Guests of M/V Ursa Major

August 23, 2011

2011-10-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Bob, Patricia, and Vernie in the Gulf Islands, B.C.

August 14, 2011

2011-08-22T18:35:00.001-07:00

Marcello, Barbara, Anna, and Anthony enjoying fresh Dungeness crab aboard M/V Ursa Major

July 18, 2011

2011-07-27T18:23:00.001-07:00

David, Jack, Aurora, and Suzy at Red Bluff Bay, Alaska

July 5, 2011

2011-07-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Monty, Emily, and Myra kayaking near Dawes Glacier, Endicott Arm, Alaska

June 26, 2011

2011-07-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Phil, Hayden, Gina, Sydney, and Peg in Cosmos Cove, Alaska

June 15, 2011

2011-06-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Marilyn, Larry, Emily, Rheta, and Phil kayaking in Red Bluff Bay, Alaska

June 3, 2011

2011-06-12T17:19:00.001-07:00

Dave, Sandy, Pam, Gary, and Linda at Kalinan Bay, Alaska

May 21, 2011

2011-06-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

John, Leslie, Ken, Merry, Lilia, and Ben near Reid Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

May 1, 2011

2011-05-17T11:03:00.001-07:00

Barrie, Karen, Ruth, and Bill near Taku, Alaska

Ruth and Bill have written about their journey aboard M/V Ursa Major on their blog:

http://ruthandbilladventures.blogspot.com/2011/07/trip-to-alaska-via-inside-passage.html

Swamp Boss Sue

2011-03-04T17:14:00.001-08:00

Ursa Major Charters remembers Swamp Boss Sue Chapman, seen here in summer 2009 (in dark red sweatshirt) taking part in the mutiny of Ursa Major. We'll miss you Sue!

September 5, 2010

2011-03-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

Jack, Julie, Judy, Bruce, Cathy, and Bob outside Ketchikan, Alaska

August 24, 2010

2011-03-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ken, Andrena, Laura, Steve, and Pam near Petersburg, Alaska

August 16, 2010

2010-08-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Emily, Alice, Roger, Linda, Keith, and Rebecca kayaking in Scenery Cove, Alaska

August 4, 2010

2010-08-05T21:40:00.001-07:00

The Ballesteros Family Vacation: Maria, Carlotta, Maria, Pablo, Juan Pablo, Cristobal, and Sebastion in Mud Bay, Alaska

July 10, 2010

2010-07-21T10:28:00.001-07:00

Chris, Cheryl, Suzie, and Candi in Scenery Cove, Alaska

June 28, 2010

2010-07-21T10:14:00.001-07:00

Kate, Kern, and Elizabeth in Thomas Bay, Alaska

May 21, 2010

2010-05-27T10:11:00.003-07:00

Josh, Emily, Larry, Rita, and Adrian in San Diego, California

April 24, 2010

2010-05-27T10:11:00.001-07:00

Ryan, Joe, Randall, Hansa, Diane, and Willem

Josh and Bob

March 1, 2010

2010-03-07T12:05:00.001-08:00

Rebecca, Murray, and Emma atop Isla Coyote in San Jose Channel

February 22, 2010

2010-02-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

Fran, Kay, Tanja, and Greg south of Bahia San Gabriel, Isla Espiritu Sanctu

February 14, 2010

2010-02-21T15:41:00.001-08:00

Mike and Tom in San Juanico Bay

November 5, 2009

2010-02-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

Eduardo, Liz, Bob, Helen, Cami, fearless leader Joyce, Bill, and Emily in La Paz

October 9, 2009

2009-10-30T21:39:00.001-07:00

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).

August 25, 2009

2009-09-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

Amy, Ray, Joanna, and Jackson at Thomas Bay

Tandem charter with F/V Homeshore

2009-08-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

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.

August 2, 2009

2009-08-09T21:51:00.001-07:00

Linda, Jean, Marilyn, Sue, Linda, and Erin at Dawes Glacier, Endicott Arm

July 24, 2009

2009-07-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Bruce, Judy, Jolene, Daria, and Cesare in Thomas Bay

July 11, 2009

2009-07-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Dara, Hillary, Joel, and Zev at Thomas Bay

June 30, 2009

2009-07-09T16:23:00.001-07:00

Simon, Laura, Karen, and Peter ashore at Brothers' Island

June 22, 2009

2009-06-28T23:35:00.001-07:00

Rick and Helen in Tracy Arm

June 11, 2009

2009-06-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Cindy, Percy, Dennis, Sharon, Merrill, and Kathy enjoying the sun by Baranof Island

June 1, 2009

2009-06-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

Nancy, Terry, Joyce, and John in Glacier Bay National Park

May 10, 2009

2009-05-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

Jimmy, Lynn, Andrea, Jean, Terri, and Jay at Thomas Bay, Alaska

March 29, 2009

2009-03-29T19:04:00.001-07:00

Gilles, Teri-Ann, Stella, and Guildo at Honeymoon Cove, Isla Danzante

March 20, 2009

2009-03-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Phil and Marilyn kayaking in San Juanico Bay

March 14, 2009

2009-03-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

Lisa, Gail, and Eric on the beach at Aqua Verde

February 22, 2009

2009-03-01T11:59:00.001-08:00

Mike and Jeff at Bahia San Gabriel, Isla Espiritu Sanctu

February 1, 2009

2009-02-15T13:07:00.001-08:00

November 6, 2008

2009-02-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

John Ginn, Bob Lane, Ursa Major owner Joyce Gauthier, and John Love

October 25, 2008

2009-02-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Our delivery crew from Seattle to La Paz, Mexico: John Love, Alicia Bradley, and Bob Herbert.

August 23, 2008

2009-02-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

August 15, 2008

2009-02-15T12:45:00.001-08:00

August 5, 2008

2009-02-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

July 28, 2008

2009-02-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

July 20, 2008

2009-02-15T12:38:00.001-08:00

June 30, 2008

2009-02-15T12:36:00.001-08:00

June 20, 2008

2009-02-15T12:34:00.001-08:00

June 10, 2008

2009-02-15T12:32:00.001-08:00

May 25, 2008

2009-02-15T12:30:00.001-08:00

May 8, 2008

2009-02-15T12:28:00.001-08:00

March 1, 2008

2009-02-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

February 25, 2008

2009-02-15T12:24:00.001-08:00

January 28, 2008

2009-02-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

October 7, 2007

2009-02-15T12:21:00.001-08:00

August 21, 2007

2009-02-15T12:19:00.001-08:00

August 13, 2007

2009-02-15T12:17:00.001-08:00

August 8, 2007

2009-02-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

July 17, 2007

2009-02-15T12:12:00.001-08:00

July 9, 2007

2008-12-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

Great fishing this trip. In the fog outside of Petersburg we fished a sea mount. We caught halibut and yelloweye rockfish. Great fish, perfect size and we ate well. The fog somewhat changed our plans close to town. We anchored in a little bite a few miles from town. The anchorage was so small and shallow we had to wait a few hours before getting underway in the morning so the tide could come up. I'm looking back over our pictures and remembering stories like kayaking in Pybus Bay on Admiralty Island. The thing that comes to mind is the afternoon after our trip was done when our guests returned to the boat with a social obligation consisting of a large bottle of Captain Morgan rum.

June 23, 2007

2008-12-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

This was our best wildlife viewing of the season. Bears everywhere! We hung out in Usk Bay all afternoon and watched several bears forage along the waters edge. But the most memorable was the whale that breached over 100 times in a row. We watched him jump, and approached cautiously. He continued, we watched... We eventually got hungry, went inside had lunch and then came back out as the show continued. Look close at our guest photo and see our energetic whale. Our guests were a couple and their mother whom travel all over the world and some very good friends of ours from La Paz. Tom and Gina Ireton are our neighbors at Marina de La Paz whom also had a chance to join us.

July 1, 2007

2008-12-11T19:43:00.001-08:00

The couple that joined us for this trip were two of the nicest people I've ever met. Probably the best couple also. He wrote his wife poetry nearly every day. Pretty good stuff too. Zoom in to the pick and you can read one he wrote to the crew of the ursa. The owner of the boat also joined us as well. We visited Gut bay. It was rainy (suprise). Garth and I were kayaking by the boat when we heard a rumble. In the distance we watched a avalanche fall down a mountain.

June 11, 2007

2008-12-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

We caught our biggest yelloweye rockfish of the season on this trip. Crabs and shrimp we got it all. Even sun shine. This picture was taken at warm springs bay on Baranoff Island. Don't let the sun fool you it was still cold.

June 3, 2007

2008-12-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

We had some actual sun on this trip...

We caught a great cut-throat trout at Warm Springs Bay.

Post trip saw us at Kitos Kave, downtown Petersburg. Fun was had by all...

May 10, 2007

2008-12-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Our guests for the trip from Seattle to Petersburg, Alaska.

Mike and Penny were a hoot. They have since bought their own boat. This trip also introduced Craig to the Ursa Major. Lots of people have boat dreams. Craig has achieved his. Max Brower also joined us. Max is a good friend and the father of Carol whom owns the boatyard that Ursa has worked with for years.

The trip was great, weather cooperated, even whales in Johnstone Strait