If I’m coming on a cruiseship, can I make a reservation for a charter with you?
Yes! Please fill out the reservation form on our CONTACT US page, and let us know when you'll be in Sitka. I will check our availability and get back to you. TOP
Is wildlife viewing better in the morning or afternoon?
We have not found a direct relationship between these variables. During the summer months in Alaska, animals are intent on eating and putting on weight, and there are no set times for meals. In other words, they will eat when they are hungry and the opportunity presents itself. Their activity level is only limited by darkness, which is at a minimum during the summer. TOP
When does it get dark?
For most of the summer, it will be light by 4:30am and does not get dark until after 9:30pm. TOP
Should I be concerned with motion sickness?
About 10 percent of our clients get seasick. The ocean can be as flat as a pancake or rolling with 10 ft swells. Two to four foot swells are normal. People seem most susceptible when the boat is not underway. Motion sickness is generally preventable, but there is no “magic bullet” that works for everyone.
Nonmedical solutions that work for some people are ginger drinks and tablets, acupressure wrist bands (which should be applied 12 hours before the charter) and Motion-Ez (which we carry onboard). Over the counter drugs must be taken prior to feeling ill. Several of our clients have had success with non-drowsy Bonine and Dramamine. Scopolamine patches require a doctor’s prescription.
We’ve found that lying on your back will cure, or at least minimize the effects, for 90 percent of the people who feel queasy. However, for best results you might have to remain lying down for the remainder of your trip. TOP
What should I bring?
Starting at the top, Kent wears sunglasses and a hat with a visor. He keeps a medium weight jacket onboard, and works in a t-shirt and jeans. I like jackets with hoods. Kent and I wear rain pants and rubber boots because we use a hose for boat cleaning. We carry six, adult sized, rain jackets onboard. Most of our clients wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Our cabin is kept warm and dry. TOP
Where will we meet?
We usually depart and return our clients to Crescent Harbor. There is a link to a map showing the location of Crescent Harbor, on our HOME PAGE. TOP
Where is your office?
Our office is located in our home, which is on an island about 1.5 miles from Crescent Harbor. Please call us when you get to Sitka, to arrange a meeting. TOP
What do you do all winter?
After watching over three feet of rain fall in October 1986, we morph into gypsies and spend fall exploring the Lower 49 States. We migrate home in early February to tend to our annual household chores, which include filling our woodsheds, starting up our greenhouse, repairing any damages from wind, rain or ocean, and general spring cleaning. TOP
Do you promote ecotourism?
We think the best way to manage tourism is to manage human population growth. While we wait for the world to agree, it’s become our second nature to minimize our footprint.
As examples, we purchase items in bulk whenever possible. We use cotton hand towels and stainless steel cups instead of paper products. We recycle plastic bags, oil rags, aluminum, plastic, metal, glass, paper, and tin. Because fuel is our largest expense, we always try to maximize fuel efficiency. We stop to pick up litter whether it is on land or in the sea. We abide by US Coast Guard pollution standards and dispose of hazardous waste at a State collection site.
We are very conscious of our presence on earth and our policies and procedures reflect our desire to act responsibly for the future, hoping an ounce of prevention might be worth more than a pound of cure. TOP
