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VESSEL OUR TRIPS PHOTO ALBUM CREW NEWS TESTIMONIALS & RECOMMENDATIONS 2010 SCHEDULE 2011 SCHEDULE REQUEST FORM CONTACT REGISTRATION DOWNLOAD PRE-TRIP INFORMATION LINKS HOME 
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 Testimonials and Recommendations: 2009 Victoria Christmas trip: Friday Harbor to Victoria to Friday Harbor "This was another especially great trip on your wonderful boat. We really enjoy visiting Victoria, so cruising into the harbor and having easy access to the city was a special delight. We liked spending time with you, your friends, and the other passengers. This was a trip that provided some great conversations and special memories. Thanks a bunch for having us along." Z& R . . . . . . . “I just wanted to tell you all again, thanks for a wonderful, magical week. Feels like you all are friends we’ve known a long time. We loved our snuggly little room the fantastic food, the tidal pools, rainforest, and bear world, complete with dead fish….We’re recommending the trip to half our friends (the other half are too chicken…). The BEST WAY to see Southeast Alaska.” WP and JP . . . . . . . “We really enjoyed our time on the Catalyst. We would vacation with you again. What a wonderful experience for our family! We keep talking about it and sharing our photos.” . . . . . . . “The trip exceeded expectations. Crew were enthusiastic, capable, personable, flexible, etc. The Catalyst is superior in every way. I would highly recommend this trip.” ML . . . . . . . “Everything was fabulous!! The trip surpassed my expectations in every way. Thanks to each of you for making this experience so memorable.” PP . . . . . . . “Great trip, perfect weather, lovely crew and nice fellow travelers, couldn’t really ask for more. Shannon’s knowledge of the environment was extensive and greatly appreciated. I learned a lot. Finally the DVD will give me a lasting memory of this beautiful trip. Thanks for the wonderful time. “ CD . . . . . . . “Many thanks to Steve, Adrian, Lia and Ensan for such a memorable trip. They all made it look easy. Ensan’s food was extraordinary. Adrian’s passion for engines opened a window into a world I didn’t know existed, and Lia pointed out to us the charismatic mini invertebrates. And finally, thanks again to Steve in his role as Captain Ahab. The whale watching Thursday night at the Brothers and Friday morning in Frederick Sound was unforgettable. Thanks too are due to the cooperative photogenic humpback whales.” CM . . . . . . . “This was a marvelous trip! The crew were wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. I have been to Alaska on four other trips organized by other groups. This was the best!!! The boat is a unique and beautiful treasure. Steve, Adrian, Lia and Ensan were wonderful in every way.” SD . . . . . . . Thanks for a remarkable experience. The trip exceeded our expectations. I loved the flexibility to stop or slow down when remarkable viewing opportunities presented themselves and now understand the resultant difficulty in being at the next destination at the right moment, relative to time and tide. . . . . . . . Watching Bill pick his way through the ice floes on Endicott Arm while appearing calm but wary made me appreciate again how a highly competent professional can make you feel relaxed and safe in a potentially hazardous situation. That this was always transparent made us feel very comfortable though out. You do have the best jobs in the world, but if is the way that you do them that makes it so very special for us. It was a privilege to share this week with the crew and other fascinating participants. . . . . . . . The Catalyst is a treasure. I felt like I had been given the keys to the museum for a week. Thanks for everything. PS Erica is amazing! JD and JD and ED . . . . . . . This astonishing vessel was only surpassed by the talents, friendliness, humor and expertise of the crew! What a memory I will have for the rest of my life. Captain Bill kept us all laughing, Shannon kept our bellies full and happy and organized our photography efforts into a fabulous CD. Eric kept the engine humming and was always ready to lend a hand for those of us teetering in or out of the skiff. And Sarah! What a wealth of knowledge and talent she possessed! And all without any hint of her genius. So modest! Thanks to each of you and God’s blessings. LR . . . . . . . This trip was exquisite. Every effort was made to convey comfort, fun, fascinating information, warmth and beauty. We formed community almost instantly, thanks to the crew with whom we felt down-home relaxation. Bill was ever-hilarious and utterly competent. Shannon hard working and caring. Eric quietly brilliant and Sarah, sweet and an endless fount of knowledge. JA and MA . . . . . . . We can't really think of any way you could have made the trip better than it was. The scenery, the animals, the geography were enhanced by the warmth and hospitality of our hosts, wonderful meals, knowledgeable crew, cozy accommodations and the loving restoration of the Catalyst. I especially enjoyed viewing our daily progress from the warmth and comfort of the pilot house, hearing conversations about the birds, the bees, and the engine, and watching computer screens. Captain Bill, you have an impressive scope of knowledge. CR and WR . . . . . . . Testimonials and Recommendations: 2008 What a wonderful trip! We each had such a fun and relaxing trip with you aboard the Catalyst. I write because I felt as though I was invited into your home. The thoughtful components that went into making this trip memorable were noticed and appreciated. From the little comforts such as bedding that was cozy (and stayed put! when made) and the flowers in or rooms to the amazing mooring spots you chose for each night’s stay. Terrific. You and your crew’s ability to include a 10 ½ year old was very appreciated. We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Alaska and its beauty. LJ 2008 . . . . . . . I cannot tell you what an unbelievable time we had on the Catalyst. I have my (Catalyst) hat on right now & people are always asking what the Catalyst is - a smile comes over my face and the stories flow. What an experience for our family. When friends hear the things we did, they say what a way to see Alaska & what exposure for the kids. For them to hang with people like Bill, Ensan, Newt, & Sarah - plus meet researchers & wilderness rangers (by kayak) - means so much to their exposure of the great possibilities out there - to work at what you love doing. KK 2008
The ship was beautiful! This trip was so special – the size makes all the difference. Loved the kayaking. Thank you, Shannon for your incredible patience as we bounced our way into and out of the kayaks. The calving glacier was amazing. I could have stayed there forever. It was also fun listening to the whales. Everyday was so unique. Anne Catherine, the food was terrific. Thank you all so much. You are such a kind and giving group, I wish you well. You’ve got a job most would envy and your knowledge and resourcefulness are very impressive. KE 2008 . . . . . . . It was a perfect rip. We were so lucky to a have a playful captain and an incredibly talented naturalist. There was no stress or pressure, just fun every single day. Thanks for a great trip. LH 2008 . . . . . . . The crew was perfect in my opinion. All were knowledgeable, friendly and down to earth. They were a catalyst (no pun intended) for the visiting group without making things awkward. The concern for the natural setting and environment is obvious in the briefings and actions. The Catalyst, as well, was equipped with all necessary items. Books and reading materials were always at hand and the reference to the daily schedules gave me something to look at when I wanted to know what was next or even when a particular thing happened. I can’t imagine seeing Alaska and getting a feel for it without the Catalyst and it’s crew. BZ and PZ 2008 . . . . . . . Bill and Shannon, I include both of you in our note of thanks because I know you both have worked hard to make our week such a success. Thank you for opening this window of rich, outdoor experiences and Alaska’s natural beauty. We have memories and photos to carry with us and relive this “once in a lifetime experience”. Thanks to you and your gracious crew who are uniquely talented. MW and JW 2008 . . . . . . . Thank you all so much for making this trip one of the best and most unique experiences of my life. I loved every minute, even (I mean especially), the cookie scavenger hunt. I also loved finding wildlife that conveniently matched my red boots (i.e. pigeon guillemots and blood starfish). All of this was made possible due to you all and the Catalyst. I’m glad I chose Alaska as my graduation present. I now have so many great memories to start college with in the fall. SB 2008 . . . . . . . Thank you so much for the unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Your gift for helping us to discover Alaska can not be underestimated. All of you are warm, caring, funny people, who are a joy to spend a week with. Thank you for taking care to make (my daughter) feel included and special. All of you are gifted at your individual positions and blend together to make a phenomenal team. JB 2008
One of the best trips we have ever taken! We loved Cap’n Bill and his crew. KB 2008 . . . . . . . We loved your Catalyst and the care you give to her and the care you gave us. We made many memories and all the crew was wonderful. PB and DB 2008
Testimonials and Recommendations: 2007 "Each day seems to have generated more and more energy and with each extraordinary event- humpbacks so close we were breathing each others air -soul touching, time stopping -orcas to watch in their mastery of their world. . . . . . . . "We are very lucky people - to have the experience of our five senses being engaged in such an active way, at all times with, what was for us, the joy of discovery and wonder is an extremely rare opportunity. But the feeling of friendship, fueled by enthusiasm, excitement and, above all, a warm and generous spirit - shared equally among the guests and crew (to a person!) - made the voyage truly special." . . . . . . .
"It is harder to put in words than catching on film the wonderful time, sights and experiences we have had on the Catalyst. Everything about our trip lived up to expectations and way beyond and our adventure to Alaska was completed by the amazing crew and the new people we have met. Thank you." . . . . . . .
"What a boat, what a crew, what a trip! This is one of the most amazing vacations we have ever had. Alaska is breathtaking. The activities you planned for us were so varied and dun. You have provided experiences that we will reflect on for years to come." . . . . . . . "Awesome memories. Indelibly etched in joy. Peace, balance, beauty.
Heightened awareness. Contrasts of light, sounds, color. Gentle reflections.
Catalyst cruises. Natures adventures await. Seventy Five years. Thank you for a spectacular week." . . . . . . .
"We had a glorious time. We will never forget the experience. I can't believe they're out there doing it again. Lucky dogs!" . . . . . . . "It was a privilege to be on your much-loved and well cared for vessel and to share your family's passion for the beautiful waterways of SE Alaska. Thanks for creating a journey from Juneau to Petersburg that gave us such a variety of natural wonders at every turn -- quiet inlets filled with bird life, thundering glaciers, colorful cliffs, amazing marine life below our feet, and let's not forget the eagles."- JT/AT 2007 . . . . . . . "Just as it's difficult to describe the majesty of Alaska, it's also difficult to adequately express our gratitude to you and your crew for making this trip everything we had hoped for and so much more. Thank you for an experience we will always cherish."- DH/MH 2007 . . . . . . . "What a fantastic adventure. You guys are the greatest! We will remember this trip always. We will be back. Thanks for everything!"-BF 2007 . . . . . . . "Each one of you was equally important and totally awesome in helping to make this trip a total lifetime experience. For that I thank you. I will always remember you and look forward to the next time I see you."-JL 2007 . . . . . . . "Thank you for providing us with a very memorable, relaxing and educational Alaska experience! The trip was far above our expectations. Your crew went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and part of the "family". This experience was certainly a trip of a lifetime."-RD/CD 2007 . . . . . . . Poem:Aboard the good ship Catalyst we sailed out to see, Everything we could, We saw to be, The devil in the kitchen, Cooking up a storm, Her style be bitchin', And her tasty food warm, Down below the engineer hides, His barbeque shirt on fire, To everyone free skiff rides! And his need for edibles dire. What's that up above starting the laughing row? Why it's Cappie and his hat, A one beard show, Think fast! Reflexes like a cat! (but why the dent in the bow?) But what's that we see? Or maybe we don't, Since camouflage his pants be, Its gear boy and his kayak toy, Floating around the big blue sea. So with a hearty crew we sail, With bellies full of a delicious meal, Beyond the waves of time set loose from towering ice, A chunk of which mended a bruise, From an oar that wasn't nice, Then, not 2 or 3, but four, Four bears we saw through tide's slim door. Hungry for another sighting, On a bear hunt we went, A bear peeking though the grass sure scared me, But wait, that's not all we'd see. Whales, whales, whales -Yes Cotton, the humping kind- Jumping and bubbling in glee. Oh, then what luck, a kiss from the lion of the sea, Left us speechless, Mo in love, A match like a glove. Deep sea fishing, Rain or shine, Our dinner thanks to me, (maybe a little credit to the devil, flamer, and Cappie 3) Now through the waters, Flying sea pickles once more, Whales galore. Oh now it's almost through, Boohoohoo, But the laughs of galley dancing, campfires, and seal romancing, -well linda, that's on my list- I'm only 15, so keep it clean, if you catch my gist. Oh Cappie remember the skiff, The look on your face, -You looked quite miffed- Left high and dry, Oh Cappie, we laughed so hard we thought we'd cry. but never fear, Our strong guests are here! They set the skiff free... Oops, it was almost empty. Now, my long wind is almost done, Thanks for the sun, and the little sliver of Cappie's promised sun. Now we enjoy the tats and laughs, of our captain's ball hats. Don't forget, dear crew, The sushi made with no rules, We're American you see. Everyone don't forget to break out a car dance move, Bob the flamingo, Dance the devil's t-rex, -get on your groove- All the way to Petersburg, Look an orca whale! Yet another bergie bit on the horizon, Just remember the good ship Catalyst, and the laughs we've been though... and always remember... it sucks to be poo. -KB 2006 . . . . . . . What our 2006 passengers had to say..."Such a lovely boat - it's hard to believe she's 74 years old - she doesn't have that old, damp boaty smell. Altogether a very comfortable boat, and for me, personally, the trip around the San Juan Islands was perfect. Captain and crew were great, the food was fabulous. I'm so happy to know the Catalyst is still in service and available for cruising and I do plan on coming up again as soon as I can - can't thank you enough!" CB-Fall 2006 . . . . . . . Essay written by a 2006 guest:The best memories happen when you are inside a small space and outside of yourself. While the rest of the boat slept, tired from a day of sea kayaking, Adrian, the engineer, Erica, the cook, and I sat around the kitchen table. It was 9:30 and the afterglow of sunset still hung on the horizon. They were both knitting, and Erica told stories about her grandmother. Their hands moved skillfully in tune with the clicking needles. I smiles at Adrian, the twenty-nine year old guy knitting a hot pink bikini for his girlfriend, when he suggested that I learn. Kayaking, yes, hiking with bears - expected, but learning to knit in Alaska? Not what I had anticipated. I asked, "How do you start?" Erica chuckled and said, "There's no turning back now." She taught me how to cast on and then delicately showed the steps to knitting. I started very slowly, but as the night wore on our needles were clicking in a three part harmony with our stories and laughter as the background music. As the hat I was knitting took shape, I learned about Erica's year spent working at the South Pole, where she met her husband. Adrian shared that in his boredom one day he turned his backyard into a garlic garden. We were outside of ourselves spread out in the kitchen air, tied together with the soft yarn we knitted into a hat, a bikini, and a sweater. The next morning we woke to a cold, windy rainstorm. We slipped into our already exhausted rain gear and climbed into our kayaks. We made our way through what the Stickeen Indians call "skookum chuck, skookum chuck" or "strong water, strong water," and after some hard paddling, we arrived in an isolated cove. The crescendo of the humming waterfalls intensified as we glided further into seclusion. Guided by a team of bald eagles and protected by the snow capped mountains, we were untouchable. A pair of dolphins escorted us out of the cove, as we watched nature in its purest form. We were paddling toward the boat, wet and cold, when a speck of slick black skin broke the water's surface next to my kayak. Almost as an applause for enduring the rain, the now familiar sound of a whale spout followed. I stopped paddling and allowed the minki whale to satisfy its curiosity, before turning back toward the warmth of the Catalyst. Adrian, Erica, and I sat again thawing our fingers in our knitting and warming our insides with hot chocolate. As Erica fixed on of the many mistakes I made as a beginning knitter, I glanced out the window to see humpback whales spouting and breeching against a backdrop of blue crystal icebergs. My eyes followed the water to the top of a mountain while the smell of chocolate chip cookies filled the small room. Nature was at the same time outside and away from us and inside and a part of us, in one way making us feel small and insignificant and in another large and empowered. -RM- 2006 . . . . . . . "Thanks again for a simply awesome trip...words can't describe it. We look forward to our next trip with you!" MB and family/2006. . . . . . . "We had a trip of a lifetime! Other than maybe seeing a bear feeding on salmon we did experience and see so much. Being in the center of humpback whales bubble net feeding, lunge feeding, tail slapping/lobbing, breaching and listening to their songs was a highlight. We really saw the wilderness of Alaska - the fjords, the wildlife, the rainforest -and experiencing it at a level to appreciate it. The crew was so accommodating, fun, knowledgeable, pleasant, welcoming with excellent food, wonderful information about Alaska, appreciation for the CATALYST (its age and beauty), and confidence in the captain and crew. Instead of interfacing with a buffet, we had a unique experience of interfacing with wonderful people and the beauty of Alaska. Thank you one and all. You really attended to every detail." AZ and PZ/2006. . . . . . . "We didn't think it could get any better than our 2000 trip on the WESTWARD…but it did! We liked the CATALYST- as a ship- much better. We absolutely loved our trip on the CATALYST - one thing we very much liked was the connection between the crew and guests - we very quickly felt we were traveling all as a group - not as crew and passengers. It was a great trip, it just passed too fast!" WR and BR/ 2006. . . . . . . "Wanted to let you know that my family had THE MOST WONDERFUL, WONDROUS trip with Bill and the crew. Among the eight of us, you can imagine that we had built up a huge reservoir of anticipation. The trip was everything we hoped it would be… and more! We never imagined what an immense treat, for example, the food would be! Erica is both an artist and magician in the galley!" LD/ 2006. . . . . . . "We had a wonderful trip... came home very relaxed, with great pictures and stories to tell. Enjoyed the crew and other guests." PD and DD/2006. . . . . . . Letter from some 2005 M/V Catalyst adventurers:"We would like to thank you and the crew of the Catalyst for a wonderful vacation. What a beautiful vessel and an incredible journey on
the Inside Passage! . . . . . . . |
| Meg and Frank |
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"After spending a few days with the captain and crew I was amazed to realize that the Catalyst doesn't offer just kayaking or wildlife trips, but a complete experience, a personal experience, from early mornings drinking coffee with Heidi (the chef) before the guests have gotten up to taking a few turns on the wheel in the pilot house. The Catalyst experience is as much about what you have to offer and what you want to share as what they have to offer. It seems that being on board whisked me away from "what" I am to "who I am", which to me was extremely refreshing. I felt no pressure to join in, no pressure to see it all, to take it all in, no pressure to even get up early if I felt like sleeping in. What I did feel and what I enjoyed so much, is the sense of being part of this great boat and wonderful crew, an invitation almost to come along for the ride, to enjoy myself and to just be. It made me want to jump in with both feet." |
| ~ BC, Washington |
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"We just returned late last night from the Catalyst and we want you to know that we had an absolutely wonderful time on your boat and in Alaska… the crew bent over backwards to please us and do everything in their power for us to have a good time. It was a trip of a LIFETIME!!! We absolutely loved Heidi and her cooking...she generously gave us lots of her yummy recipes. We have never eaten this good in a week...none of us want to go on a scale for awhile….. We will definitely be back for another trip on the Catalyst another summer." |
| ~ JC-Madison, Wisconsin |
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| "We all expected to be awed by Alaska, but none of us was truly prepared for the majesty of the landscape and the sheer beauty and variety of the Inside Passage. And none of us realized how special the crew would be. We learned so much and had such a terrific time with each and every one of them. They really mad all the difference... We are hoping to plan another trip in the summer of 2005. Thank you for providing these lovely yachts for charter" |
| ~ CH, Massachusetts |
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| "The trip was at least one of the finest, if not the finest trip that we have taken as a family. Of course the ambiance of the boat and the beauty of Alaska had alot to do with the quality of the trip, more importantly was the warmth and friendliness of the crew... they made us all feel welcome and went out of their way to be sure each of us had an enjoyable experience" |
| ~ LM, Colorado |
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| "Cannot imagine a better way to experience the Alaska coast. Each night we went to bed thinking that that day had to be the highlight of the trip, only to be surprised the next day with more remarkable experiences" |
| ~ PR, Ohio |
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| "A trip of a life time...so far. Wonderful food - a perfect combination of comfortable and elegant." |
| ~ PF, Minnesota |
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| "I love to travel, have been many places and really hate cold water. I would go with you all in a heartbeat- it was the best vacation I've ever had!" |
| ~ MC, California |
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| "The skipper and the crew helped me do more than I thought I was capable of handling...good care of this almost 90 year old man" |
| ~ JD, Massachusetts |
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| "A superb wilderness travel and educational experience that exceeded all my expectations...Sincere thanks for the kindness, skill, warmth and professionalism that is the hallmark of Pacific Catalyst" |
| ~ AB, Colorado |
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