URSA MAJOR CHARTERS: 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

October 9, 2009

Part of the M/V Ursa Major delivery crew from Seattle to La Paz, Mexico: Nick, Becky, Bill, Josh, and Emily. This photo was taken during a segway tour of downtown San Diego. The crew was awaiting the passing of Hurricane Rick off the western coast of Mexico.

The other two crew members of the Seattle to La Paz, Mexico journey. Teal and Sheila were onboard from Seattle to San Diego. This photo was taken on the Lost Coast south of Eureka, California, (where the M/V Ursa Major was taking refuge from a nasty southerly for a few days).

Saturday, September 12, 2009

August 25, 2009

John, Julia, Elizabeth, Kern, Judy, and Bruce awaiting passage though the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle. Passing through the locks marked the end of our 10 day journey through the Inside Passage from Ketchikan, Alaska to Seattle, Washington.

August 11, 2009

Amy, Ray, Joanna, and Jackson at Thomas Bay

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tandem charter with F/V Homeshore

Having just completed the Ford's Terror paddle, the Swamp Chicks plus guides assemble the flotilla for a group photo. The "flying wedge" formation a symbol of triumph!

The fearless leader of the Swamp Chicks, Sue "SwampBoss" Chapman, sets out for an early morning paddle in Scenery Cove. After approval of the "plan", we proceeded to harry this wonderful woman with changes of plans and exciting weather.

Lynn beginning her Scenery Cove paddle after launching from the F/V Homeshore. After careful deliberation, we concluded the near impossibility of someone this nice coming from the Chesapeake area.

Guide Susie getting ready to assemble the kayakers in Scenery Cove. She displayed perpetual kindness in the face of organizing two boats full of enthusiastic paddlers.

Chef Enson of the F/V Homeshore relaxing between meals and paddles. This was the only sighting of her not cooking or paddling the whole trip.

Kathy and Linda paddling in Scenery Cove. They separated into M/V Ursa Major single kayaks for the next couple of paddles after cutting their teeth in an F/V Homeshore double kayak.

Linda "Gatorgal" Etchells celebrates the completion of the Ford's Terror paddle. One of the original Swamp Chick guides, Linda provided endless support and enthusiasm for everyone on both the M/V Ursa Major and F/V Homeshore.

Marilyn and Emily practicing formation paddling before entering Ford's Terror. Synchonization was nothing new to Marilyn as she is a proud member of Sun City's synchonized swim club.

The M/V Ursa Major (right) and F/V Homeshore (left) rafted together in Ford's Terror. This photo was taken atop a cliff overlooking both boats at anchor and the mouth of Ford's Terror itself.

Erin paddling furiously in the Brothers' Islands. Note the bright smile on Erin's face as she is joined by a very enthusiastic group of 150 male Stellar sea lions.

Janet and M/V Ursa Major chef Kathy paddling in the Brothers' Islands. This was Kathy's first paddle all summer as she was perpetually busy cooking delicious meals for the folks on the M/V Ursa Major.

Captain Jim of the F/V Homeshore contemplating the groups' next move. Endless patience on display as he listens to yet another of Josh's plans (so called).

Captain Josh and Janet paddle in the Brothers' Islands. A "suspicious" wrist injury prompted some serious back seat propulsion.

Linda Lee and Jean paddling the M/V Ursa Major's double Perception kayak. Swamp Chicks through and through, these ladies carried their own mascots in the bungees of the kayak. Note the manatee strapped in by Linda Lee (left) and killer whale by Jean (right). Kathy is in the Dagger single just behind Linda Lee and Jean.

Vivian and Margo paddle the F/V Homeshore's Eddyline kayak in the Brothers' Islands. Longtime friends from New England, Vivian and Margo competed for largest halibut on the F/V Homeshore. Alas, Vivian was the ultimate winner with a delicious, 38 inch halibut.

Linda on her way to see the Stellar sea lion colony at Brothers' Islands. Now able to run amok in her own single, Linda was last seen paddling toward Sitka.

Guide Ron asks the Stellar sea lions "HOW DO YOU FEEL!!!" ... Response: "HUNGRY"

The Courageuos Duo, Erin and Marilyn off on another adventure amongst the voracious Steller Sea Lions at the Brothers' Islands. Smiles belaying a fatalist calm in the face of risk and adventure.