This morning we woke up in Thomas Bay, located just north of Wrangell and Petersburg. Here we dropped anchor for the whole day for some kayaking and hiking opportunities. In the morning Jens and I went out on the kayak again across the way to Ruth Island. The water was again extremely calm and the weather even a bit sunny. We spot some birds and harbor seals and saw some amazing layers in the rocky cliffs during our 2 hour paddle.
We returned to the boat and then got out the paddleboards again. This time a lot of people decided to try it! I was able to get on and paddle around for about ten minutes until I decided to come back in. Jens stayed out for almost an hour with another passenger attempting to pop wheelies on them. It was fun to watch. One of our older passengers, Bob, even got on it and managed to stand up too.
After lunch we got ready for a more challenging hike they were offering. They offered also a leisurely stroll and then a longer flat hike option along Patterson River, but we opted for the more challenging choice. We were climbing up and over rocks and roots along a gorgeous waterfall creek bed. The forest was spectacular! Everyone in our group of 10 kept great pace and we had a great time on the three hour hike and even spotted a porcupine! When we returned to the ship we heard that other travelers spotted a baby moose on their dib boat excursion too! After a soak in the hot tub, we decide to head back downstairs for cocktail hour before diner.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.