Well, it wasn’t as bad as all that. I ended up with only one major galley burn – a lovely blister on the knuckle of my left hand (it has now popped, so a photo wouldn’t do its blisteryness justice) and some sore shoulders from stirring pots big enough to hold a small child (not that I have tried). The group of Gr 7 kids were lots of fun, although they did try all of our patience at times, as Gr 7’s are wont to do. I think I got off easy because there were 2 birthdays in the 3 days they were with us, and moms sent along cakes for both, so I didn’t have to make evening snack either night! This week, however, the true extent of it all hits.
There was a gale warning Thursday night for Friday morning, so we anchored in Esquimalt Harbour Thursday night instead of the usual Cadboro Bay so as to have the wind behind us getting to Victoria Harbour in the morning. The gale never really materialized, however our view from the boat was fabulous Friday morning as we sailed out of the Harbour looking over at the mountains in Washington and Fisgard Lighthouse, one of the oldest on the North American west coast.

The Pacific Swift Wednesday morning heading to Sidney Island.

The Swift entering Esquimalt Harbour, passing by Fisgard Lighthouse.

The Swift leaving Esquimalt Harbour Friday morning with the sun coming up

Pacific Grace at night.

Fisgard Lighthouse and the mountains in Washington, Friday morning.

And for a look at the inside of the Grace:

The aft cabin. My bunk is called “The Drivethru” and you can see it to the left. Above the walkway is “The Loft”, the current home of my guitar and didge.

The Drivethru – Karen, the Watch Officer and other female crew member and I share this cabin. My bunk is the bottom one. It is, contrary to all appearences, long enough for me, and actually quite wide at the head (narrower at the foot). There is storage under my bed.

The crew head.

The galley, where I spend pretty much all day.