San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor
Our morning was spent cruising the scenic San Juan Islands as we made our way towards Seattle and a final full day at sea. Flip Nicklin gave a final presentation entitled “How Story Happens” late in the morning, and after lunch we cleared customs, arriving back in the USA.
Friday Harbor is a lively little port town and principal settlement in the San Juan Islands, filled with interesting shops for all the boaters and tourists passing through. Being we had most of the afternoon and evening to explore, guests took advantage of the leisure time to wonder around town and add to the local economy. Also popular was the local whale museum, an excellent natural history of all species of whales.
Late afternoon, as guests wondered back to National Geographic Sea Lion and settled into the lounge for a final happy hour, I was able to interview many to ask what a highlight of our amazing voyage together was for them. Here are some of the responses!
Marv-the diverse backgrounds of all the guests and crew, as well as how people connected and became a family for the duration. He also enjoyed the various ages aboard.
Kayleen-loved the people and puffins especially.
Mary Jo-the experience with the native cultures, dances, and having Faith aboard, the Tlinket native on our Glacier Bay day as well as Emily’s song. The fact that she was able to do this trip, being challenged with some health issues, made her very happy. She also added the beet salad!
Claire-she loved the adrenaline rush that the dolphins provided yesterday, definitely the bears, and morning stretch class.
Virginia-the staff and crew, provided both education and comfort so seamlessly. She appreciated the enthusiasm and passion of the staff, and felt it was very contagious for all.
Allen and Phyllis-all the things they had never seen before and hoped they would, went beyond their expectations. They also had appreciation for staff and crew.
Rosemarie-dolphins, all the nature, and the amazing people aboard that she feels will be friends for life.
Ross-meeting Flip and his knowledge, Emily and Faith in Glacier Bay and learning more about the natives. He described it overall as transformational and life-enhancing.
Leslie-kayaking, seeing the shore line up close and having the opportunity to photograph it, also the dancers at Alert Bay, especially the children.
Fred-the Zodiac excursion around the Inian Islands and the ice at La Conte, both made it feel like an expedition.
Anita-to return to an area she loves, and to move forward in her life, which proved to be very growthful for her.
Chris-the combination of natural beauty, culture and fellow guests, all made for a memorable experience.
Dick and Jean-loved the weather this time around—second time to Alaska, which made viewing the wildlife much more enjoyable.
All in all, the consensus seemed to be that we had a trip of a lifetime with our wildlife sightings, weather and shared company. In the words of Capitan Dion, “we cannot purchase the memories and experiences we had together, which will forever be with us, and cannot be taken away.” Well said, and that sums up a truly amazing voyage and ending to National Geographic Sea Lion in Alaska for the 2011 season!
