Sea to Sky

Today's Sitka excursion began with the lifeboat tender from our anchored cruise ship to the Sitka docks (hopefully, the only reason I'll ever ride in a lifeboat!). We started with a 6-person hard-bottom inflatable raft for a 45-60 minute transit to a volcanic island. The outbound trip was a little rough, but filled with wildlife sightings including eagles, otters, a porpoise and whale. We were required to wear Coast Guard Survival suits (very chic), balaclavas and goggles. Our pilot/guide was extremely knowledgable and a little aggressive. This I appreciated, while Geri did not ...

Once we reached the island, we transferred to small ATVs and proceeded up former logging trails to the volcano's crater for 45-50 minutes. Those puppies are pretty rugged and hard to tip over, though I tried my best.

Lunch was provided at the peak and the return trip down the mountain was much quicker as I gained confidence (got stupid?) with the vehicle.

The weather turned for the worse for our raft return to shore - yes, rafts CAN fly as we frequently left the surface. By then, Geri had relaxed and enjoyed the ride.

The weather turned for the worse for our raft return to shore - yes, rafts CAN fly as we frequently left the surface. By then, Geri had relaxed and enjoyed the ride.