InnerSea Discoveries has the finest crew around, this is what makes every trip such a wonderful experience. The crew consists of the finest chefs, most knowledgeable crewmembers, experienced expedition leaders and leading naturalists.
Please visit www.InnerSeaDiscoveries.com to book your next trip. It will be an experience you will cherish for a lifetime.
Let's take a look at the Land & Sea Crew gMack is traveling with...
The Wilderness Discoverer
"Marce" Branni
Captain "Marce" Branniff
CAPTAIN
Wilderness Discoverer
Wild places of the world—those thoughts became ever more prevalent as Captain Marce pursued a degree in environmental geography at Clark University in Massachusetts. The ability to travel, experience different cultures and destinations is a geographer’s dream job.
Unsurprisingly, when the opportunity to join a small ship traveling to remote places arose more than 15 years ago—conducting oceanographic and hydrographic research in the South Pacific, Southern Ocean, and east coast between BVI and New England—she climbed aboard and without looking back began a seagoing career. Marce also worked on salmon habitat restoration for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington, prompting an invitation to become an honorary member of the Yakima Indian Nation. And during her career, she has received two USCG Public Service Commendations.
Captain Marce is a natural explorer. Hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, a cross-country road trip on her Harley, and a bucket list that includes hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada is testament. You may find her sailing, deep in the woods with backpack and compass, reading tales of other’s adventures… or camped out at a poker table, and if you’re at the table too, be sure to bring your A game.
Laurie Cooper
Laurie CooperEXPEDITION GUIDE
Wilderness Discoverer
The best advice Laurie ever received, “live where you recreate.” She grew up in Columbia, Maryland, but following that advice brought her to where she now calls home—Southeast Alaska, specifically Douglas Island (across Gastineau channel from Juneau).
Being able to share and explore the wonder of Southeast Alaska is her motivation and it never gets old. Laurie graduated from the University of Maryland – College Park with a degree in government and political science and is a certified Wilderness First Responder, CPR/AED. She spent 11 years working in nonprofit conservation focused on protecting wild places in the Tongass National Forest and prior to joining us, served as rainforest program director of the Alaska Wilderness League.
A cake lover, biting into a slice of chocolate goodness can rank right up there with watching humpback whales breach for Laurie. But she does love the outdoors… trail running, snowboarding, kayaking, camping… anything outdoors. One of the most challenging and exhilarating things she’s ever done was learning to surf in Costa Rica. We’ll bet she has some bodacious stand-up paddle board moves to show you!
Kim Dahm
Kim Dahm
EXPEDITION GUIDE
Wilderness DiscovererKim grew up in Lynnwood, Washington, but after joining our family—American Safari Cruises (sister brand to InnerSea Discoveries) as a steward during the summer of 2006—she fell in love with Alaska and a few years later decided to make Southcentral Alaska home. Since then, Kim has gotten to know a bit about Alaska.
She graduated from Boise State University with a degree in exercise science & physiology and has continued her training with all sorts of certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR, AED, PADI Open Water Diver, and as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Staying true to her many skills, Kim once worked for a rafting company in Denali National Park, as a personal trainer at a fitness club, a trip leader and climbing instructor for a college outdoor program, and even tried her hand at bartending.
Beautiful places, great people, and being active outdoors are the keys to loving her work. And as for playtime… that list includes yoga, art, knitting, camping, hiking, snowboarding, food, travel, and new adventures. She can’t wait to explore Southeast Alaska with you and calls herself lucky to call this work.
gMack
Greg McCormack
EXPEDITION GUIDE
Wilderness Discoverer
Greg’s philosophy—if you want to stay young, make a habit of playing outside every day. For much of his adult life he’s lived on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula doing just that. He also spent a year living in the Peruvian Amazon. But at the age of five, while moving from New York City to New England with his family, Greg gained a fascination for the changing rural countryside, ultimately setting his career path.
He attended University of California-San Diego and Humboldt State University, graduating with a major in biology life science teaching and minor in Spanish. Greg worked as an education specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Denali National Park ranger; and kayak expedition leader and river guide in Alaska. He’s an avid diver (with PADI Dive Master and Cold Water Diving certifications) and is dedicated to safe fun wilderness adventures.
Favorite pastimes include kayaking, trail running, biking, studying maps, planning adventures, and physical challenges. Greg recently cycled 2,400 miles in 49 days from Canada to Mexico along the Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route and he completed a two-year, 17-country, 18,350-mile bicycle ride from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Lapatia Bay, Argentina (ask him about this journey’s special ending). His ambition… explore, discover, learn and share… after all, life is short.
Megan Nelson
Megan Nelson
EXPEDITION GUIDE
Wilderness Discoverer
A barefoot loving well-heeled traveler—who worked, volunteered and backpacked her way through six continents and 49 US states—Megan grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and today, calls Orem, Utah home.
Megan has worked in conservation education for 15 years—at the Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania and Washington, DC; Whale Camp on Grand Manan Island, Bay of Fundy; Sea Camp in the Florida Keys; and the Cincinnati Zoo. Her credentials include a Master of Science-Zoology from Brigham Young University and Wilderness First Responder certification. Her passion for conservation education is evident so having an outdoor office couldn’t be a better fit. And while she’s interested in everything from the smallest insects and plants to the biggest bears and whales, to her, the best thing about her job as expedition guide is being on the water every day and whale tails.
A lifetime of experiences has influenced her path. Swimming with whale sharks in Tanzania, catching and tagging crocodiles in Botswana, and at age five coming face-to-face with a bull moose in Yellowstone National Park. The two stopped and stared at one another until she wandered back to her family. No one believed her until minutes later the moose rounded the corner—they haven’t doubted her wildlife sightings since!
Kristin Roth
Kristin Roth
EXPEDITION GUIDE
Wilderness Discoverer
You’ve heard the old saying, “wherever I lay my hat...” well, “wherever her jeep takes her”—that’s where Kristin calls home. She grew up in New Jersey, has lived in Chile, and let us stress, loves to travel. Globetrotting for both work and play, Kristin has combed the planet exploring faraway places from North, Central and South America to Western Europe.
She is a graduate of Villanova University with degrees in sociology and elementary education. Among her many accomplishments, Kristen holds a 100 Ton Near Coastal Master license, and certifications for Able Seaman, Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and K-8 teaching. Previous jobs she’s held range from naturalist guide to chief mate and outdoor education program coordinator to cook. Lucky for us our chefs are so awesome… she claims that’s why she joined our team!
Kristin is also passionate about hiking, kayaking, biking, sailing, exploring (pretty much anything outside), good coffee and wine, and she has a fondness for dark chocolate. Rumor also has it that she has eleven toes (we think not), but perhaps that’s how she’s come so far. If you can go toe to toe with her, maybe you’ll learn her secret.
Randall Tate
Randall Tate
EXPEDITION GUIDE
Wilderness Discoverer
Recently Randall’s been living nomadic-like in a camper, but he’s actually Minnesota grown from along the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth. And while he’s never lived on a boat before now, he’s definitely done some living.
Living and working in incredible places with like-minded people who love the outdoors is a priority, but seeing people “get it” after experiencing nature in a way that changes their perspective is a reward. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in marketing and psychology, and his professional escapades range from rafting guide and photographer (phenomenal) to web developer, UPS driver and bellman. He’s also certified in STCW-95 Basic Safety (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping).
Adventure and travel go hand-in-hand for him. He once drove a jeep from London to Mongolia (curious if it could drive the 9,000 miles on liquefied petroleum gas), ascended Denali National Park’s Mt. McKinley, and survived a three-day sandstorm in the Sahara Desert while driving a $500 Opel Corsa from London to Gambia. For Randall—who’s partially colorblind and makes a strong cup of coffee—finding photography subjects and capturing the action is his all-time favorite, but so is climbing, skiing, whitewater rafting, and home-brewing… just more adventure to him!
Ashley Lowe
Ashley Lowe
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Wilderness Discoverer
Growing up in a restaurant family in the High Sierras of California, food and entertaining became second nature to Ashley. There were attempts to stray from the family business by studying Art History in college, but she was quickly drawn back to her culinary roots and into the kitchen.
After working in the fast-paced restaurants of San Francisco and running her own small, organic, sustainably-minded restaurant, she found it was—once again—time to push the reset button on life. It was kismet when Ashley discovered Southeast Alaska while working in Glacier Bay National Park. Having rediscovered her love of healthy foods, she’s now working on an advanced degree in nutrition at Bastyr University and looks forward to sharing the incredible bounty of the Pacific Northwest with you on board.
If you don’t see Ashley in the galley, try looking in the water. She might just be swimming alongside the boat or poking around with a snorkel. And she also holds bragging rights for having recipes published in Sunset Magazine.
Kevin Martin
CHIEF MATE
Wilderness Discoverer
Summers in Southeast Alaska—yes, Kevin enjoys each one more and more. And he’s quite at home navigating the waters flowing between the thousands of rainforest-cloaked islands in Southeast Alaska.
With more than six years experience as an Expedition Leader for American Safari Cruises, sister brand to InnerSea Discoveries, Kevin played a crucial role in the development of the InnerSea Discoveries itineraries. As a naturalist, he’s explored the wilderness of Alaska, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Florida, and Peruvian Amazon. The titles of photographer, care-giver for the elderly, banjo player, corner store meat cutter, and part-time pipe organ tuner can all be pegged on him too!
Kevin’s talents run deep—Certified Interpretive Guide, business degree from Graceland University, and passions for composing music, picking a tune, and cooking delicious meals. And while he’s never competed in a professional sport or won accolades for his penmanship, he has adequately cooked seven-minute brownies in just over six minutes and is very excited to take you on a journey through the Tongass National Forest that you won’t soon forget.
Beth Pike
Beth Pike
SECOND MATE
Wilderness Discoverer
Originally hailing from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Beth grew up on the water and has turned her love of the outdoors and the ocean into a career studying and sharing her passion for all things marine.
She earned a master’s degree in coastal environmental management from Duke University and has an extensive background in marine mammals and ocean eco-systems. Having spent many years driving boats, working as a naturalist, and studying whales in Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, and along the East Coast and in the Pacific Northwest regions of the United States—Beth is a fountain of knowledge.
Currently residing in Seattle, she spends her time playing sports—golf and racquetball being among her favorites—as well as hiking, sailing, exploring, and enjoying time with family and friends. Beth is excited to be returning to Alaska for a fourth summer and eager to share all of it… the way it is meant to be seen!
Katie Wixom
Katie Wixom
RELIEF MATE
Wilderness Discoverer Wilderness Adventurer
Born in Blackfoot, Idaho and raised on a sheep ranch, Katie became a jack-of-all-trades at a young age. Her numerous childhood skills included navigating tractors across hay fields, shearing sheep, and driving teams of horses.
While attending the University of Utah, Katie perfected her marksmanship skills as a member of the university’s women’s pistol team. She then relocated to the Pacific Northwest and stumbled into her career as a mariner. Following several years on passenger vessels and ocean going tugs, she recently graduated from Pacific Maritime Institute’s Workboat Mate program as their first female cadet.
It should come as no surprise to hear Katie trained for the USA Olympic Team during college (missing by only 3 points), has won a sheep shearing contest, and been seen rappelling Seattle’s downtown high rises with a window squeegee in hand! Southeast Alaska holds a special place in her heart—so get your adventure on as we get underway! For Katie, sharing this amazing place might have you running a bear trail.
First full day today in the 172-island archipelago called the. San Juan islands. We did some whale watching hoping to see the southern resident killer whale, j.k. and l-pods. Instead, we witnessed two humpback whales in Haro strait just north of lime kiln lighthouse between San Juan and Stuart islands.
In the afternoon we went ashore at Friday harbor and experienced "island time", a more relaxed vibe than the big city of seattle. Locals often barter amongst each other for goods and services. An example would be a neighbor that might trade a refrigerator for a carpentry job of building cabinets.
After dinner We set sail for sucia island and dropped anchor for the night. The sunset behind the gulf islands of Canada was spectacular but was dwarfed by the alpenglow on the glaciated slopes of mt baker, the northernmost volcano of the cascade mountain range. I was handed the ships wireless microphone to provide our guest passengers with some narration on the public address system, pointing out the sights and distant night skiing slopes in north Vancouver, site of the most recent olympics.
Tomorrow after a yoga session with our wellness instructor Leah our expedition team will drop sea kayaks and stand up paddleboards for half of our adventure enthusiasts while I will lead a shore hike in sucia state marine park for the rest of of our shipmates. After lunch we will have another round of activities along with an island buffet ashore before lifting anchor and heading north toward Alaska through the inside passage of British Colombia Canada.
Here is where we ate spending the night and all day Monday. Described as "the crown of the San Juana and the marine state park system of Washington state.
Greg is gearing up to leave port in Seattle, WA for an Alaskan Adventure with InnerSea Discoveries.
Photo: InnerSea Discoveries
Wilderness Passages of Discovery - Seattle to Juneau
Greg will be cruising the 900 nautical miles between Seattle and Juneau, leading Naturalist Expeditions and discussions through the snow-capped mountains, wildlife and birds, waterfalls, and tree-lined narrow passageways from Seattle up to Juneau, Alaska.
The InnerSea Discoveries Expedition will include wildlife and whale watching in Frederick Sound, cruising the inside passage of British Columbia and Alaska, exploring remote wilderness and island outback in Alaska, glacier calving in Endicott Arm, kayaking in Devilfish Bay, Patterson Bay, Walker Cove, Frederick Sound, and Endicott Arm, hiking on southeast Alaska's Baranof Island and in the Tongass National Forest, Klawock native village carving school and totems, exploring El Capitan Cave and the fishing village of Little Port Walter, and Inflatable skiff excursions.
Check back for updates from Greg on his Alaskan Adventure!
Island of Java, Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia. gMack w/ treasures tossed ashore from the Indian Ocean
Very few words in the English dictionary evokes memories, a sense of wonder and a yearning for travel like the word "island".
I am fascinated with islands due to the unique natural and cultural heritage associated with them.
I'm sure I've been influenced by Charles Darwin and his discoveries in the Galapagos Islands. Being a naturalist it was like a pilgrimage for me to go there 15 years ago.
Valuable first-hand experiences above and below the lava-rimmed islands gave me a knowledge I could never obtain simply by reading "The Origin of Species". I learned about a fragile and threatened archipelago dealing with issues that are commonplace all over the world: Threats due to human population and introduced species such as feral cats, dogs, goats, pigs, etc. To this day that particular peregrination has helped me in my continuing education of a favorite topic: Island Biogeography.
Over the next several months, I will present to you some of my favorite islands--continental and oceanic--in locales ranging from the tundra to the tropics.
Examples include one of the smallest specks in the ocean that somehow gets on all of the world maps despite the fact that nobody even lives there: Gaferut Atoll (pictured here) in the Caroline Islands On the other extreme, I will highlight larger islands, e.g. Java, which is not only the most populous but one of the most diverse islands in the world.
I hope you find something of interest while clicking and scrolling your way through these pages. Perhaps it will trigger thoughts or memories that you'd like to share (please leave a comment below)?
My goal in this endeavor is to rekindle a sense of wonder and encourage all of us to continue to be courageous and proud stewards of this marvelous planet. One single island, multiplied by a few, makes an archipelago. One act of conservation, multiplied by many, makes for a healthier environment.
To see my first "island of the week", please click on the navigation bar and go to "Java".
Greg is interviewed in the beautiful (and affordable at $29.95) coffee table book that was just published a few months ago by authors Duffy Healey and Elizabeth Laul Healey.
Take a look at some of the prominent movers and shakers in the marine conservation field. Included within the book are experts in oceanography and environmentally active celebrities, musicians, surfers and artists.
Greg has been in the marine conservation arena for over 30 years. He worked at the Catalina Island Marine Institute for several years in the 1980's.
Recently McCormack did a 5 year stint as an education specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. You can see a photo of Greg in the top left corner on the back cover of the beautifully illustrated book.
Visit Sea Voices at www.SeaVoices.com
gMack taking a siesta after climbing up to Crater Rim Drive. Photo by Gregg Bleakney, see greggbleakney.com
Greg just completed a 49-day bicycling adventure of 2,402 miles from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico (BC 2 BC).
Adventure Cycling Associations (ACA) newest -- and arguably the hardest -- route in their 40,000 mile network of mapped trails is called the Sierra-Cascades bicycle route.
The fabulous maps take cyclists along the paved-road equivalent of the backpackers' Pacific Crest Trail. The challenging, arduous route takes you along the spine of the volcanic peaks of the Cascades www.AdventureCycling.org dramatic scenery of the Sierra Nevada.
Mileage-wise, the PCT at 2,650 miles is a tad longer than Adventure Cyclings' 2,389-mile Sierra Cascades Bicycle Route. Plan your trip as stunning mountain scenery awaits!
gMack cycled with his buddy Gregg Bleakney (see his stunning pics/website at www.gbleakney.com). Gregg got this cover shot selected for Adventure Cyclings' 2011 Tours Catalog! His stunning photo of the lake and me was taken at Crater Lake on October 13th.
Take a siesta in a dramatic spot on the hottest October 13th ever recorded at Crater Lake and look what happens! You end up on the cover of the Rolling Stone...or even better, the Adventure Cycling Tour Catalog. Consider taking one of their fabulous tours by going to www.AdventureCycling.org!!! I can attest to the wonderful job the cartographers have done and have heard a ton of positive feedback from participants on their tours.
gMack pedals up the start of Sucheunggyeo Bridge on Ulleungdo Island. This mag is published 9 times a year by the Adventure Cycling Association. If you love cycling and excellent maps to get you to your destination, consider a membership by visiting www.adventurecycling.org
McCormack traveled to East Asia and Indochina in late 2009, bicycling incredibly varied terrain with adventure cycling partner Gregg Bleakney.
The two cyclists enjoyed island hopping and eating the delicious cuisine of kimchi in South Korea before heading to Vietnam and Cambodia for more adventures.
Vietnam was a bit challenging for cycling due to the countless millions of scooters that drive on all parts of the road and sidewalks, particularly on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). However, this did not deter the two intrepid travelers as they covered the northeast, northwest, central, southern and mountain regions of the communist country.
Bicycling through Angkor Wat --a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia was a delight.
In case you missed it, there is a link to a video "On The Kimchi Trail" about our travels in South Korea, posted by Gregg Bleakney on my home page.
Gregg Bleakney photo of gMack night cycling Gyeongju, South Korea. For an archived edition of this article, visit: http://www.adventurecycling.org/library/
Kevin Martin
CHIEF MATE
Wilderness Discoverer
Summers in Southeast Alaska—yes, Kevin enjoys each one more and more. And he’s quite at home navigating the waters flowing between the thousands of rainforest-cloaked islands in Southeast Alaska.
With more than six years experience as an Expedition Leader for American Safari Cruises, sister brand to InnerSea Discoveries, Kevin played a crucial role in the development of the InnerSea Discoveries itineraries. As a naturalist, he’s explored the wilderness of Alaska, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Florida, and Peruvian Amazon. The titles of photographer, care-giver for the elderly, banjo player, corner store meat cutter, and part-time pipe organ tuner can all be pegged on him too!
Kevin’s talents run deep—Certified Interpretive Guide, business degree from Graceland University, and passions for composing music, picking a tune, and cooking delicious meals. And while he’s never competed in a professional sport or won accolades for his penmanship, he has adequately cooked seven-minute brownies in just over six minutes and is very excited to take you on a journey through the Tongass National Forest that you won’t soon forget.
First full day today in the 172-island archipelago called the. San Juan islands. We did some whale watching hoping to see the southern resident killer whale, j.k. and l-pods. Instead, we witnessed two humpback whales in Haro strait just north of lime kiln lighthouse between San Juan and Stuart islands.
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Take a look at some of the prominent movers and shakers in the marine conservation field. Included within the book are experts in oceanography and environmentally active celebrities, musicians, surfers and artists.
Greg has been in the marine conservation arena for over 30 years. He worked at the Catalina Island Marine Institute for several years in the 1980's.
Recently McCormack did a 5 year stint as an education specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
You can see a photo of Greg in the top left corner on the back cover of the beautifully illustrated book.
Visit Sea Voices at www.SeaVoices.com
The fabulous maps take cyclists along the paved-road equivalent of the backpackers' Pacific Crest Trail. The challenging, arduous route takes you along the spine of the volcanic peaks of the Cascades www.AdventureCycling.org dramatic scenery of the Sierra Nevada.
