Today’s the day the Mother Goose fleet crossed the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and entered the Pacific Ocean proper! For some, this was their first time cruising in the Pacific Ocean, and a moment I have been dreaming about for years! The experience was slightly altered by the pea soup fog that engulfed us for several hours. The conditions offered captains the chance to utilize their radar expertise and worked together to call out errant logs and crab pot in our route. The fog set a deliciously eerie ambiance to tell the history the area known in years past as the Graveyard of the Pacific. Our route today paralleled the famous West Coast Trail originally built in 1907 after the tragic sinking of steamship Valencia with over 120 people perishing at the base of the cliffs that make up the island’s shore. The trail, initially an adhak escape route of ladders and ropes, is now a popular hiking destination.

The fog lifted as we turned into Trevor Channel, headed to the quaint town of Bamfield. Arriving at Bamfield guest took full advantage of the be-a-u-tiful afternoon to hike, kayak and dingy in and around Bamfield. Tree Swallows swooped overhead as we meandered along a boardwalk admiring herb gardens and blooming thimbleberry patches on one side and glittering water on the other. The Patos crew returned from their kayaking with reports of a black bear foraging along the water. After a delightful afternoon, Deception had the Mother Goose fleet over for a cheery social hour including a kelp id challenge (the correct answers being: Fucus, Sea Hair and Ulva or Sea Lettuce). To wrap up the evening Todd and Judy stayed after for a lovely evening featuring Brian Pemberton’s famous Halibut dinner.