed our afternoon on our way to our current anchorage at the South end of Cortes Island beside the Twin Islands. We are in for a beautiful sunset tonight, a clear starry sky, and a gorgeous sunrise in the morning as we make an early start down the Strait to bring us a little closer to home and a little further from the adventures of Desolation as our trip comes solidly into its second half.