Pacific Grace - Summer Trip 3 2018

July 28

Greetings to all at home. We have been busy here on the Grace since boarding a couple of days ago in Port Hardy. Receiving all of our Trainees at the commercial fishing floats was something new for us this year but all went well and both boats got away in short order following safety introductions and deck tours. With a break in the NW weather we decided to make a run for it and gain some distance northward before the strong, dominant summer winds continued. Even though the wind was down, there was still a little “lump” left in the sea which did not sit well with some of the new tummies on board. By 0200hrs the Grace was in the lee of Calvert Island and all was well in the world again as the movement calmed down and everyone could enjoy some sleep as we neared Pruth Bay.

On the top of Calvert Island is a favourite, well protected anchorage that affords access to a lovely white sand beach on the west side of the island via a short trail through the woods. Immediately after breakfast dories were launched and we all made our way for an afternoon in the sun on West Beach. After a quick swim in the surf a joyous game of soccer began with port side sleepers against starboard side sleepers. Walks down the beach, fort building and beach combing filled out the remainder of our time ashore. Following a delicious lunch of “make your own sandwiches” with freshly made buns we weighed anchor and again headed north enjoying numerous Humpback whale shows as we lazily sailed up Fitz Hugh Sound in the sun.

Our anchorage for the night was in Fougner Bay, a lovely, quiet hideaway we had to ourselves. Today after lessons in the morning on chartwork and ship terminology we were off again heading north through the remaining morning fog. Our destination was Codville Lagoon on King Island 12 miles further north. Codville has become a new favourite spot for us in the last couple of years as there is a delightful lake we can access from the anchorage. We entered the lagoon around 1400hrs and after setting out the prawn trap made our way to the anchorage to launch dories and head out to Sagar Lake which is beautifully situated in the surrounding mountains at the end of a 20 min trail from our anchorage.
 

Once again, we were not disappointed by this visit. Clear, sunny skies with warm sandy beaches and perfect lake temperatures allowed us to enjoy an idyllic afternoon at the “pool”. Everyone enjoyed the water, which was warm enough to spend the entire visit in if you so desired. Volleyball, beach and water games filled out our afternoon. Once back at the boat and just before supper a “prawn” team went out expectantly to check our trap. Thankfully they returned with 80 or so huge prawns which served as a delicious appetizer to our evening meal. Presently all are down below enjoying mug up, singing and eating (once again) treats from our cooks. All are well and enjoying each other’s company and we enter the legendary Great Bear Rain Forest. Kindest Regards, Tony

July 31

Today we have re-named the Great Bear Rain Forest the Great Bear Sun Forest as we have a enjoyed 6 days and nights of clear, sunny weather, save a couple of foggy morning starts. As we left Codville Lagoon our prawn trap was pulled one last time to reveal a catch of 120 prawns, which Sam immediately sauted in butter and spices for our afternoon snack. From Codville Lagoon we made our way north again through Llama Passage, past Waglisla ( Bella Bella) and on into Seaforth Channel. Here we set sail and enjoyed a great afternoon, beating west with a lovely NW wind, up to and into our anchorage for the night in Blair Harbour, anchoring just in time to watch the sun set over the open Pacific.
 

Up and away early the following day the popular vote was for a  fishing  day, and so it was with the lines making it into the water off McInnes Light by 0900. At 0930 we landed a choice Spring salmon that is destined for the smoker later today. From McInnes light we were off north bound again for another couple of hours before anchoring inside of Walsh light, with the weather being quite calm we decided to try this open spot for the evening and we were not disappointed. Nestled in the heart of Kitasoo/Xaisxai territory we enjoyed a memorable evening as the sun retreated to the NW and the very orange moon, rose to the SE. following mug up all just sat on deck in the quiet and enjoyed the peace and beauty.

 Earlier this year we had made an offer to do a beach clean up in this area and at the time were directed to Helmcken Inlet which we decided to investigate this morning. After negotiating a very narrow lagoon entrance and lengthy dory rows we returned to the Grace with 4.5 cubic meters of trash, feels worthwhile cleaning up this pristine coast when we can. An interesting visit in all respects. Off again by 1600 hrs we are headed for the beaches of Campania Island , 20 miles to the north. Tomorrow should be filled with beach games/walks, sailing, and of course, freshly smoked salmon. All are doing very well, enjoying this spectacular coast of ours, making new friends and enjoying the hot sun. Best, Tony 
 

August 3

Hello to all. Since last writing I can report that Campania Island has lived up to its legendary nature. Nestled in the heart of Gitga’at Territory, Campania is a treasure. With its unusual bare rock mountains and outcroppings much of the island is covered with low scrub growth with large areas of open space that are forest free. Our favorite location is on the SW side where there are inviting white sand beaches. We landed with the dories around 1000hrs which coincided beautifully with low tide affording a great expanse of untouched beach to play on. Time on the beach was enjoyed by all and it was well past lunch before we made it back to the Grace. Following lunch, we were underway westward to Pemberton Bay which is on the south side of the Estevan Group, this anchorage chosen for its strategic location as a jump off point for our Hecate Strait crossing.

Arriving early in the afternoon we decided to carry out the highly requested Fishing Derby, carried out with watches fishing from their dories. Catches have to meet all area rules and each watch has to clean and prepare a “fine plated” dinner to be judged by a select panel. Needless to say, our trainees once again stepped up to the challenge. I have included the menus prepared by each watch as a teaser to what was presented as final meals for the four judges. All entries were graded on Menu Presentation, Plate Presentation/Originality, Taste and Service. Too much fun for all really.

 Our next day started early as we wanted to get a jump on the crossing to Haida Gwaii. As it turned out most of the crossing was calmer than a Salish Sea crossing, light winds and calm seas were present until we were 30 miles off Cumshewa Inlet. Here a delightful south wind built, and we cut the engines and continued under full sail, including topsails and fisherman staysail, our speed ranging from 5 to 9 kts. We have been paying particular attention to the weather over the last couple of days as contrary weather up here can be quite challenging. During our crossing, updated forecasts were calling for Gales in Hecate Straits for today. You may be wondering why we are already located in the Skidegate Inlet, this is the reason, forecasts were for SE winds to 40 kts with seas to 4m for our area. We decided to make the final exposed passage late last night before the wind and seas arrived, managing to anchor just after midnight in the protection of Alliford Bay. To be honest we have hardly had the time to notice our new location as today was filled to the brim with activities. Beginning with a “sleep in” morning we then opened the Grace’s store, had lunch, took some time out for a swim, had our “Sunday Service” and have just finished an outstanding Turkey dinner complete with roast vegetables, spaghetti squash, mashed potatoes and gravy prepared by our cooks Susanna and Beth. As dishes slowly come to completion it is 2130hrs and we still have our Talent Show and mug up to enjoy, looking like a late last evening. We have enjoyed an exceptional trip together and many are dreading tomorrow as the last day approaches. Thank you for lending us your youth, they have been wonderful to travel and live life with for the past 9 days. All have learned much from each other. Best, Tony

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