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We’re Always Too Busy to Take Time Off 

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that Jeffrey and I are dedicated to our business, our clients, and of course, the David B. And this means is that we are always coming up with excuses as to why we are too busy to take a break or to go on a vacation. Each day we wake up and hit the ground running. I’m sometimes amazed by just how much coffee we drink in the “off-season.” Our to-do lists are long and grow like weeds on a warm spring day. When we entertain the idea of going and doing something fun, we usually look at the calendar, count the days until the season begins, and then decline the chance to go ski, or maybe even sit on a beach and stare at the water with warm sand between our toes. This is not a good way to be. 

For the last couple of years, we have been trying to remember that taking a break, experiencing something new, or visiting a favorite place or good friends is really the right thing to do. That it’s ok not to work all the time. That it’s ok to let the to-do list simmer for a bit. So, this winter we made it a point to set down our to-do lists, pack up the car and go visit some friends in the Tahoe area, as well as finally commit to a vacation with my sister and her husband to visit good friends in Juneau. Additionally, both visits also held the promise of getting to spend time hitting the slopes. 

Our first trip was a road trip to Tahoe. It was scheduled somewhat at the last minute, and we really questioned ourselves whether we had the time to go. We knew it would be a dash to get there and back. However, we’ve learned that like writing a story, or drawing a picture, sometimes it’s better to step away for a break and come back to our tasks with a freshness that you don’t get by just powering through.  

It was so much fun! Our friends Bill and Andi opened their home to us, introduced us to their friends, and we got to ski at a couple of fantastic resorts. Interestingly, it was the chairlift rides with our friends that were the best. We caught up on all the things we’ve been doing, and talked about how much we looked forward to seeing them on the boat this summer. We also got a chance to ski with one of their friends who will be coming on the David B for the first time. We also got to meet their new dog Chloe who won our hearts with her determination and focus as she asked us to play fetch again and again. 

Our second trip we’d been planning for a longer time. It included a business meeting to put some logistics in place for the summer, but it was also at the end of February and beginning of March. March first is the deadline for starting any new projects on the boat and is also the beginning of the biggest push to finish up all the winter projects in progress, not to mention that as soon as we got home, we would take the David B to the boatyard for its annual haulout.  

As we packed for the trip, yes, there were a million tasks to complete so it was hard to let the to-do list simmer. However, several days of skiing, making meals, enjoying the company of family, friends and their dogs confirmed this trip was the right thing to do. Now I’m so thankful that we didn’t talk ourselves out of either of these trips.  

While we wait for our return flight out of Juneau, I find myself scrolling through all the pictures of the last two weeks on my phone. I’m filled with happy feelings as I relive the moments of joy, laughter, shared meals, and unique experiences. I feel renewed, reconnected to people I love and eager to get back to work. I’m ready to put on my work clothes and start prepping the David B for the summer.  

I can’t tell you how excited I am for this upcoming season. I look forward to welcoming everyone on the boat, sharing meals and experiences and making memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes you need to renew yourself so you can be a part of an experience that renews others.  
 
If you haven’t already booked your trip, don’t delay. Now is always the best time to renew yourself aboard the David B.  

Sincerely,

Christine
First Mate, Head Chef and Naturalist

PS
If you would like to renew yourself on the David B, now’s the time to contact Sarah in Reservations. She’s happy to help you find the perfect trip. You can see our 2024 and 2025 trips at our Schedule and Rates Page.

• Alaska Fjords with Pack Creek Bear Viewing – Petersburg to Juneau
• Glacier Bay – Round trip Auke Bay (Juneau)
• Alaska Fjords – Round trip Juneau
• San Juan Islands – Round trip Bellingham

Upcoming Events
 

Spring is a busy time here around David B HQ. Jeffrey is working on wooden boat projects, Christine is editing our marketing efforts and Sarah keeps reminding them both that our season starts in just 12 weeks!

In addition to our photography workshop Q&A listed above, we have two other events happening that, if you are in the Bellingham area, you can join us in person.

And if you are not in Bellingham, be sure to check out our current 2024 and 2025 schedules: https://northwestnavigation.com/schedule-and-rates

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Travelogue From Glaciers to Rain Forests: Encounters with the Nature of Southeast Alaska

Prepare for an immersive journey through the pristine landscapes of Southeast Alaska with Christine Smith, head naturalist for the last 18-years aboard the Motor Vessel David B.

Join Christine as she presents a captivating slideshow that showcases her deep connection to this remarkable region. Through vivid imagery and engaging storytelling, she’ll transport you to the heart of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Park, revealing the secrets of its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife.

Gain a unique perspective on this awe-inspiring destination as Christine’s passion and expertise shine through in this informative and visually stunning presentation.

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024

Time: 7-9pm PT

Where: Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, WA

How to Register: email Christine at: christine@northwestnavigation.com

Cost: Free/$5 suggested donation

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Spring Open Boat

Come see the David B and crew before they depart for their 19th season in Alaska!

We will take appointments for small groups of up to 6 guests to tour and see the inside of the David B, meet the crew and have all your questions answered.

Email Sarah to make your appointment today!

Date: Saturday and Sunday, April 13 & 14, 2024

Time: 2-6pm (30 minute appointments for groups of 6 max)

Location: Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, WA

Cost: Free

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If you have any questions about our upcoming events or trips, just let me know. I’m happy to help! 

We hope to see you all there!

Since 2017, we have been lucky enough to have seasoned photographers John D’Onofrio and Alan Sanders sharing their passion and expertise with our passengers. We wanted to highlight their backgrounds with you as well as our Photography Workshops on the M/V David B.

John D’Onofrio’s photography has been exhibited widely in museums and galleries around the United States and utilized by the National Park Service, the National Forest Service, the National Parks Foundation, the North Cascades Institute, and Defenders of Wildlife, and the NBC and ABC television networks.

His images have been published in numerous calendars and magazines, including National Geographic Adventure, Trail Runner, Washington Trails, Tracks and Trails, and coffee table books including The Wild Nearby: Finding Beauty and Renewal in the North Cascades (Mountaineers Books) and The Salish Sea (Sasquatch Press). His film, Cascadia Dreams, a multi-media collaboration with photographer Lance Ekhart and Native American Flute Master Gary Stroutsos was featured as part of the San Juan Islands Film Festival.

He is the publisher/editor of Adventures Northwest Magazine and the author of Hiking Mt. Baker & the North Cascades (Hancock House) and co-author of Images of America: Mount Baker (Arcadia Publishing).

A life-long wilderness traveler, he is inspired by the luminous landscapes of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest and has made it his life’s work to share these deep connections through photography, literature, and film. Committed to helping others capture both the grandeur and intimate details of our diverse landscapes, he has led photography workshops for the past eight years aboard the M/V David B and at the North Cascades Institute, and loves nothing more than a good adventure. Check out his website at www.jdonofrio.com.

Alan Sanders has been making photographs since the 70’s and teaching photography since the 80’s. He has taught at the University of Alaska, Anchorage and Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.

As a recovering commercial photographer specializing in advertising and public relations, Alan now concentrates on his own fine art photography. His photographs have been in many group and one person shows over the years. He has work in the permanent collections of several museums as well as many private collections. Alan has also spent many years doing custom printing, both analog and digital, and still loves to see a good quality print.

Currently he teaches workshops at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham as well as at location workshops, mostly in Alaska on the M/V David B.

To see Alan’s workshops visit his website.

To learn more about John and Alan, listen to our Northwest Navigation Podcast where we talk with them about their philosophies, photography, wilderness, and being in the moment. Listen here…

So, are you ready to see the world through a new lens? Check out our website for more details on our photography workshop itineraries, rates, and availability. We can’t wait to see you on board! 

Photography Workshops on the David B

Have you ever imagined capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park or Tongass National Forest? Maybe you’ve wanted to view the serene landscapes of the San Juan Islands through your lens? Well, guess what, our photography workshops aboard the Motor Vessel David B are just the ticket for that!

Picture this: You’re surrounded by majestic narrow Yosemite-esque granite fjords, with a camera in hand and a heart full of adventure. Our photography workshops are a journey of discovery. And don’t worry if you’re just starting out or if you’re a seasoned pro – our workshops are perfect for all skill levels.

For the last seven years we’ve teamed up with up Adventures Northwest Magazine editor and photographer John D’onofrio, and seasoned photography and Lightroom instructor, Al Sanders to inspire and guide your photographic journey. John and Al are not just experts; they’re passionate about sharing their knowledge, and their enthusiasm for the art of photography. Their love of the craft will inspire you to capture those picture-perfect moments. Since we are limited to a maximum size of eight participants there is plenty of one-on-one time with our instructors.

Our guests often tell us how these workshops have transformed their photography skills.

Absolutely an enchanting experience. Learning to see things differently…opens your eyes to seeing beauty in all things. Superb instruction and wonderful people. If you are thinking about this workshop – Do not hesitate. Sign up. 

-Gayle S. 2023 

So, are you ready to see the world through a new lens? Check out our website for more details on our itineraries, rates, and availability. We can’t wait to see you on board!

Christine
Chief Naturalist, Head Chef, First Mate and Avid Photographer