Notes of Grace | Summer 2024
During our summer trips, crew members take turns blogging about their adventures while they're at sea. The following is an excerpt from the Pacific Grace's blog, written during Trip 3.Friends and Family Members,
Greetings to you from Gwaii Haanas. Following a successful boarding of Trip 3 trainees in Port Hardy, we slipped our lines just before 1700hrs and began our journey to Haida Gwaii. Our destination was Gangxid Kun (Cape Saint James), which lies at the southernmost tip of the 150 islands that make up the main territory of the Haida Nation.
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The weather was initially mostly in our favour, but forecasts were for contrary weather during the night, so we elected to anchor in Port Alexander for the night and make an early start the following morning. We were anchored by 1900hrs. We were able to have a relaxing evening complete with mug-up games, singing, and treats before turning in.
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Morning came early with departure at 0500hrs, but the early morning watchers were treated with a Humpback Whale show and a delightful sunrise. We had roughly 150 Nautical miles between us and the southern tip of Haida Gwaii, so with a favourable forecast and great current conditions we were off.
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Unfortunately, we had little wind but as this area of the coast can be nasty with any contrary conditions, we were fine with the calm spell that was forecast. Even still, with the little swell that remained, we had some who were feeling the "motion of the ocean" more than others as they spent most of their time on deck in the fresh air. Our crossing was essentially uneventful with calm winds, seas, and a slightly overcast sky.
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As we approached the Islands, around fifty miles out, we began to receive regular whale shows from the visiting Humpbacks, fly-bys from resident Tufted Puffins, aerial displays of agility by wandering Black Footed Albatross and even the special cameo appearance by shy Salmon Sharks searching for their next meal. There's always something to grab your attention on a passage such as this, even the water was coloured differently from what we had been used to, being a lovely, mesmerizing shade of light aqua green.
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Our anchor was sent to the bottom at 0400hrs, nearly twenty-four hrs after stepping off from Vancouver Island the previous day. We made landfall in SGanjiltas (Woodruff Bay) on Kunghit Island and after breakfast we spent an enjoyable morning on the lovely local white sand beach. For the remainder of the day, we spent time swimming, and rounding the bottom of the island group to view the West Coast. We took a small detour out into the Pacific to view the extensive wildlife here, as the continental shelf is very close to the edge of the surrounding islands and there is always something unexpected to see if one is patient. Yes, more whales, Puffins, Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Albatross, Salmon sharks and a delightful visit by a larger Mola Mola! After a quiet night, we began our visit to the remains of Ninstints Village on SGang Gwaay. I'll update you all once our trainees return. Best for now, Tony |
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Photos by: anonymous Summer 2024 participants
Continue reading the Summer 2024 Newsletter