Greetings from the Discovery Crew

Hello everyone,

Already August and summer is underway at full speed.  The berries are ripe, bear are catching salmon in the streams and the days are already getting noticeably shorter.  The crew and I are happily busy running back to back tours with our usual complement of wonderful travelers.  Thank you!

The Rand Family

Captain Dean and Happy dog

Happy the Dog has learned how to steer the Discovery with the help of strategically placed treats in the wheelhouse, and all the children love him.

My daughters will return to Alaska soon, after a summer off the boat visiting relatives “outside”.  Heather (recently 17) will soon head for Japan where she will spend her junior year of high school.  I will miss her greatly but am very proud of her academic ambitions.  Hannah (soon turning 14) will be back on board the Discovery for our final three weeks of tours where she will be working under our new and outstanding chef, Matt in the kitchen.  I look forward to her light touch in the kitchen and hearing her beautiful music in the evenings. 

Good energy and much love to all

~ Captain Dean

Chef Matt Tocchini

Chef Matt Tocchini

What an amazing introduction to Prince William Sound and boat life aboard the Discovery! My first season has been a mental battle between tourist and employee. I am mesmerized by the sights, sounds and sheer beauty of this wonderland while I worry suddenly if I am burning anything! It has been one enjoyable character after another, as our wide variety of guests keeps me on my toes both conversationally and culinarily. Though I miss out on the "off boat" adventures all I have to do is look out my kitchen window at this million dollar view to realize I am the luckiest cook around. I love my job!

Sample Noshing from the Discovery Kitchen

All our guest comment forms collected this summer already include complimentary commentary on the culinary delights prepared by our new Chef Matt Toccini!  Here is a sampling of the fare enjoyed by those venturing into the wilderness on board the Discovery:

Breakfast: 
A variety of Quiche:
Smoked salmon & tarragon
Smoked tomato avocado onion cheese
Feta spinach mushroom
Rosemary potatoes
Buttery Croissants
Fresh Fruit
Juice, fresh ground coffee, ½ & ½, hot tea

Lunch:
Smoked salmon dip with cream cheese and cucumbers
5 Bean Soup served with fresh baked
Fennel Parmesan or Garlic Focaccia
or
A selection of European cheeses and smoked salmon
French onion soup
Orzo salad (basil, feta, peas, tomato, pine nuts)

Dinner:
Starters:
Baked brie & Seafood Bruchetta
Halibut Andaman (light curry sauce over macadamia nut crust)
Fresh snap peas with red & yellow peppers
Dirty Rice
or
Marinated Filet Mignon
Fresh Asparagus Spears
Wild greens salad

Dessert:  Tiramisu or Key Lime Pie

We offer a nice selection of wine and beer for your dining pleasure and a small bar with whiskey and cordials.  Bottled water and a variety of soft drinks are also available.

~ Matt

Samantha Guse

Sam on a shoreside hike.

It has been a fabulous summer on the Discovery for me, says Sam.  “Me too” echoes Sarah.  We have had an array of interesting guests, unpredictable weather and great wildlife sightings including lots of bear.  I love the family groups!  Especially sharing the special parts of Prince William Sound with children, parents and their grandparents.  I enjoy the couples and singles too.  At the end of the week everyone feels like family.  I want to add a special “thank you” to Wilbur & Marilyn Flachman of Colorado who joined us with another special group of friends. This was their 4th visit on the Discovery and we look forward to the 5th. 

Sarah Heck

Sarah Heck, guide and deckhand.

Prince William Sound has shown its grandeur for me again this summer. Such drama in its weather and wild beauty and now the berries are ripe for picking and staining our tongues and fingertips. With fall quickly approaching and the end of our summer season we are already seeing new snow on the mountains and our bellies are filled with berries. Thanks to all the guests who have been on the boat this summer and for sending us great letters and photos. Cheers!

~Sarah

Brenda Roper

Brenda Roper

From the Anchorage Office:  Tidbits from Brenda

Discovery Voyages and long-time photo guide/naturalist Hugh Rose are teaming up in 2007 to introduce the Grand Alaska Photo and Wildlife Journey an 11 day/10 night Fairbanks to Anchorage all inclusive small group adventure: including the best of Denali National Park and Prince William Sound. Space is limited to 8 people and includes lodging deep inside Denali National Park, 5 days on the Discovery in Prince William Sound, flightseeing, hiking, kayaking, and photo tips to remember it all long after the adventure is over.

Give me a call if you have any questions 800.324.7602.

~Brenda

Hugh Rose - Discovery Guest Guide

Photographer and guide, Hugh Rose.

Please call or email if you have any questions about activities or gear for future trips.

~Hugh