Our new mothership -The Columbia III
Spirit of the West is happy to announce the beginning of a new relationship with a coastal classic, the Columbia III. We are now traveling to new and exciting kayaking destinations in unparalleled comfort and safety to some of the most beautiful seascapes on earth, including Desolation Sound, the Broughton Archipelago and the newly protected Great Bear Rainforest. Read more about the Columbia III and her history, the crew, and about its tours in this newsletter.
Featured tour of the month
|
|
Mothershiping
the Great Bear Rainforest Late in September 2005, near the end of the kayaking season I flew to the small Heilsuk First Nations town of Bella-Bella to begin what was to be my first time exploring British Columbia's Great Bear Rain forest. I have read much about this area and had set my expectations high. But little did I know that this was going to be one of the greatest trips I have ever been on. More...... |
Take a tour of the Columbia III
The 68' Columbia III is a solid, well designed, west coast vessel equipped with the latest in navigational and safety equipment. Coast Guard approved and inspected for passengers, she retains a beauty and charm not seen in more modern vessels. Completely refurbished with great attention to detail and an eye for passenger enjoyment, she has a variety of comfortable berths for single persons and couples, in five private cabins. There are three 'heads' and plenty of hot water for showers after a day's activities. For a interactive visual tour of the Columbia III Click here.
Columbia III history
For sixty-four years, from 1905 to 1969, people living in the remote settlements, logging camps, inlets and lonely bays of British Columbia’s coast grew to depend on the ships and crews of the Columbia Coast Mission read more......
Meet Columbia III's Crew
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Miray | Luke | Ross | Fern |
Ross - Our captain Ross, is Ministry of Transport certified with thirty years of boating experience on this coast. With a wealth of local knowledge, a deep commitment to safety and a love of meeting people, he is in his element as skipper of the Columbia III.
Miray & Luke - Our two certified sea kayak guides, Miray and Luke, are experienced paddlers and leaders, and have guided commercially for many years. (Including a combined six years of expedition guiding for Spirit of the West!) Born and raised on the B.C. Coast they are passionate about natural history, marine biology and kayaking on the ocean. They delight in sharing their knowledge in a pleasant, relaxed, and informative manner. But most of all, they know how to have fun.
Fern - And our cook Fern,... she is everybody's best friend as the never-ending stream of culinary delights flow from the galley.
Above all, we love what we do and are excited to share it with you!
Feature animal of the Month- Fish-Eating Wolves of the central coast
The Great Bear Rainforest is a haven for wolves. It supports one of the most healthy and abundant populations in the world and is one of the few places where, at the right time of year, wolves can be readily viewed in their natural environment. Read on......
More News
Large area of Great Bear Rain Forest is protected
For more information and ways to help further protect the Great Bear Rainforest click here to go to the Rain Coast conservation society web site and learn more.
Must read books
Great Bear Rainforest : Canada's Forgotten Coast
By Mcallister, Ian & McThis book was our bible while exploring the Great Bear Rainforest. Magnificent photographs and crisp prose make a powerful statement about the need to protect the largest tract of intact temperate rainforest on Earth.
Order it here from Munro's books.
Heart Of The Raincoast : A Life Story
By Alexandra Morton & Billy ProctorHeart of the Raincoast is the story of Billy Proctor's life, and the life of the coast he knows so well, once so rich, now so threatened.
Order it here from Munro's books.
Salmon in the Great Bear Rainforest - free PDF version
Find out what perils face salmon on the central and north coast of BC. Raincoast’s recent publication discusses how clear-cut logging, salmon farming, over-fishing, and mismanagement are affecting wild salmon on the coast.
If you would like a hard copy of this publication, please contact Nicola Temple at the Rain Coast conservation society : nicola@raincoast.org
Learn
more about
Spirit of the West programs 2006
call
N.
America 1 800 307 3982
or
Outside
N. America 011 250 285 2121
or
email info@kayakingtours.com
Visit our web site http://www.kayakingtours.com
To
un-subscribe email us here
and write un-subscribe
We otherwise apologize for sending this to you