Bill Merilees returns and expands his range.
Bill Merilees led two tours to the Desolation Sound area last year. It was his first acquaintance with the Columbia III and the crew of Mothership Adventures. Much to our pleasure, Bill had a wonderful time and readily agreed to return in 2007 with an expanded schedule and list of destinations. We will be returning to the Desolation Sound area again for one tour as this is Bill’s home stomping grounds. In addition, Bill really wanted to explore the rich wildlife of the Broughton Archipelago with us and how could we refuse! There is so much to learn with Bill along and we look forward to traveling in the archipelago with him.
Join well known naturalist/writer/tour leader, Bill Merilees, aboard the Columbia III. With our comfortable mothership always nearby, we’ll take daily outings to shore to view the rich, vibrant life on the British Columbian coast. Anchoring in a new cove each night, we will enjoy gourmet meals, lively company and cozy beds. With Bill’s faithful following, these trips booked quickly last year so book early to avoid disappointment.
Bill Merilees, a retired professional biologist and park naturalist for forty-five years, will inspire us with his knowledge, experience and contagious enthusiasm, deepening our appreciation of the natural world of coastal British Columbia. From the smallest shells (and we mean REALLY small!) to the history of introduced plant and animal species, Bill’s wealth of local knowledge keeps everyone fascinated.
Desolation Sound with Bill Merilees
Bill knows this area better than anyone! From the gorgeous wildflower displays on the seabird nesting colony of Mitlenatch Island to the rich intertidal reefs of the northern Gulf of Georgia, Bill has been working and researching this area his whole life. Departing from Campbell River, we will return mid-afternoon on the last day.
Broughton Archipelago with Bill Merilees
We are really looking forward to exploring the Broughton Archipelago with Bill in 2008. The homeward bound salmon draw abundant marine wildlife into these waters each summer including the world famous population of northern resident killer whales (orcas) providing spectacular sightings. Additionally, humpback whales, minke whales, Stellar sea lions, and Pacific White-sided dolphins and many species of sea birds not seen on the lower coast such as Rhinoceros Auklets, Phalaropes, flock to this area to feast. The influence of the open Pacific on the Broughton Archipelago produces some of the world’s most diverse intertidal marine life; a perfect place to learn from Bill. Departing from Port McNeill mid-morning, we will return mid-afternoon on the last day.
