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Captain Jeffrey raising the David B Flag

This past weekend we kicked off the 2024 season with our annual open boat tours. It was a great time getting to know prospective guests, regular and returning guests, as well as, people simply curious about the David B.  

Our open boat tours also serve a more selfish purpose in that they force us to wrap up all the winter projects, such as new systems installations and modifications. For those of you keeping track of the David B, you already know we just can’t leave well-enough-alone, like adding a second generator and a second reverse-osmosis water maker to the boat, not to mention making modifications to our Chinook and Coho Cabins. 

Way back in 2005 when we were laying out the how the cabins would be built, we assumed our clientele would be more often couples who wished to share a bed, which is still pretty much the case. However, over the last five-or-so years we have noticed that we have a lot more people traveling together who are happy to share a cabin, but would prefer their own bed. So this winter, Jeffrey and Jeff, from Kingfisher Craftsman, put their heads together to come up with an ingenious way to adapt the queen-sized bunks in the Chinook and Coho cabins to be converted to either staggered twin bunks for people who would like to share a cabin, but not a bed – or to keep the cabins made-up as queen-sized bunks.

Chinook Cabin Bunks on Left and Coho Cabin Bunks on Right 

If you are already signed-up for one of these cabins this summer, Sarah will be reaching out to you as your trip nears to ask you which option you would prefer.

Getting back to the open boat…It was so much fun meeting new people and seeing lots of folks who have traveled with us in the past. As you might suspect we love getting to show off the David B and talk about all the ways we continue to make the David B the best boat for you to cruise on in Alaska or in Washington state’s San Juan Islands. 
 
We do still have a few openings for 2024 and several specials going on, so give Sarah a call at 360-474-7218, or shoot her an email. 

Here is our current 2024 and 2025 schedules: https://northwestnavigation.com/schedule-and-rates

Warmly,

Christine
First Mate, Head Chef and Chief Naturalist

Log Loading Day always means the season is getting so close!
See what it takes to keep our Sweetheart Stove happy.

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!