2011 Trip 5 - Pacific Swift

A steely sky and sea lay around us, brightening slowly in the watery light of morning. The was anchor broken free at 0800 and we headed for one of our favourite fishing holes.Rolling on the sea, a big team effort landed several nice sized cod and snapper, enough to feed our crew of 37. Almost everyone pitched in catching, netting,cleaning, filleting and cooking the fish. Our work on the fishing grounds was complete in less than half an hour and we motored south under a clearing sky. By noon the sun was again warming our backs and several salmon were caught and released including a lovely 20 lb coho. The swells were larger today but everyone seems to have adjusted well to life at sea, comfortably rolling down the coast and fine with work below. The breeze materialized mid afternoon and sail was eagerly set. A couple trainees hurtled aloft to loose the square topsail while the courses billowed out below the yards. We sailed into Nootka Island, it is steep and wooded with otters nestled in its protected waters. A cool wind followed us inland creating bands of fog that trailed amongst the hills and valleys. We are now anchored in Mary Basin and just finished enjoying the fish for dinner lightly breaded and prepared as savoury nuggets.