This is what cruises should be (Wrangell, Metlakatla: to buy, costs, cabin)

[Metlakatla]

Since my other thread was infested with trolls I will put this here:

Our Inside Passage cruise itineraries are designed to avoid the typical Alaska tourist-clogged towns in pursuit of up-close encounters with nature in a world where it is common to see whales, bears and sea lions all in the same day. Our goal is to get you deep into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness and let you truly experience the adventure of a lifetime. Our unique Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise excursions offer you adventures expertly tailored to suit your skill level. Take an exhilarating kayaking adventure with one of our experts, go fishing with expert guides, join a small group and hike into splendid remote areas. Whatever level of activity you’re looking for, we’ll show you the exciting wildlife and wilderness of the Inside Passage like no one else can.

Alaska Inside Passage Cruises

[naturesdreams]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Since my other thread was infested with trolls I will put this here:



Alaska Inside Passage Cruises

I've already have plans but I will certainly keep this in mind... I believe that IS what a cruise is all about.... experience Alaska... for REAL...

[GrammasCabin]

Okay, I gotta chime in here and tell you about my fun summer job and what happens when the cruise ships stop in Wrangell. While the jet boat operators are taking the tourists up the Stikine river wilderness, the glaciers and hot springs my grandkids and I are busy setting up lunch on a sandbar in the middle of the river. We can't entertain them on state or federal land but nobody owns the sandbars in the middle of the river.
We have tents, tables, & all that stuff stored in a nearby cabin, the kids and I cook for 2 days then haul coolers full of food and wine upriver. While grandson and his friend are setting up the furniture and building a bonfire, granddaughter and I are setting up the food and wine.
I'll tell you what, these people have a blast! There's nothing to sell, nothing to buy, just the experience of really being in Alaska for the day. They usually stop here on their way back down south , constantly saying "FINALLY! This is what we came to Alaska to see!" The most interesting to me is how many have never sat around a bonfire let alone heard of a smore. We're only getting a few ships this year so I don't know if we'll carry on with all this part of the tour or not, it's a helluva lot of work - worth it if there's enough peeps, I'd do it again this year. The heavyset man in the chair, from Germany, tried his best to steal my grandkids. Gave 'em each a $100 tip! (after Tyler snuck an extra bottle of wine for him to take back to the ship)
If you're taking a cruise and Wrangell's on your list tell me, I'll let you know what's going on here this year.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g256/GrammasCabin/summer%20of%2009/100_0816.jpg (broken link)

Lindsey greets them as the boats come in with a tray of red & white wine while I help them off the bow of the boats.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g256/GrammasCabin/summer%20of%2009/FireiceJ9L728224.jpg (broken link)



http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g256/GrammasCabin/summer%20of%2009/FireiceJ9L728243.jpg (broken link)

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g256/GrammasCabin/summer%20of%2009/Pies22990.jpg (broken link)

[LadyKLO]

Wow, that food looks awesome! I want to do one of these trips one day in this lifetime!

[freezengirl]

What a wonderful and fun project for everyone involved! I bet there are a lot of people in your community that consider you one of Alaska's treasures!

[Grannysroost]

That had to be the highlight of their trip, and we know those are your 'real' berries in those pies! You and the kids have to have had a great time

[1stimestar]

Thanks for sharing this. It looks like a grand ol time!

[Metlakatla]

Gramma, that's pretty inspiring.

You might want to check with your Chamber though...it's my understanding the the little cruise ship stopping here once a week will also be doing the same in Wrangell.

[ImAHobbit]

Couldn't rep ya but...



MMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!! PIE!

[GrammasCabin]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Gramma, that's pretty inspiring.

You might want to check with your Chamber though...it's my understanding the the little cruise ship stopping here once a week will also be doing the same in Wrangell.

Is that the same little paddle boat that comes here now and then? Can't remember the name. Problem is, if we can't get a confirm of at least 40 for the river trip and wilderness lunch it costs too much to put it on. Plus it's a helluva lot of work to set up on a sandbar 20 miles upriver. Some want to stay in town, some want to go to Anan and see the bears, some want to go fishing. If there's not enough to put the lunch on, we just take them on a river/glacier cruise and back to town. Or to Anan and back.
I deckhand now and then and have done a couple years of walking tours but I really like putting on the spread and bsing with the bunch. pays better too and the kids get a little work out of it. Wish the big ships were coming here like they did a couple years ago but they told our jet boat association they "don't make enough money off Wrangell" so they're passing us by. whatever........ their clients sure like Wrangell.