Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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SPEC I AL EVENT
Southeast Alaska’s stunning fjords and waterways, including magnificent Glacier Bay, are the
extraordinary setting for our Special Event with renowned nature writers Barry Lopez and
Richard Nelson. We’ll journey from Sitka to Juneau aboard the 74-guest Wilderness Explorer,
with hiking, whale watching, sea kayaking, exploring by skiff, and paddle boarding adventures
all along the way, and enjoy unforgettable presentations by our Special Guests. Their thoughtful
insights into our relationship with the natural world bring even greater depth to our explorations.
Our Journey
Boarding the Wilderness Explorer in Sitka, we
head into Peril Strait, a great place to watch
for otters and whales, scan the shoreline for
bears, and look skyward for bald eagles. We
may hike on Kuiu Island for broad perspectives
of the stunning Tongass National Forest, and
kayak in the glacier-carved fjords surrounding
Chichagof Island. In sublime Glacier Bay, we
uncover coves and corners of the bay that most
visitors miss, and keep an eye out for puffins and
oystercatchers, along with sea lions, mountain
goats, bears, and eagles. Icy Strait has one of
the richest concentration of whales in Southeast
Alaska, and we search for humpbacks and orcas
in the nutrient-rich waters before ending our
voyage in Juneau.
Our Guest Speakers
Barry Lopez explores the complex relationship
between physical landscapes and human culture
in his renowned works. His best-selling book,
Arctic Dreams: Imagination and Desires in a
Northern Landscape, received the National Book
Award for nonfiction. Richard Nelson is a
cultural anthropologist and author whose work
focuses on the indigenous cultures of Alaska
and the relationships between humans and
nature. His literary works include The Island
Within, winner of the John Burroughs Medal
for distinguished nature writing.
The Wilderness Explorer
The 74-guest Wilderness Explorer is fully equipped
for adventure, with open deck areas for wildlife
viewing, an easy launch platform for the on-
board kayaks, inflatable skiffs, and paddle boards,
hydrophone and camera to capture the underwater
world, and a full staff of naturalist guides.
Trip Cost: From $6,395, depending on cabin category.
RYAN MCNAMEE
RYAN MCNAMEE / JOHN VICORY
PHOTO:JO OVERHOLT