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Articles in this issue: Introduction 2006 Available Dates Christmas In Petersburg Alaska New May Photography Adventure Southeast Alaska Wakes Up In Springtime Are you looking for a unique adventure? It’s not too early to make 2007 reservations! Alder Planked Salmon Recipe A printable PDF version of this newsletter is available here: newswinter06.pdf (927K)

Springtime in Southeast Alaska is a cherished time – returning and nesting birds, spawning herring and smelt that draw spectacular numbers of natural predators including the arrival of the first the returning salmon, the emergence of wildlife and flora, warming longer days and uncrowded towns and sights – a literal paradise cherished by locals and largely unfamiliar and missed by most visitors.

In fact, April and May present an excellent time to experience unique opportunities not available during the summer months in Southeast Alaska. Most non-locals are surprised to learn that these spring months have the least precipitation of the year (a welcome note to residents of this temperate rain forest and one of reasons that make this a favorite time of year for most locals). Plus, by May, the daylight has increased dramatically which is another welcomed change from the short days of winter.

LeConte glacier calving

Springtime magic happens. Local fauna and wildlife are emerging from it’s dormant winter lifestyle or hibernation as the migratory birds are making their way back to summer feeding and nesting areas. Groggy bears browse on their main spring staple of newly sprouting beach sedges, making them highly visible to mariners plying shorelines by boat and kayak. Beach grasses ,sedges and wildflowers are making their appearance with the promise of beautiful blossoms soon to be that will brilliantly color the floors and borders of this remarkable rainforest.

Glaciers are at the beginning their peak calving season as the strain from the winter’s huge snowfall on the ice fields increases the pressure on these monumental flowing rivers of ice. The beautifully abundant floating ice, locally known as ‘bergie bits’, which can clog these stunningly scenic steep sided fjords, will soon become the birthing and nursing platforms for Harbor seals.

For all living within this remote paradise, spring is a special time to witness the covenant of the cycle of life so essential to all existence within this remarkable archipelago. You are invited to join us to experience this precious season most visitors mistakenly overlook. The Remarkable awakening of the amazing real Alaska!