2012 Trip 3 - Pacific Grace

After a restful sleep we awoke to a clear bright morning promising all the delicious warmth of a summer day in Desolation Sound. The morning held some interesting twists as two strange sounds caught our attention. First, the sad mewlings of lonely seal pup surrounded us as the little guy looked for shelter and a place to rest from the current. He quickly warmed our hearts and was emotionally adopted, earning the moniker of 'Captain Ron'. Soon Ron's cries were drowned by a haggis full of pipers in proper Scotch regalia marching down Savary's beach with a crowd following in their wake. The pipes powerfully roused the island residents and all aboard while the sun climbed the masts. After breakfast the dories were launched and the watches rolled ashore to the awaiting pristine white sands. The large south beach made an excellent pitch for a great game of sticks. The Starboard Raptors prevailed over the Llama Llamas by a two game to nil margin. We headed back to the Grace shortly after noon and after a tearful farewell to Cap'n Ron we proceeded to weigh anchor under sail and  glide north into Desolation Sound. It was a beautiful hot day as we ran wing on wing towards the towering snow-capped peaks and sheer wooded hills of the sound. Everyone is bonding very well and doing a great job handling sail and working the ship as we have enjoyed a wealth of sailing experience so far this trip. At 1800 we pulled into Walsh Cove at the head of Waddington Channel. Towering cliffs blanketed by dense conifers surround us now as we rest at anchor. Through the narrow gap at the end of the channel, vast frosted peaks clutch at the fiery remains of the sunset. After dinner all hands bravely leapt into the tepid waters and swam to the chain of small islets close astern and explored their cliffs and tenacious trees. A good day.