2011 Trip 3 - Pacific Swift

The anchor chain thumped back into its home at 0800 and we were underway to continue our journey north on another cool gray morning. Fog nestled into the valleys reluctant to leave its nocturnal abode. Johnstone Strait was calm while we motored north, finishing lessons and practicing splicing and ropework. We encountered a small pod of orcas headed southbound, they fished close along the steep shores and a youthful group slapped and splashed nearby. The fog descend around 1100 as we exited Johnstone Strait and entered Queen Charlotte Strait, obscuring the islands surrounding us. We fished a piece and found the cod suspicious of our offerings, though some claimed there may have been a wee nibble or two. The fog pulled back around 1400 revealing islands changed from our previous days. The cedars crowding the small islands are stunted and bent, while old man´s beard is liberally draped on their branches like overzealous tinsel. We wove our way into the Broughton Archipelago looking for a secluded anchorage to spend the evening. After sampling a few possibilities, we settled on an unnamed spot, untouched and wild with views of mountains, narrow channels and the ever-present cedars. The sun came out in time for the dories to depart on a adventure to explore our surroundings. The watches sailed and rowed through small channels, watching porpoises frolicking, before each claiming an island to explore. Back aboard it is now supper time and it´s a special affair as day seven is ship Sunday. The festivities include a roast beef dinner accompanied by all the requisite fixings, followed by a simple service in the evening.