2011 Trip 1 - Pacific Swift

Last evening we were treated to an international rope swing competition. Costumed heroes from various nations displayed their skills to theme music and cheers from the gathered trainees. Afterwards a pool party erupted while the sun turned the panoramic mountains to deep purples and orange. The ocean was incredibly warm and it was fabulous to loll in the water and watch the sun extinguish into the sea. We had a raucous mug up followed by quiet time to reflect on the trip and surrounding beauty under the emerging stars. The night was short as starboard watch was mustered at 0545 to weigh anchor and take advantage of a fine NW breeze. With decks scrubbed clean and brass gleaming courses were set and filled aloft with golden light. All hands were shaken from their slumber at 0700 to set the main and the topsails. A couple intrepid trainees rubbed the sleep from there eyes and sprang aloft to loose the topsails and speed us onward. We enjoyed the breeze ´til around 1000 when once again the sea lay as calm as bed sheet. Tribune Bay hove in sight after a morning spent in lessons, working on secret friend gifts and deep conversations. Dories landed after lunch and a delightful afternoon was spent playing on the beach, the port side besting the starboard 2-0 at sticks as the formers speed outdid he laters strategy and impatience. Back aboard a refreshing dip scoured the last grains of white sand from our parched bodies prior to dinner.