May 27, 2007

Tracing America’s History Along the East Coast

Saturday, May 26, 2007 – Exploration Leader Donald Leadbetter

The Spirit of Nantucket is currently deployed on her Cradle of Colonial America cruise, which follows parts of the Intracoastal Waterway north from Charleston, heads into the Chesapeake Bay, and finishes up in Alexandria on the Potomac River, next door to our nation’s capital. In addition to retracing the steps of some of our country’s initial colonists, we also visit several sites associated with our nation’s great tragedy, the War Between the States, or the Recent Unpleasantness, as we southerners call it (apologies - I grew up in Memphis!). Leaving Charleston, we sailed by Ft. Sumter and were thrilled to be joined by special guest speaker Richard Hatcher, the senior historian at the fort. Rick regaled us with detailed recountings of the vital roles the Fort played in the Civil War. The war started when secessionist troops fired on the Union garrison stationed there, and the eventual fall of the fort to the Union was a great symbolic tragedy for the South.

After a night at sea under a beautiful blanket of stars, the Nantucket spent this morning sailing up the Cape Fear River. Just off the Cape in the open Atlantic, the Frying Pan Shoals are the final resting home of countless ships that have foundered upon its shallows over the last 400 years. Tonight we’ll carefully make our way around the shoals! On the way up river this morning on the way to Wilmington, naturalist Tom Stanley pointed out numerous graceful wading birds such as herons and egrets, and historian Jim Williams explained the important role the Cape Fear River and nearby Ft. Fisher had as a conduit for supplies for the Confederacy. We spent a gorgeous afternoon docked on Wilmington’s waterfront, just catching the tail-end of a Saturday morning Farmer’s Market. Wilmington was bustling today as families enjoyed a beautiful day on the river, gearing up for Memorial Day weekend celebrations.

Now we’re heading downriver, back out to sea where we’ll turn north and head for Beaufort, North Carolina. Explorations ahead include the historic Jamestown Settlement; St. Mary’s City, the first capital of Maryland; Annapolis, home of the U.S. Naval Academy; and Alexandria, where we’ll dock in the shadow of our capital’s monuments. There’s no better way to explore our nation’s past than from a ship, just like the great explorers and colonists of yore!

Posted by Donald Leadbetter on May 27, 2007
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May 22, 2007

May Surprises in Alaska

May is a great time to be in Alaska, as evidenced by this report from Amanda McCutcheon. Amanda is aboard the Spirit of Discovery, serving as an Exploration Leader for our Wilderness Inside Passage cruise.

We saw Northern Lights! This was my first time seeing them. We were blessed last week with amazing weather. To see Northern lights in Southeast Alaska, it has to be early in the summer season when it is still dark enough, it has to be clear which can be very rare, and third, the sun flare activity has to be high. I was speaking with a few guests before bedtime and mentioned that we had two of the three necessary elements to see the northern lights. This got us all a little excited. I contacted our 2nd mate, Beth Hulsmen, and asked her to wake me up if there were northern lights. I went to bed feeling like maybe I had put out expectations that could not be met, but was wishing for the best. Around 12:20 am Beth's voice came in over the intercom box. I nearly fell out of bed and simply could not get reading fast enough. Upon arrival to the bridge I was saw an amazing display of green light dancing across the sky line. I made an "all call" announcement to crew and guests. Most people got up and our Bartender, Dave Sorensen, made a pot of hot chocolate for everyone. It was a rare and exciting moment for everyone that was outside bundled up in their pj's watching the phenomena.

In Glacier Bay National Park we came upon a large Brown Bear that was sitting on and protecting a carcass. Possibly or most likely a moose carcass. There was a raven nearby trying to distract the bear and to get some of the valuable meat. It was an amazing interaction. The bear was so full from a large meal he could barely move to chase off the pesky bird, and the bird's diligence was amazing. It was an amazing sighting!

Posted by Amanda McCutcheon on May 22, 2007
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May 03, 2007

Cruise Report from Japan

Greetings from the land of Sakura, Sumo, Sake, & the Spirit of Oceanus!!!

	After a 5 weeks of cruising in Japan I MUST report on some of the fantastic things we have experienced so far this spring! First, and foremost, we have been very blessed by one of the best sakura (cherry blossoms) seasons in recent memory. One of our Japanese guides, Akiko Furutani san, called it the best hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season she's had in her entire life!
	Hanami is one of the most important things in Japanese culture. The parks and gardens are flooded by families, groups of coworkers, and friends of all ages looking to relax under the sakura. Typically one participant will take a precious day off work to reserve a spot by laying a blue tarp out under the beautiful trees. The rest of the group will bring a spectacular arrangement of foods, often bought from convenience stores, grilled on hibachi, or cooked at home. The final element, and perhaps the most important, are the ice chests packed with beer and sake to be enjoyed by the masses! The crowds will stay late into the night enjoying the fabulous sakura, and more importantly, each other's company. For more information on hanami, see this page.
	We have also experienced the generosity and welcoming nature of the Japanese. The two ports which put on a spectacular show without fail are Sakai Minato and Nagasaki. In Sakai Minato we we are often treated to a local fisherman's dance performed by 'Jimmy' Shibata who has performed around the globe! He often brings live eels and loach to wow the guests with. In Nagasaki we have had Taiko Drummers, Baton Twirlers, Preschool girls in Kimono, and high school bands.
	One last experience I must share is our newest stop on the tour. During our day in Korea, we have started visiting a traditional Korean market! These markets are bustling with activity. From produce and fruit, to live fish and squid, to the hundreds of kinds of kimchi, it is a sight not soon forgotten.

	As you can see I am thrilled to be back in Japan and Korea for my third season. This is such a special place that has touched so many of our lives. I have included a few pictures which highlight some of what we've seen thus far. This is also a trip where even I can't wait to see what's around the next corner! All my best! Andy Compton Guest Programs Director Spirit of Oceanus

Posted by Andy Compton on May 03, 2007
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