Sailing On A Passing Cloud: The Pacific Northwest At Her Finest

Upon meeting Captain, marine biologist and owner at Outer Shores expeditions Russell Markel on his classic  70′ wooden schooner S/V Passing cloud, I soon realized this trip was going to be something special. Aside from the obvious sailing and discovery , Russell has created Outer Shores with education and conservation in mind. Our incredibly diverse marine environment here in the PNW, A place the late Jaques Cousteau once referred to as the best cold water diving in the world, is teaming with life and beauty.

Accompanied by first mate Joel White, also a marine scientist specializing life in the PNW, the charter guests and myself were guided through the Straits and inlets of the inside passage for two weeks of some of the most gorgeous and serene landscapes I’ve ever laid eyes upon. The depth of knowledge shared by our guides was incredible, every day I learned something new about the fascinating diversity and interconnectivity woven throughout our coastal ecosystem.
During our two weeks of sailing, we encountered an incredible diversity of marine life, from tiny alien invertebrates to a family of nomadic orcas stalking an unfortunate group of sunning sea lions.What impressed me the most was the plethora of edible flora and fauna in the area. I found myself wondering about like a spoiled child at a candy store, sampling everything that appeared edible (and confirmed by the biologists not to kill me, of course).

Stay tuned as Outer Shores Expeditions and I are collaborating this fall for an educational, foraging and culinary tour of the southern inside passage where guests will be treated to the wildest and freshest cuisine that land and sea has to offer.