The world looked different today. We awoke once again in a maze of islets but now golden grasses rippled on their flanks and red barked trees were topped with glossy deep green leaves. Conifers with sharp fingers scratching the skyline still marched across mountainsides but rounded deciduous crowns now softened the scene. Falling amber maple leaves crunched under foot. Ripe and juicy blackberries tempted fingers to carry them toward watering mouths.
On Salt Spring Island, Robert and Birgit Bateman invited us into their home. Indoors and outdoors melded together with humans and wildlife separated solely by a diaphanous pane of glass. Each room was more inviting than the next. In each the world outside was as much a part of the art as the collections hanging upon the solid walls. Family warmth and passion for the diversity upon this earth were reflected in their words and we were given a glimpse into their creative minds.
Back in the United States, summer was in full swing at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The harbor bustled with sailboats and yachts coming and going in the brilliant sunshine. Poppies sucked up the light and glowed beside the walkways. Baskets of flowers in a kaleidoscope of colors hung from the lampposts. Small knots of people collected on corner benches to watch the world go by. We stopped to examine the displays at the Whale Museum and came away with a better understanding of the physical structure and social behavior of these magnificent marine mammals.
Our last day on board drew to an end with happy camaraderie as we reflected upon our 1400 miles together. The memories inspired one of our own. His composition follows.
Ode to Alaska
by Thomas Walder
Oh Sven of Sven, How can it be true,
Almost back from Alaska, our voyage nearly thru.
The Sea Bird our ship, the Sea Lion's twin,
A Lindblad Expedition how can you not win?
A perilous trip from Juneau to Seattle,
All 65 guests were prepared for the battle.
We all signed on thinking this will be great,
But who were our leaders and what was our fate?
Capt. Mark at the helm and the rest of the crew,
We headed for Icy Strait, what events were to brew!
The rest of the crew were the Best of the Best,
We never hit a rock, and time was given for a rest.
Judie & Staff pulled out all the stops,
The food was so good that buttons would POPs!
As we started the trip we were introduced to the players,
Naturalists were all there; they became our soothsayers.
Our Expedition Leader was what we expected,
But on the second day, he was surely tested.
The salmon are spawning, the woods are a clutter,
Here comes "Puncture Steve" with the Zodiac cutter.
Then, of course, there's Michelle, with Victoria Secret Garter Rubbers,
Capt. Mark thinks they're great;
Of course, he's her husband & lubber.
Now Tom Graves was along on this ten day trip,
So the Capt. and crew wanted to make sure not to slip.
"Maui Waui" Steve was on board, our Underwater Guru,
He knew all about whales & the rest of the woo woo!
Let's not forget Karen, the sky was her turf;
She knew every bird from the trees to the surf!
There was "Billion Year" Scott who knew all the geology,
He was loaded with info and spent time, no apology!
Highlights of most trips are too few to mention,
But think about these-they'll surely get your attention!
First day was a winner-whales, kayaks & salmon,
Later we learned of totem poles and Inuvit Shamans.
As I write this muse of my first Northern Lights show,
Maui Waui & we all, we're completely aglow!
Capt. Mark said LeConte Glacier could not be reached,
Good thing he was wrong, but willing to be teached!
His good wife Michelle in Zodiac with guests,
Was able to guide him to the face of the crest!
The guests were a mix-all ages, but plunky,
Some actually qualified as Lindblad trip junkies.
Each guest was unique, too many to mention,
But there were just a few that got my attention.
There was Mary & Marty, always looking for pins,
Full of expressions & giggles,
Yes, the Brandy Schnapp Twins!
Mike House on the treks, up & down the paths,
We'll all think of him and his contagious laugh.
Kevin with the drinks put us all in the mood,
Then Isaac and the rest fed us way too much food!
Well now that it's over, we sit back & say "Whoo!",
From all of the guests, we say:
"GUNUSH CHEESH HO HO!"
