By Guest Author Ryan Baumbusch
Just last week, I had the opportunity to join my family on a sailing adventure aboard the Beagle Spirit, captained by my Aunt Kay and Uncle Brett. Our journey began in Campbell River, a small coastal town that served as our gateway to the waters of the Pacific Northwest.
We set sail and spent our first night anchored at Rebecca Spit, where the tranquility of the evening was only interrupted by the occasional seal. The next morning, we sailed into Desolation Sound, a marine park with many secluded coves and a breathtaking landscape.
Throughout our days exploring Desolation Sound, we saw many new creatures from close and afar. Seals would pop their heads out from all over the many places we anchored, Jellyfish were found swimming in the crystal clear waters, and bald eagles were soaring in the sky and fishing near a reversible river in Squirrel Cove!
Luck was on our side with perfect weather across the trip. We hit the lottery as we missed two large storms, one the night before we came, and one the night after!. The consistent calm weather gave us smooth seas that mirrored the snowy mountain tops surrounding us like a surreal painting. We made the most of the warm days, swimming in both the ocean and a refreshing mountain lake (once we did further research on the Lions Mane Jellyfish that infested the ocean waters) where the water temperatures ranged from a brisk 59 to a comfortable 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our return journey to Campbell River provided an exhilarating finale. As the wind picked up, the Beagle Spirit leaned boldly into the wind, heeling over at an impressive 22-degree angle. It was a thrilling moment, feeling the power of the wind and waves as we raced homeward. Everyone was having an enjoyable moment.
Living aboard a sailboat for those days brought a host of new experiences. I learned to adapt to cooking in a tilted kitchen (mac and cheese never tasted better!), mastered the art of showering underway, and even had a record downfall in 'O Hell,' where I went from first to last in the span of 3 hands! - Super unfortunate.
Reflecting on last week's adventure, I realize it was more than just a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and exciting sailing voyages. It was a time of bonding with loved ones, laughter together, and an appreciation for the beauty and unpredictability of life on the water that my Aunt and Uncle are deciding to attack head on as they head for the open ocean shortly. The memories we created aboard the Beagle Spirit I will cherish across my lifetime, reminding me of the joys of exploration and the richness of family adventures.
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