ISLANDS AND WILDLIFE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST SEPTEMBER 13-19, 2006 ABOARD THE SEA LION

“The sound of falling water rings everywhere. It murmurs in the forest and roars down cliffs. Tiny rivulets trace eccentric paths on the surface of glaciers, plunging into crevasses and joining one another to become torrents carrying powdered rock to the Pacific. ” — James Martin, North Cascades Crest: Notes and Images from America’s Alps

Dear AAAS and Sigma Xi Members and Friends, etchart Expeditions invites you to come explore a land steeped in Indian traditions, boldly painted by the hands of Kwakwaka’wakw and Kwagiulth artisans, traversed by the great adventurers and Bdeeply connected to the water which surrounds it. This September, experience the Pacific North- west in the way it was meant to be seen: approach ports and inlets aboard our 62-guest expedition ship, Sea Lion. Join us September 13-19, 2006 to see thrilling wildlife, fresh modern cities juxtaposed with historic vil- lages and Indian heritage. Sail through waters rich in salmon, seals and whales. Observe pods of orcas in the San Juan Islands and Johnstone Strait. Navigate the entire length of , one of North America’s most beautiful fjords. Kayak in the peaceful waters of . Enjoy the charm of Vic- This is an expedition, not a cruise. Our toria & Butchart Gardens. Experience Northwest Native American culture and see their exquisite totem and Pacific Northwest adventures include mask art at Alert Bay. using our fleet of rugged, maneuverable This voyage is a sweeping overview of a vast and stunningly beautiful geography. Our nimble expedi- Zodiacs to get close to nature & history. tion ship is superbly outfitted for your adventure, equipped with sturdy Zodiac landing craft and virtually untippable kayaks, providing a multitude of ways to get close to nature and history. See the best of the Pa- cific Northwest on a 7-day expedition that features non-stop exploration. To make your reservation, please return the enclosed reservation form or call toll-free at 1-800-252-4910. I hope you will join us! Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart President, Betchart Expeditions, Inc. For AAAS Travels and Sigma Xi Expeditions Ship’s Registry: United States Our expedition staff of Historians & Naturalists are our explorers, leading us to discovery.

All of our expeditions set out with a generous complement us understand and appreciate the diversity of experts aboard, under the direction of an and richness of the nature around us. The cali- experienced Expedition Leader (EL). Our most ber of our expedition staff has earned us many senior ELs, like Michelle Graves (above, right), accolades and travel industry awards. Among have led many expeditions around the Pacific our crew you’ll definitely enjoy spending time Northwest. They and their hand-picked staff with our Captain and his officers. Our Open of Historians and Naturalists know the ter- Bridge policy means that you are welcome to rain, share its secrets with you, and make the visit at practically any time to watch the of- otherwise “invisible” history of the region as ficers maneuvering our nimble ship into the vibrantly alive and present as the scenery and nooks and crannies that make exploring such wildlife we see. Our Naturalists — Geologists, an exciting way to spend your time, energy Biologists, Botanists and other experts — help and curiosity. Islands and Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest British Columbia > ITINERARY – 7 DAYS/6 NIGHTs

Johnstone Strait

The island-studded waters of the Pacific Northwest are ance and personality. Double-decker buses trundle Princess Louisa Inlet an often-overlooked place of tranquil beauty and surprising along streets named Broughton and Balmoral, pubs and teahouses occupy every other corner, and statues of Island diversity — so near to home, yet far away from the trap- Vancouver pings of everyday life. It’s a place of channels, straits and the Queen stand in neatly manicured parks. We visit the glorious Butchart Gardens and the Royal British Columbia San Juan Islands inlets, with unspoiled forested shorelines punctuated by Pacific Ocean Victoria picturesque small towns and fishing villages. Museum, known for its outstanding recreations of Pacific Northwest habitats. In the afternoon, there is time to Seattle Day 1: Seattle, Washington/Embark explore this charming city on your own. (B,L,D) This afternoon embark the ship, docked in the heart of Seattle’s bustling waterfront. Sail into Puget Sound, Day 4: Princess Louisa Inlet with the Olympic Mountains to the west, majestic Mount One of the most beautiful fjords along the entire coast of these beautiful protected waterways. In the strait between Rainier to the south, and the skyline of Seattle and the Alaska and British Columbia is Princess Louisa Inlet. With and the British Columbia mainland is an Cascade Mountains to the east. (D) our nimble vessel, we are able to navigate through the archipelago of more than 250 islands, and they provide narrowest parts of the fjord to reach Chatterbox Falls at the perfect setting for our explorations. Day 2: San Juan Islands the very head of the inlet. Along the way, keep an eye out Our Captain and staff will be in touch with local Tucked away in the northwest corner of the United States for wildlife along the shorelines and on the steep hill- experts who monitor the wildlife. Or we might seek out is a cluster of idyllic, forested islands known for their sides above. Later, we may have an opportunity to kayak. ancient Native American petroglyphs etched in the rocks tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife. More than 80 of (B,L,D) above a remote bay. There are also many picturesque the 172 islands of the San Juans have been set aside as communities dotted among the islands, so we might stop part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, for Day 5: Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay for a glimpse of this unique way of life. Our exact plan the protection of seals, sea lions, river otters and many This morning we stop at the small community of Alert Bay remains flexible, giving us the freedom to follow nature’s species of pelagic birds. More bald eagles nest here than to visit the U’Mista Cultural Center, which houses a stun- course. (B,L,D) anywhere else in the continental United States, and the ning collection of Native American potlatch masks. waters are home to three separate pods of orcas. Near Alert Bay, the narrow channel of Johnstone Day 7: Vancouver, British Columbia/Disembark After spending a day in search of whales and other Strait is recognized as one of the major areas for orcas in Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city and the major wildlife, we stop at the town of Friday Harbor to visit its re- the entire Northern Hemisphere. We devote the afternoon port for all of western Canada. It lies in a stunning setting, nowned whale museum. There may also be time to kayak to searching for one of the many pods that are known to surrounded almost completely by water, with snowcapped or hike on one of the many islands. (B,L,D) spend at least part of the year in this area. (B,L,D) mountains rising vertically from its very backyard. We dock near the heart of this thriving, cosmopolitan city and, after Day 3: Victoria, British Columbia Day 6: Exploring the Discovery Islands and Islets breakfast, disembark the ship. (B) Today we are in Victoria, the provincial capital of Brit- of British Columbia ish Columbia. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver This is a day with the luxury of no specific plan, as we Island, this lovely city is decidedly English in appear- explore the almost endless possibilities that exist among Our friendly, experienced staff and crew only add to the thrill of observing the dramatic landscapes from the comfort of our ship’s deck. Dining with us means the freshest fare and finest views.

SEA LION DECK PLAN Costs are Per Person Double Occupancy unless otherwise noted. CATEGORY DECK CABIN NUMBERS PRICE

1 Main 300-305 $2,940 Sole $3,670 Conveniently positioned between the dining room & lounge, these cabins feature two single lower beds, a writing desk and a large view window. 2 Upper 200-212, 215; Bridge Deck #100-104 $3,440 Sole $4,300 These well-located cabins include two lower single beds & a view window. 3 Upper 214, 216, 217, 219; Bridge Deck #105, 106 $3,990 These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person. Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only. Shared Accommodations: If you wish to share accommodations, we will be glad to make arrangements at the double occupancy rate in Category 1 and 2 only.

The Sea Lion, built in 1982, and refurbished in 2005, is of U.S. registry and complies fully with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Gross Tonnage: 99; Overall Length: 152 feet; Draft: 8 feet; Crusing Speed: 12 knots.

Cost Includes: All accommodations and meals as indicated, For Reservations or Information: Carol Larsen entrance fees, taxes, service charges and tips (except for Exploring the Islands and Wildlife ship’s crew). And there’s never a charge for kayaks, Zodiacs of the Pacific Northwest or the services of Lindblad’s expedition staff. Betchart Expeditions, Inc. Not Included: Airfare; optional extension; personal items 17050 Montebello Road such as alcoholic beverages and email; baggage/accident/ Cupertino, CA 95014 trip protection plan and discretionary gratuities to ship’s crew. Phone: 800-252-4910 or 408-252-4910 Note: A complete packet of pre-departure information, includ- Email: ing recommended reading list and suggestions on what to [email protected] bring, will be sent to you after your reservation is confirmed. Terms and Conditions Reservations: To confirm your place, an advance payment of US $1,000 per person is payable by check. Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure. Trip Protection Plan: Cancellation and medical insurance are RESERVATION FORM available at extra cost. We will send policy information when you reserve. EXPLORING THE ISLANDS AND WILDLIFE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST Smoking Policy: Allowed only in designated outdoor areas. Aboard the Sea Lion Responsibility: Certain other provisions concerning, among September 13-19, 2006 other things, limitations of the Companies’ liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be Please reserve ______place(s). provided to all guests prior to final payment, and to prospec- Name:______Date of Birth:______tive guests upon request. (as it appears on passport) Name:______Date of Birth:______(as it appears on passport) Street Address: ______

CANCELLATION POLICY City:______State:______Zip:______Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee Home Phone:______Business Phone:______90 or more days $250 89–60 days Deposit Fax:______E-Mail: ______59–30 days 50% of trip cost 29–0 days No refund Accommodations: Double Single Twin Share w/ friend Twin Share (Roommate assigned by tour operator.) This policy applies to expeditions and extensions. We strongly recom- Please indicate choice of cabin category in order of preference: 1st choice:______2nd choice:______mend that you purchase a travel protection plan. Enclosed is my deposit check of $1000 (per person) payable to Betchart Expeditions, Inc. Trust Account Membership: AAAS______SigmaXl______ACS______Planetary Society______

Prices listed in this brochure are as of publication date, and I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for this program and agree to them. are subject to change. The company reserves the right to impose surcharges based on increases in the company’s actual cost of fuel.

Signature(s)______Date:______.

#945 if you haven’t approached it by water, you haven’t Experienced the real Pacific Northwest. Join Us!

if you haven’t approached it by water, you haven’t Experienced the real Pacific Northwest. Join Us!

Travel + Leisure 2005 World’s Prsrt Std Best Tour Operators Award ranked U.S. Postage Paid Lindblad Expeditions in the top ten Staten Island, NY by readers. Permit No. 169 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2005 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014 ranked Lindblad Expeditions among the best: “...a 97.6 score for Destinations/ Itineraries, 98.8 Service and 96.4 for Activities.” Travel + Leisure 2004 Small-ship Cruise Award Lindblad Expeditions is the only expedition outfit ranked in the top five by readers.