It's our last day aboard the Safari Spirit and we're all quite sad. Viewing the Alaskan wildnerness in such an intimate way has touched us all. We've also grown quite fond of each other and it will be strange when we part ways tomorrow. Some of us are returning home while a few couples are continuing their journeys in Alaska and Canada.This has been our rainiest day yet, but it didn't stop us from enjoying a full schedule. We began with kayaking and skiffing around Pavlow Harbor at Chichagof Island. One guest even did some fishing and caught a salmon!
Then, we spotted a mother bear and three cubs on the beach! We ran to the skiff and got so close. Further down the beach we also saw some deer. What a special way to start our last day with the Safari Spirit!
We then headed to the metropolis of Tenakee Springs with its 75 residents. There's a charming old-fashioned general store and a bakery that also sells some Alaskan art.
After exploring the town, we went for a nature walk along Indian River Trail. This was my favorite hike since a local dog "adopted" us and led us along the path. A bear had been sighted in the area, so I was doubly glad for the dog's presence. As the hike came to an end, the rain picked up and we hurried down to the dock to reboard the skiff and head back to the Safari Spirit for our farewell dinner.
After dinner we enjoyed a slide show and shared many laughs! Expedition leader Nitakuwa took photos throughout the trip, as did several guests. At the end of the evening we were presented with a CD that included a map of our itinerary, all the photos from the week, contact information for each other and the crew, and some recipes from Chef Dave. It was a thoughtful touch.
The champagne had flowed all week, but tonight we toasted newfound friendships, conservation, and adventure. Sailing with American Safari Cruises was an exceptional experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Throughout the week, I was reminded of the words of Mark Twain:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."Thank you, Dan Blanchard, Captain Tate, Nitakuwa Barrett, Kim Killingsworth, Danny Blanchard, Kim Dahm, and Dave Gipson for taking such good care of us and showing such deep respect for Alaska's wildlife. It truly was the trip of a lifetime! —Andrea
Photos © Leonard Hospidor and may not be used without permission
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