Monday - 0800 hrs. The sun is shining! Our energy rises as this orb ascends the crystal blue morning skies. A few low hanging clouds linger in the surrounding hills and inlets giving that classic mystical northwest appearance. We will cast off today, this morning. One load of laundry, two showers, spark plugs replaced in the outboard and well rested we will head north again. We will overnight in Sullivan Bay and weather providing, swing across Queen Charlotte Strait southwest to begin our loop homeward. It is tempting to station Ohana at Sullivan for a few weeks, fly home and return in the warmth of August to bring her south but we are intrigued by the eastern reaches of the Johnstone region and may want to explore the "back passage" to Desolation Sound on this excursion. The area is vast. The lure of intriguing places is limitless. It has been a voyage of invaluable reconnaissance that only tempts further exploration.

The region at Echo Bay could arguably be the most visually appealing in a wide surrounding radius. The mountains tower above an open expanse of water at this confluence of several channels. Granite rock faces plunge into deep darkness yet islands and islets dot the vast openness. Marine and land dwelling wildlife abound. I'm not an expert but would venture a guess that we have seen both the Pacific White-sided dolphin and the Harbor Porpoise in these less open waters. The P.W. dolphin has a most noticeable hooked dorsal fin with a dark leading edge and tapered gray anterior. The H. porpoise is remarkably small with an unremarkable dorsal fin of very modest proportions. Neither show much interest in bow-riding and seem to be going about their own business prdominantly cruising the most turbulent waters with dedicated focus.

The sun is now higher in the morning sky and beckons us on our way. Austin is plotting our course. We will push against a flood tide from here to Sullivan, but at least we will do so in the sunshine!