Our morning flight north to Alaska is only about 2 hours. Today is gorgeous with bright blue sky, crystal blue water and bright sun. Even the locals have spring fever as they are excited to see the sun.
Ketchikan is a small seaside town that caters to fishermen and cruises alike. We spend the day previewing activities to do here prior to embarking on cruise.
You can rent a skiff with Ketchikan Outdoors and skiff about the sea to spot wildlife. You can also snorkel. Yes that's right I said snorkel. Snorkel Alaska suits clients up with 7 mil wet suits and then drop you off in 50-65 degree water. Spend the next two hours exploring the deep blue where you will see star fish, sea cucumbers and much more.
This afternoon we have lunch at the Cape Fox hotel where we have a presentation from Joe. Joe is the former mayor of Saxman village, a local native american village near Ketchikan.
He explains the history Tlingit indians. I am in awe of his vast knowledge the history of this surviving culture.
After lunch we explore Creek street. It looks like a ghost town. However only hours early, the 700 plus people from the Norweign Pearl flooded the streets.
Right before we board the boat, we get to board the Aleutian Ballard, one of the boats used on the Discovery Channels the 'Deadliest Catch'. We learn about the crew and their former lives as seamen on the show. They have turned the adventures into educational activities for cruisers who want to learn about the fishing industry.
Then we are off to our boat. We are exploring this new itinerary on the Safari Quest. This boat operates with American Safari Cruises, InnerSea Discoveries sister company. This is a 22 passenger boat and there are a total of 15 passengers on board. It is gorgeous. I get my own king bed! And my own bathroom and closet. I won't know what to do with all the space.
As we watch the town of Ketchikan disappear in background, my mates and I get to know each other a little better. It is going to be a fun week with this gang!
Captain Dan Blanchard, owner/operator of American Safari Cruises and InnerSea Discoveries is a treat. He will be known as "Capn Dan" the rest of the week.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.