We docked early in Kake this morning at 8. This is a traditional Tlingit Indian village. After another hearty breakfast(guess you can see a pattern here), a Tlingit elder from Kake gave us a brief overview of Kake and it's history. Our driver, Ellie, took us to a totem carver, Mike Jackson, where he gave us a demonstration on totem carving. Then, we walked a short way to see the world's tallest totem pole. It is in dire need of painting and the elders are contemplating what to do with it. Then, we were driven to a salmon hatchery which was not being worked at the time. We were given a tour and told how it works, which was very enlightening. Now, I understand why salmon is so expensive in grocery stores here. There was a children's fishing derby going on at the time and one little girl about 5 was proudly carrying her fish around. We went to the community center for a performance by the Keex' Kwaan Tlingit dances. They were dressed in full regalia. We were told there were usually about 30 dancers, but due to the fishing derby there were only a dozen or so that morning. It was much fun and one young man named Drew was very outgoing and kept us entertained. We ate lunch on the ship and then Aspen, Cody and I walked to a general store which was very small and , I think, their only grocery store. They buy from Costco and break up the packages. The items were very expensive. Back at the ship, I visited with a young deck hand, Seth, who was from Kake, but now lives in Sitka. He told me people could hunt anywhere except they could not shoot across a road or on a road. His dad was almost killed when someone shot at an animal on the road close to him. The hunter was fined a very hefty amount. Seth's mother at one time had a home business called ''So Soft Creations'' with items made from sea otter fur. This is the softest fur I have ever touched, but is very expensive. We sailed from Kake about 3 PM and as were were leaving, we could see rain moving in on the town of Kake. We had perfect weather the whole trip with just a small shower or two. Okay, cookies today were chocolate chip cinnamon. I never eat cookies at home! Lamech is the best baker. Tonight was the Captain's dinner as it was our last night on the ship. I had gone up to the bridge several times which was encouraged and met Captain Stu Vincent. He was very nice about answering my questions. He told me our entire round trip was about 800 miles. He sat at the table with Cody and me. We had baked potato soup(my favorite of many tasty soups), seared salmon, potatoes and broccoli and our choice of about ten different desserts. Lamech outdid himself that night. I chose creme brulee which I had once before. Howard sang for us dressed in his native regalia. Then, we watched a slideshow that he had put together of our trip. We saw him every day with his trusty camera snapping pictures. We were all given a copy of the CD the next morning which was just another nice thing they did for us and topped off a most wondrous cruise. Jess was a very good artist and he sketched a picture of Aspen from a photo of her and gave it to her. The ship made its way slowly back to Sitka. We went through a very narrow strait, aptly named Peril Strait.
Clara and Rhenee were gracious and available. Phone contact is so important to answer questions and discuss all aspects of trip. If not immediately available they scheduled a time to speak.
They were knowledgeable, honest, realistic and very friendly. They are both very professional and take their role seriously.
Happy Camper
20 hours ago
Jason has been wonderful. He is full of information and was very willing to listen to what was of interest to us.
Lee
2 days ago
The ability (of Kassandra) to tailor a guided trip to my exact preferences is very valuable to me, as well as the ability (of Kassandra) to provide expert guidance on destinations and travel dates. I also appreciate the ability of the backup staff (Maria Ignacio, Exito Travel) to coordinate all the details to make the travel logistics easy for the customer.
Mark Whalen
2 days ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.
Danny
2 days ago
This is our 7th trip Kassandra has planned and she is wonderful to work with. She is responsive, helpful, patient and knowledgeable. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work together with her. We love Adventure Life!