Light on the Ocean

April-May 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Kathleen Blohm

Ecosummer Expeditions of Vancouver offers sail & kayak trips aboard Ocean Light, a 67 foot all-wood cutter in the waters of Coastal BC and Alaska.

New for 1998 is the Ocean Light II, an Ocean '71 sailboat. These two fine vessels provide a wide variety of coastal experiences, both on the BC Coast and abroad.

Each boat's layout offers single and double berths with a very large dining area and a well stocked library of natural and cultural history, marine biology, sailing and seamanship. Both boats are outfitted with extensive navigation and safety equipment, an inflatable for shore excursions and for those who enjoy the tranquility of paddling, a canoe and kayaks.

These boats provide an ideal platform for both naturalists and photographers. The 'Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear' and 'Quest for the Spirit Bear' trips give you access to some of the best bear viewing and photography opportunities in the world.

The Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands trip features natural/cultural history and photography. Here you can explore the convoluted shoreline by canoe or kayak, soak in hotsprings, catch and barbecue halibut and salmon, and visit huge sea lion colonies such as those off the dramatic Cape St. James. Highlights of the week include visits to now abandoned Haida villages such as Tanu and the UN World Heritage site, Skung'gwai (Ninstints), site of the last remaining free standing poles in their original location.

Family groups welcome.