Tag Archives: LIFESWAYD

Life is About Experiences- Zac Olstead

This is my descriptive paragraph about sailing in the Gulf Islands.

I woke up to the cool air and the sound of waves splashing upon the sail boat. I stood up on the creaking floor in the cabin and walked carefully to the top of the 37 foot vessel. As I got to the top, a blinding light from the sun shined bright on my eyes and I felt the heat envelop me like a blanket. I quickly grabbed my sunglasses and felt the immediate relief that came over my eyes. After my vision adjusted I could see my parents as well as my aunt and uncle sipping their coffee on the deck. I sat down next to them and saw the other boats anchored offshore, just like us, all in a formation. The shimmering blue ocean reflected on the hulls of the other boats. I took a deep breath and smelled the salt air all around me. Soon it was time to sail. I heard the loud hum of the boat engine used to get us out of the cove out into the open water of the Gulf Islands. Soon, the engine shut off and we pulled up the main sail “whoosh” as the sail filled with wind. I cranked the winch rapidly to tighten the sails. I heard the howling of the wind coming through the sails. I felt the excited rush of keeling over and thought that I would fall into the water as the sails pushed us forward. Later I heard my uncle, the captain, yell to tack. This brought the boom swinging across the boat, “thud”. Then the sails caught the westerly winds, “poof”. I looked over to an island as we were passing by and saw the fractured rock on the shoreline, and the swaying trees in the wind. As we smoothly sailed across the water I could see an orca breach in the distance and soon it was joined by other members of its pod. As we reached another port, we got ready to anchor. The sound of the chain clanged as it plunged into the depths of the ocean. As we settle into Poets Cove, the harbor itself was breathtaking. Upon first glance I noticed several beautiful cottages set up on a hill amongst the greenery of trees and forest. Walking paths wound through the forest and cottages. Exotic birds chirped in the distance. The air smelt fresh and vibrant across the channel I could see snow covered mountain peaks on Vancouver Island. An hour later, I saw the sun setting. The burgundy orange colours reflected onto the ocean. We live in such an astonishing beautiful province.