Discovery Voyages Newsletter

In Memory of Suzie

It's with great sadness, but also, with fond and happy memories, that I dedicate this issue to the grand socialite of Prince William Sound, Oyster Suzie, who passed away in late January after a two year battle with cancer.

Many of you who have traveled with us certainly will remember Suzie, her husband Dave, and their oyster farm in Eaglek Bay. Suzie is known not only around Alaska for her famous oysters but also has been showcased in numerous media presentations nationwide. Our almost 15 years of weekly trips to the oyster farm became known as "The Oyster Suzie Show". We would bring Suzie and Dave's mail, groceries and other supplies to their remote corner of the Sound, trading with them for fresh oysters. Suzie loved meeting people and talking about hers and Dave's life in the wilds of Eaglek Bay.

She entertained our guests each week during our stop at the farm. Often, I had to "shoo her away" so that I could get the Discovery underway towards our next destination. In recent years, large tour operations have "discovered" Suzie and actually hired her to come onboard and "talk" with their guests. At Christmas time, Suzie and Dave's mailbox would fill with greetings from around the world.

Although her passing from this life is a painful experience for us all, if we stop and picture Suzie, for even just a brief moment, we'll find ourselves smiling from ear to ear. Was there ever a person with such infectious joy, laughter, and happiness as Suzie ???? Oyster Dave is here in town gathering supplies and parts to get back out to the oyster farm and pick up where he left off, months ago. I plan to load him and his supplies up on the Discovery soon and head out to Eaglek Bay.

Another newsworthy piece of recent Alaskan history is how two of Discovery’s crew members made it into Alaska’s largest newspaper. One of which made it onto not only the front cover page news but also the back page as well. In November, Sarah was photographed by a Daily News sport photographer while riding her mountain bike, complete with ice studded tires, across frozen Portage Lake. The scene is remarkable because of the frozen – in – place icebergs that Sarah and her partner Steve are biking in, on, and around. She and Steve are pretty hard core outdoor enthusiasts.

Several hilarious photos in the Daily News front and back pages were of none other than the Discovery’s queen of humor, laughs, and activities, Sam (Samantha) Guse. Sam and her lady friends were pictured at the Talkeetna bachelor ball counting their money prior to bidding on the cutest guys being auctioned off for the evening. It’s actually a fund raising event and is in good “Alaskan” taste. Apparently, the Daily News writer covering the evening event couldn’t resist the wild ladies being led by that guru of laughter, Sam. I’ve saved a copy of the Daily News story for those of you who will be out with us this summer.

Soon after our return to Alaska, Hannah (who’s in the 9th. grade this year) went to Anchorage for SAT tests. Her plan is to “see where she stands” academically so that she can “see where to focus” her next years of effort at school.

Heather is still attending school in Japan and doing well. Last month, she had a valuable life experience which could never be discovered here in our small town in Alaska.

She was robbed!!! Actually, she was the victim of a pick - pocket and lost her monthly bus and lunch fare ($500.00)! The life lessons here …. there are people out there who will hurt you and...keep your valuables in a safe place.

Throughout March and April, we plan to be out in the Sound onboard the Discovery with a group of scientists working on sea bird and marine mammal studies. One of the projects is a continuation of last Fall’s work with Harlequin Ducks and their continued exposure to toxic hydrocarbons from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The other projects are population surveys of various sea birds and marine mammals such as seals, sea otters, whales, sea lions, etc.

Although the winter weather here at 60 degrees north latitude can create some challenges (like winds over 100 mph!) for us while working out in the Sound during this time of year, I’ve discovered all of the good “hiding places” over the years which offer shelter from these often stormy winter conditions. Also, the Discovery was designed and built for year around service here in coastal Alaska. Her heavy displacement hull is right at home in the kind of seas encountered within Prince William Sound during the winter months. Having a full size oil fired furnace with circulating hot water heat, similar to the one in many homes, keeps us warm and dry in even the coldest of times.

The Discovery’s original use from 1958 to 1982 was with the Presbyterian Church Missions (of New York, NY), who provided year around missionary service to the small Alaskan Native communities along the coast. This is not a far cry from her tasks today ….. carrying scientists during the winter, working on various studies in the Sound, and showing visitors, during the spring and summer … why it is that we love it here sooooo much.

The winter of '06 and '07 has seen me in various stages of fitful restlessness. Wanting to be in Hawaii (which I did for three and a half weeks), wanting to be home enjoying the peace and quiet of my small town (which I am doing currently), wanting to see my family outside (California and Oregon), and wanting time to pass both quickly and slowly. Projects have seemed endless, from re doing my floors, to shoveling snow to fixing my flooded car to shoveling snow to working on my baking skills to shoveling snow and the idleness of a Sunday morning espresso and newspaper.

In January, I participated in an event called the Polar Bear Jump, an American Cancer Society fundraiser in Seward that involved me and 75 other crazies jumping into the 37 degree waters of resurrection bay! Yes, I did it. Yes, I survived. And yes, everything is still in working order.

Also, in January a dear friend of mine and ours passed away. Oyster Susie died in Dave’s arms after a battle with cancer. And though it was a sad day, her smile and contagious spirit will always bring happiness to my memory of her. Although I love and appreciate my free time, I’m looking forward to "working" again, having my days full amidst the beauty of Prince William Sound on the discovery.

I have enjoyed my relaxing winter living in Anchorage this year. Close to family and friends, it always seems like something is going on. I appreciate spending time with my 92 year old grandfather. Who has been a huge influence in my life especially as a kid growing up in small town Alaska. The highlight so far was my trip to Hawaii in January. Three weeks of sunshine and fun just didn't seem long enough. I am looking into a longer trip for next fall to Maui involving massage school. I am excited about learning a new skill and becoming a licensed massage therapist. For now though, I will keep shoveling snow and dodging those big moose while on the trails until it is time to get ready for our spring birding trip in April. I hope everyone is having a great winter and please keep in touch. Please keep in touch.
samanthaguse@yahoo.com.

There have been so many wonderful things going on this winter for me! I finished my teaching job in December just in time for multiple snow “dumps” that have made this one of the best ski seasons I’ve had in nine winters in Alaska. Two great friends have found their ways back to Alaska, and Steve, my partner, has finally changed his work schedule to have some free time.

I have been working part-time teaching 4th graders about Leave No Trace Principles, Outdoor Essentials, and snowshoeing. I am still volunteering teaching adaptive skiing, and will forever be digging holes in the snow for avalanche forecasting for myself and for the Forest Service. I had a great time visiting family in Wisconsin in February, even though it was much, much, much colder there than in Anchorage! I have a few amazing ski trips planned to Valdez and British Colombia, and am helping another friend drive from Chicago back to Alaska in April.

I am also looking forward to being back out in the Sound this summer and meeting all of our guests, new and returning. Thanks again to all who have sent emails, cards and gifts! See you this summer!

I have had the good fortune of spending most of January and February traveling in and around Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco Mexico, with a short foray south (by bus) to the sleepy village of La Manzanilla where pelicans are the local fisherman and long walks on the 3 mile shallow beach invite daydreams of world peace. Wireless is an amazing phenomenon! It allows me to cultivate my creative self and stay in touch with all of you while maintaining the Discovery office south of the border.

Okay so I have a great boss too! Captain Dean has taken several calls over the past several weeks and sent out a bountiful supply of brochures. Seems as if we have had a flood of bookings since the first of the year with many sold out dates. We appreciate your patience and support of the Discovery while I bask in palm breezes and frolic in a warm ocean gathering poetic musings, painting and other artful endeavors. It is my intention to write about "otherness" and social borders and my relationship to this world of great upheaval and beauty. One poem, one painting and counting. . .

On the office front we have several sold out dates but still availability on a variety of departures including our 8 day Solstice Voyage June 16 - 23, 2007. What a great way to celebrate the longest day of the year -- exploring the beauty of Prince William Sound via the Discovery! Also, due to the requests for those already planning for next season we have posted an abbreviated schedule for 2008 on our website and are actively taking reservations! I am back in the office soon and look forward to hearing from you.

Hugh is currently on a month long rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. Please call or email if you have any questions about activities or gear for future trips.

~ Hi to all from Captain Dean ~

Welcome to our Winter 2007 newsletter.

In Memory of Suzie