"Focus On What Matters Most" by Hunter H. McIntosh

"Focus On What Matters Most" by Hunter H. McIntosh 

Reprinted with permission from Hunter H. McIntosh, President, The Boat Company

With the transition of power now over, and the process of seating a new Presidential cabinet under way at the time I write this, we all watch the news with bated breath in anticipation of who will be the next Secretary of this, or Ambassador of that. At the end of the day, with so much fear gripping our nation, the reality is that we are a country of checks and balances.

As a small business focused on nature-based tourism in Southeast Alaska, as well as the protection and preservation of the Tongass National Forest, like many we have our concerns. Conservation has always been at the heart of our mission, and we are passionate about taking action to protect this amazing area we cruise throughout each year. However, we also are dedicated to providing our guests with the best wilderness experience that Alaska has to offer. And so, in this issue, we share with you some current events about our government and the Tongass, in the hopes we might inspire you to help us in our land protection efforts. And as always, we share some personal stories, company updates and compelling photographs to hold you over until we see you again {hopefully sooner than later!}
We strive to make your travel experiences so memorable, that you tell your friends and family members about The Boat Company. You, your kids and your grandkids telling stories – of fish you caught the size of a grown man, the one that was even bigger that "got away", or the mother bear and cubs you got to watch fish for salmon 100 yards away from you – those are the memories we strive to make sure you take home with you.

If you were fortunate enough to travel aboard either of our two vessels in 2016, you were witness to some of the most amazing wildlife experiences we have seen. From the humpback whales performing a ballet above the water as they breeched over and over again, to the 8-year-old who counted more than two dozen unique individual bald eagles in a single day, having never seen one in real life prior to her trip to Alaska. These are the reasons we do what we do, and why you all have chosen to travel with us. If you have missed us and would like to come back again, we encourage you to keep an eye on our website as availability is disappearing quicker than the polar ice caps.

2017 is looking to be another great season, with over 95% occupancy and 90% crew retention. There will be a great many familiar faces aboard the LISERON and MIST COVE. As mariners have been saying for centuries, we wish you Fair Winds and Following Seas during your summer adventures.