Greg Aboard MV Mist Cove

I hate to use the saying “Trip of a Lifetime” as I hope to have a lifetime of trips of a lifetime.   However, I had the great fortune to travel aboard M/V Mist Cove in May for 7 days through Southeast Alaska.  The 157 foot, aluminum-hulled minesweeper offers luxuriously comfortable accommodations for 24 passengers.  Clients have been bragging about their fabulous experiences aboard the vessel for years, so it was phenomenal to see it for myself.

Late May and early June hold some of the best weather of the summer in Southeast Alaska offering typically our driest, warmest weather of the year, and our week did not disappoint. Calm seas and sunny skies greeted us nearly every day.

Guided activities depart directly from the vessel, starting as early as 5:30am and ending just before sunset.  All are optional, but why not take advantage of every opportunity to explore the Tongass?  Highlights included: catching King Salmon in Chatman Strait, fly fishing for Cutthroat Trout in Lake Eva, kayaking among icebergs in Endicott Arm, watching Dall’s Porpoise, Humpback Whales and Stellar Sea Lions literally surround our skiff at Point Hugh, and hiking the red bluffs of Red Bluff Bay.

Captain Eric has an open bridge policy, offering the best view on the yacht.  After having me spend a major portion of the week in the bridge, Eric may be reconsidering this policy…

The crew literally exhausted themselves tending to all of our wishes and needs.  Simon, the steward, has had three of his older brothers precede him in service aboard the Mist Cove, and he did his family proud.  Chef Amber & her side kick, Justin, kept control over a dizzying array of dietary restrictions while producing fresh, delicious meals three times a day.  Our guides, Kendra, JJ, Josh and Nick got folks on fish and shared their favorite secret spots of the Tongass National Forest with us.  The first mate, Chris, after a bit of prodding, let us know he was nearly sixty years old, though he had the spirit and attitude of a 25 year old, and set the pace on hikes while keeping spirits sky high through the entire voyage.

Start to finish, the whole experience blew me away, and I live in Southeast Alaska!

Greg Schlachter is owner of Expedition Broker, Alaska’s premier adventure travel agency based in Haines, Alaska.