woodwind sailing adventures

We probably wouldn't have found Woodwind Adventures except that we were lucky enough to be traveling in Alaska with some locals. If you are traveling near Glacier Bay (our main base was Juneau) or already planning to go to Gustavus, AK - we highly recommend this tour company! Captain Fritz and his wife Kate were amazing. From the warm scones served when we got on the boat - The Great Sea (BUILT by Fritz!!), the library of wildlife books and maps on board, the extra hats and gloves, the warm cookies after lunch, the thoughtful and expert information about the animals we were viewing... they really thought of everything. We took a trip to Point Adolphus - where whales come to feed - and saw sea otters, sea lions and dozens of humpback whales - all swimming right around the boat. We took unbelievable closeup pictures (our family who had been on an Alaskan cruise kept saying, "we never got THAT close."). I really could go on and on about what a pleasure it was to spend time with Kate and Fritz. They both worked for the Glacier Bay National Park for years - I think Kate was a Ranger. We were a group of four - three people wanted to try the kayaking - so Kate went with - she is an expert. In the middle of the water - they lowered everyone into the kayaks with all the gear (and snacks and water bottle!) like it was the easiest thing in the world. They were just so sweet and kind and just made the whole magical experience of being on the misty water with these massive sea animals calling out to each other around us even better. Plus the boat is one of a kind. Our tour was 7/1/08 and I can't stop thinking about it! I would suggest this to anyone who is going to be traveling in the area.