March 6, 2005 Pott’s Lagoon to Mamalilaculla Day 6
Awoke to a grim forecast: gale to storm-force 50 knots from the SE in Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Strait. The wind was already screaming through the tree tops in the lagoon, though we were well-protected. I decided not to attempt the Strait, of course. Instead we went for a short, wet and somewhat bumpy ride 8 miles up Beware Passage to Mamalilaculla, an abandoned Native American village, where we are spending the night. Mamalilaculla means “Place where killer whales are eaten”. Today the village told a somber story. It was grey, wet and windy as we climbed through the rotting wooden buildings. Moss and small trees have taken root in the old longhouse frames and totem poles. In 10 more years it will probably be almost indistinguishable from the rest of the forest. Short days like these are great for tying up loose ends on the boat. After our crabmeat omelets for lunch I briefed the crew on all of our saftey systems. We are preparing for our first open ocean sailing of the trip, all systems are go. I am really falling into the pattern of voyaging now. Lee has just cooked up our dinner: clam-potato chowder and crab, over the wood stove. Time to eat!
