For our third time as guests of Get West Adventure Cruises, we again chose the sailing to and from the village of Kyuquot. Each of our trips was in a different month and aboard a different incarnation of MV Uchuck, a succession of small freighters plying the waters of Nootka Sound and beyond. Uchuck III is roomy, providing several spacious booths and benches indoors as well as bench seating on the large, covered back deck. The busy galley offered generous breakfasts, delicious lunch items, and a wide selection of beverages. Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and meals. Meanwhile, the friendly crew busily multitasked. En route through connecting channels to the rolling Pacific Ocean (anti-nausea bracelets advised), scheduled stops brought us to a range of locations to deliver or load items, drawing a crowd of onboard overseers. Nearing our final destination, Uchuck wended through narrow passageways to suddenly emerge into the harbour at Kyuquot, languidly observed by two sea otters, apparently permanent residents. As soon as the ship was moored, a passenger was lowered over the side in his kayak, loaded with every necessity for a couple of weeks’ paddling and camping his way back south. Guest accommodation was assigned on arrival, with just enough time to settle in before heading out for dinner. Gathering in a rustic, shoreside restaurant, we were fed by a gifted cook and an enthusiastic local couple who served up platters of freshly prepared, battered halibut accompanied by huge bowls of fries and coleslaw, followed by still-warm brownies! Afterward, guests used the fine evening to explore. Next morning’s departure was early, so breakfast was served on board. Part way back to Gold River, the ship was approached by a group of kayakers. Paddling onto a platform, each was hoisted aboard to join us on our return to port. Also featured on this leg of the journey was the opportunity for passengers to descend to the engine room for a tour; ear protectors provided. Wildlife appearances to and from Kyuquot were sudden, quick, and exciting, whether a black bear on shore, leaping salmon, a humpback cruising for a snack, a sea lion motoring past, a river otter heading to a fishing spot, or a sea otter paddling by. The scenery was somehow even more eye-catching on the return trip! By the time we arrived in port, we had met people from many different places. For an unforgettable experience, sign up for the Get West adventure cruise to Kyuquot.