Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Endicott Arm, a remote fjord in Southeast Alaska, offers dramatic glacier scenery, and is visited by major cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and National Geographic. There are excursions from Juneau and Ketchikan. Strict environmental practices limit noise and disruption near Dawes Glacier, with cruise ships often rotating to ensure balcony staterooms face scenic highlights. Zodiac excursions, including ice collection for specialty cocktails, are mostly offered by small expedition lines; passenger access varies by operator and season. Fords Terror, a notable offshoot of Endicott Arm, is famed for its tidal rapids and stunning granite walls, accessible only at slack tide, limited to smaller vessels and cherished by adventurers for its wild beauty.

Ketchikan, Alaska

The name “Ketchikan” is believed to come from the Tlingit word “Kitschk-Hin” meaning “thundering wings of an eagle” and is reminiscent of the outline of the Ketchikan Creek seen from above. An exciting flightseeing adventure is a thrilling opportunity to see this unique feature yourself. An estimated 19% of Ketchikan residents are of Tlingit, Haida…

Juneau, Alaska

In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides that were enticed by the reward of 100 woolen blankets. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets “as large as beans.” From their discovery came three of…

Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada

Prince Rupert has experienced economic challenges from trade risks born of Trumpian tariffs as well as service declines, such as in the BC Ferries system, but the city is making tourism a top economic priority with strategic investment, infrastructure improvements, and destination marketing to attract visitors and support local business. It is the gateway to Haida Gwaii which is 7 hours away by ferry.

Skagway, Alaska

Travel up the Haines Scenic Byway after a short boat trip from Skagway and board a custom-designed, open-topped jet boat at the edge of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Glide through shallow, silt-laden channels accessible only by these specialized vessels, which are powered by quiet, eco-friendly Yamaha outboards to maximize wildlife-viewing opportunities. Throughout your 90-minute river journey, expert captains navigate multiple braided tributaries, sharing stories of local history and their backcountry lifestyle. Majestic bald eagles, moose, and bear are often observed up close, with unhindered views and frequent stops for the perfect photo. Warm outerwear and blankets are provided, and after the river adventure, guests enjoy a riverside picnic before returning to Haines with memories of Alaska’s pristine wilderness

Ruby Princess, a Fincantieri Super Yacht

A super yacht of Italian design, And a vessel grand, where futures align. Her decks are streets, her lounges are squares, A metropolis afloat, with worldly fares.

Beneath the fog, she slips away, A city for tomorrow, born today. Not bound by land, nor fixed in place, Ruby Princess glides with effortless grace. Restaurants and theaters, pools and spas, A microcosm of life, both near and far.

San Francisco fades, but urban life thrives, On this ship where innovation drives. No billionaire’s toy, this Princess of the sea, But a glimpse of what our cities could be. Efficient, diverse, a community afloat, Ruby Princess, more than just a boat.

From port to port, she carries her nation, A blueprint for future civilization. A Fincantieri super yacht so rare, And a city of the future, beyond compare.

The Cultural Fascination with Time Travel Stories: Ethics, Philosophy, and Our Relationship with Time

This post explores how concepts of time shape human culture, ethics, and identity. It begins by discussing the enduring appeal of time travel stories, their philosophical and ethical dilemmas, and their deep relationship with religious ideas and cultural frameworks. The conversation compares sailors’ and space explorers’ experiences of time, revealing the transition from Newtonian absolute time to Einstein’s relativistic spacetime.

Further, the post examines how different cultures’ views of time—linear vs. cyclical—influence rituals around death and the treatment of the deceased, and then addresses the unique human capacity for recording history. It considers why deliberate historical preservation sets humanity apart from other animals, and why falsifying or altering history, especially through time travel, would be deeply unethical and damaging—contrary to our moral and possibly sacred responsibilities.

The discussion concludes by emphasizing the sanctity and importance of historical truth as a foundation of civilization, justice, and human self-understanding.

Cayucos

Indigenous and Spanish heritage provides the foundational history behind Cayucos and Morro Bay, witnessed in the coastal culture, local history, and continuing present-day identity.

A Tomolor Cayucos is a traditional plank canoe used by the Chumash people, the original inhabitants of the Cayucos area in California. The term “tomolor” refers to the canoe itself, and “Cayucos” comes from the Spanish word for small canoes, named after these plank canoes used by the Chumash for fishing and travel along the coast.

Titanic

The sinking of the Titanic continues to captivate people more than 100 years after the tragedy due to several factors. The ship’s discovery in 1985, the release of James Cameron’s blockbuster film in 1997, and the 100th anniversary of the sinking in 2012 have all contributed to a resurgence of interest in the Titanic. So…

Grand Tour

Tour of the Salish Sea in May of 2023. This page outlines key boating destinations and yacht club facilities across the Salish Sea, emphasizing recreational opportunities and amenities for visitors. Here’s a structured summary:

San Juan Islands (Washington)
• Roche Harbor: A picturesque destination on San Juan Island with a Seattle Yacht Club outstation (Henry Island), offering moorage, waterfront restaurants, a fuel dock, and a 19-acre sculpture park. Hosted the 2023 Grand Banks rendezvous.
• Friday Harbor: A hub in the archipelago with hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.
British Columbia Destinations
• Ganges (Salt Spring Island): A top boating destination with marinas, the Salt Spring Island Saturday Market, and proximity to artisanal shops. The Seattle Yacht Club’s Ganges outstation provides moorage.
• Desolation Sound: Features Cortes Bay, home to both Royal Vancouver and Seattle Yacht Club outstations, public moorage, and access to wilderness trails. Nearby Refuge Cove offers provisioning.
• Ladysmith (Vancouver Island): Known for its 5-mile harbor, Ladysmith Yacht Club, and annual events like the Heritage Boat Festival. Ovens Island (owned by the Seattle Yacht Club) allows seasonal public dock use.
• Garden Bay (Pender Harbour): Hosts outstations from both the Royal Vancouver and Seattle Yacht Clubs. The historic Garden Bay Bar and Restaurant, destroyed by a 2020 fire, remains a point of local contention due to redevelopment plans.
• Sydney (Saanich Peninsula): Home to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea aquarium and a full-service marina near attractions like the BC Aviation Museum.