Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/873989
in by pulling the lines that lift the gigantic beam and sail to the top of the mast. As the sail grew larger, it began to catch the light breeze. With all sails raised, we were being pushed along by the wind and the ship's passengers were now sailing the vessel under the watchful eyes of the crew. Bow watch, messenger, helm and chart room duties were fulfilled by all under a system that rotated every half-hour. Today's sail through the islands revealed breathtaking views of the Cascade Moun- tains, Mount Baker, the Olympic Moun- tains and Canadian snow-capped peaks in the distance. In the late afternoon, we anchored in Echo Bay at Sucia Island near the U.S./Cana- dian border. Motorized rafts carried us ashore where we hiked through a beautiful state park with limestone rock formations, old-growth timber, and small rock outcrop- pings dotted with red, purple, yellow and white wildflowers. At the end of a day like this in the fresh sea air, sleep comes easy. Especially after a hearty homemade meal prepared by the two chefs aboard the Schooner Zodiac. DAY TWO Morning began with coffee, French toast and fresh fruit. We left harbour heading north and soon arrived at Patos Island. Again, we rafted ashore for a lighthouse viewing and a stroll about the small island. Trees called madrones (known as arbutus trees on Canada's west coast), which shed their bark in the summer, were peppered about. They really stood out in contrast to the fir and cedar that dominated the tree growth. It was another magnificent day and the sun was shining. The San Juan Islands are so peaceful and the 360-degree panoramas are inspiring and diverse. Rounding the corner at Turn Point Lighthouse, whale-watching boats came into view. Captain Mehrer, the Seven Sails award-winner guiding our vessel, cut the engine as a large pod of orca whales headed straight for the Schooner Zodiac. All aboard were simply beside themselves as this large family of black and white killer whales slowly approached, swam within three metres of our portside, and disap- peared into the depths. Truly a highlight FALL 2017 DREAMSCAPES 25