2012 Trip 3 - Pacific Grace

Last evening we put ashore after dinner in Frederick Arm. The arm is rimmed by bare rocky peaks unable to shed their snowy mantles despite the summer warmth. Nestled between the arm and the nearby tidal basin a burbling stream rushes between dense rainforest. There is a small rocky estuary which is a perfect site for a campfire. Excellent teamwork, which is the hallmark of this group, resulted in a beautiful windfall cedar fire and amphitheatre seating beside the stream. The evening was spent roasting bannock, singing and a time of sharing around the fire. This morning marked a day of transitions. Arbutus trees gave way to, hoary cedars hung with old man's beard. Feet found socks and shoes in place of flip flops. Toques and raincoats covered us instead of sunscreen and sun and warmth were replaced by rain and cool. The beauty remained. Starboard watch had us underway by 0710 in time to make slack water at our last rapids. By mid morning we had entered Johnstone Strait and despite the chill in the air the tall peaks of Vancouver Island generated a pervasive sense of beauty and calm. The sea lay as still as a frozen pond while we motored north under the watchful gaze of eagles. We were treated to a spectacular amount of wildlife on todays journey. Several pods of orcas, frolicsome porpoises and several humpbacks, who dove with the frequency of olympic hopefuls, were our companions on the day. The climate and scenery have fully transitioned to the battered and resolute character of the west coast. we are now at Knight Inlet and plan to make anchorage in Port Elizabeth by 2000. We plan to spend the next several days exploring the channels and inlets of this wild part of the coast. Great comaraderie and respect are present amongst all aboard.