Southern Sierran
VOYAGE OF THE GLACIERS
By DONNA SPECHT
Cruise Coordinator

Photo Credit: photo Courtesy Derek Wallentinsen, ShadowCaster Press Calving, Margerie Glacier 2006

Nowhere on the North American continent is the call of the wild louder, the lure of the Last Frontier stronger, the sense of adventure and freedom more compelling than Alaska. You don't really know what wild means until you have seen wondrous Alaska. Twice the size of Texas, 5,000 glaciers, ice fields, 6 major mountain ranges, arctic tundra, rainforests, rugged coastal fjords, 33,900 miles of sea coast, ancient native culture and the monarchs of land and sea: bears, moose, sheep, bald eagles, whales and so much more. Alaska is on the front lines of global warming and there are still many ongoing, gigantic environmental issues facing this Great Land. See Alaska for yourself.

The Sierra Club's interest in Alaska goes all the way back to our founder, John Muir, the fearless and famous naturalist. John Muir discovered Glacier Bay in 1879 when he was exploring the Icy Strait described by Captain Vancouver's charts 100 years previously as completely clogged with ice. Muir, in a little canoe with native guides, found the wall of ice had now retreated more than 40 miles revealing this newly landscaped bay. Muir, a man fascinated with glaciers, could now see them in action and he no longer had to speculate on their movements as he had done in the Sierra Nevada.

In Muir's footsteps, join us on our fourteenth Voyage of the Glaciers. This seven night cruise departs Vancouver, B.C. aboard the Island Princess. The itinerary includes cruising the scenic Inside Passage, visit the pioneer ports of Ketchikan to see totem poles and hike in the rainforest, Juneau for the Mendenhall Glacier, eagles and the People of the Raven and Skagway, gateway for the Klondike Gold Rush Stampeders of 1898 into the Yukon. Cruise mighty Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord gleaming with tidewater glaciers. Here's an opportunity to enjoy one week of luxury living while viewing some of the most awesome and incredible scenery on earth. We have designated meeting sites on board for get togethers, dining, breakfast, cocktails even early a.m. brisk hikes around the promenade deck and leader led hikes on shore. Come have a whole lot of fun at a great value and travel with Sierra Club friends.

Join us May 17-24, 2010. Stateroom categories start at $514 double occupancy, plus airfare, port charges, government taxes, and transfers. Your cruise fare includes, ship stateroom, incredible dining, exercise opportunities, on board naturalists, quality entertainment and Sierra Club added value activities.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
Book your Alaska cruise between October 26-30, 2009 and receive special added values. In addition to our $25 per cabin onboard credit, book a balcony cabin and receive an additional $100 per cabin onboard credit for a total of $125/cabin onboard credit for balconies. Oceanview and interior cabins receive an additional $50/cabin onboard credit for a total $75/cabin onboard credit. Other savings: Deposit is reduced to only $100/person. Deposit is non-refundable, but this opportunity can save hundreds of dollars in upfront money. You will also receive a coupon booklet (max 2 per stateroom) worth up to $325.

For a color brochure and information, contact Violet Calderon, Montrose Travel Group Division 800-301-9673, VCalderon@montrosetravel.com or visit www.montrosetravel.com/sierraclub.

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