August 28, 2005 Philip Inlet to Walker Island Cove Day 181
Vic and I rousted the crews early this morning after receiving a favorable forecast for the ocean crossing around Cape Caution. At the narrow entrance of Philip Inlet a mammoth humpback whale surfaced right behind the boat. As my friend Reeb says ” remarkable and yet an everyday occurance, a wonderful combination”. Once out in the strait we saw a giant white fin plying the surface. Further investigation revealed that it was a humongous skate, with a “wingspan” of perhaps 6 feet! I took these to be good omens for our crossing. Up ahead, Vic radioed back to us that conditions were looking very good. Indeed, it was a smooth crossing, and my sixth time around Cape Caution. Vancouver Island loomed up on the horizon. Vancouver Island, which can be seen from Bellingham too!! I have been at sea for a full 6 months now, and here was home turf comming into view. In Walker Island Cove Justin and I made an attempt at fishing. Justin caught a rockfisk, and soon it began to pour rain again. It is a warm rain–we are really starting to feel the heat of the southern latitudes again. Back aboard we almost roasted ourselves out of the boat with a fire, and Justin cooked a large batch of tortes. Neither of us really knows what a torte is, but we figure it is something like what we’re eating. It is the last night of just Justin and I aboard “Silent Partner”. Tomorrrow in Port Hardy we pick up a third crewmember, Jakob.
