Cloud Ridge Naturalists     2 0 0 7
Wilderness Images:
An Artist's Voyage of Discovery to Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage
   C O N T E N T S
June 8-17, 2007

10 Days / 9 Nights

Leaders: Dr. Geoff Hammerson, Audrey Benedict, Sarah Drummond, and Charlotte Jorgensen

Few places in North America rival the scenic beauty and wildlife richness of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. Join us aboard the M/V Catalyst, a 75-foot classic wooden boat, for an 8-day voyage to the spectacular fjords, islands, and tidewater glaciers of Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, Endicott Arm, and Ford’s Terror. Humpback whales are often common here, attracted by the abundant food to be found in these protected waters. It is also possible to see Steller’s sea lions, harbor seals, both black and brown bears, bald eagles, and a diversity of seabirds. A layover at the Brothers Islands provides opportunities for tidepool discoveries, superb sea kayaking, and magical hikes in pristine, bear-free rainforest.

Long before the camera became a standard piece of field equipment, naturalists kept field journals in which to record their plant and animals discoveries. The great seafaring expeditions—Cook, Vancouver, Ross, and others—all had artist naturalists aboard to record and illustrate the new life forms they found. Even today, in the midst of the digital revolution, I would argue that there are times when a photograph is simply a “snapshot” and fails to fully engage the traveler in a meaningful way. Keeping an illustrated field journal can greatly enrich your observational skills—whether your interests focus on plants or animals, or in all aspects of natural history. This boat-based workshop is designed to provide an overview of illustration techniques, using pencil, pen, and watercolor. Whether you are a naturalist wanting to learn to draw or an experienced artist interested in adding new techniques to your field repertoire, the opportunity for individualized instruction makes this an ideal workshop. With our team of onboard experts—representing specialties in geology, botany, birds, sea and land mammals, and tidepool ecosystems—artists and non-artists alike will find a niche that satisfies their interests.

Water Buckbean

The M/V Catalyst was built in 1932 as a floating laboratory for the University of Washington. This “salty, historic treasure,” with its mahogany paneling, marble counters, and lace curtains, continues to be lovingly maintained and refurbished by its present owners, Bill and Shannon Bailey. The Catalyst carries twelve passengers and a crew of four—the perfect size for a voyage such as ours. Mysteriously, the heartbeat of the Catalyst’s 17,000-pound iron engine creates a bond that passengers find difficult to break at journey’s end. Best of all, Catalyst carries a full complement of sea kayaks and a motorized inflatable to enable explorations both far and wide. For those who wish to take paddle in hand, the use of sea kayaks allows a more intimate, seal’s eye view of the inlets, islets and estuaries. Beginning sea kayakers will find it an easy, non-intimidating setting in which to learn. As we feast on a dinner of freshcaught seafood and share the day’s discoveries over a glass of wine, there seems little doubt that this is one of the best ways to experience the best of Southeast Alaska!

kayakers in Ford's Terror

Price: $3,950. (includes a $500 deposit)

Group Size: 12 Trip Rating: 3

Price Includes: 7 nights/8 days aboard the M/V Catalyst, all meals and beverages aboard, 2 nights’ lodging (June 8/Petersburg and June 16/ Juneau), two group dinners ashore, the services of a four-person crew and four naturalist leaders, full sea kayak outfitting and instruction, a copy of The Nature of Southeast Alaska, all boat/hotel transfers, and gratuities to the Catalyst crew. The price quoted is per person based on double occupancy; a single supplement of $250 is required of passengers desiring non-shared hotel accommodations. Does not include airfare to Petersburg, Alaska from your point of departure or your return flight from Juneau.

Need More information? We’d be happy to send you a full color brochure or a DVD describing the Catalyst. Or, alternately, visit the Pacific Catalyst website for pictures of the boat, cabin details, interior spaces and amenities, and biographies of her crew members. (www.pacificcatalyst.com)

   
Contact: Cloud Ridge Naturalists
8297 Overland Road
Ward Colorado 80481
email > cloudridgeadb@earthlink.net