Welcome to the Spring edition of the King Pacific Lodge newsletter
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Special promotional offer for King Pacific guests
Guests who book before May 15th for the month of June will be treated with a unique perspective of this remote region from an eagle’s eye view courtesy of a complimentary 15-minute heli-sightseeing tour.
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Another season is about to spring upon us, and on behalf of King Pacific Lodge I would like to invite you to join us in the beautiful Pacific Northwest this summer.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our spring newsletter, the first of a series of regular updates to keep you informed about news and promotional offers concerning the Lodge.
As guests of King Pacific Lodge are well aware, we pride ourselves in providing the highest level of service and hospitality. As a “triple bottom line” operation we also remain committed to the highest standards of sustainability and our close relationship with our natural surroundings in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest in traditional Gitga’at territory. In the newsletters to follow, we will outline our plans to continue that high level of service, and offer you new opportunities to explore one of the last great wilderness regions left on earth.
April means spring is arriving in the Great Bear Rainforest. Nature is stirring, and over the next few months we at King Pacific Lodge will also be stirring to prepare for our new season. We are currently selecting 2008 staff and are pleased to welcome back our culinary crew under the expert supervision of gourmet chef Maxim Ridorossi.
New this year at King Pacific Lodge, guests will be offered the opportunity to explore the bounteous offerings of the sea on forays to find their own dinner. Participating guests can learn how to find, prepare, cook and serve any of 100 edible seafood species found on our doorstep, each step along the way under the Chef and staff’s watchful eye. Spring is also when we select our wines for the upcoming season, and perfect our menus, with Chef Ridorossi ever on the lookout for new ways to enjoy the bounty of the sea.
Along with experiencing the joys of kayaking, fishing and flycasting on the open ocean and local rivers, or viewing marine mammals such as Orcas and humpback whales, this season King Pacific’s nature guides will be pleased to take you to explore new territory in the natural wonders that surround us in the vast temperate rainforest. Join us to view wildlife in the deep forests of Princess Royal Island, the only known home of the rare and elusive Kermode, or white “spirit bear.” Climb to the heavens atop local glaciers; bask in the warmth of our spa; relax and enjoy the atmosphere of true wilderness seclusion.
As President of King Pacific Lodge, I invite you to contact us with any questions you have about our special promotional offers, available to you through this clients-only newsletter. We look forward to seeing you again this summer at the Lodge. Call us toll-free at 1-888-592-5464 to learn about our new special promotions for 2008.
Sincerely,
Michael Uehara
Great Bear Rainforest Comes Alive in Spring
In April the Great Bear Rainforest shrugs off its winter coat as spring emerges to dazzle the eye and ear. Snowmelt leads to river runoff, and from creeks and stream in the deep forest mighty waterfalls tumble from the sky to fall into majestic fjords. April is far from the glory of full summer, but soon grizzlies and black bears will emerge from their winter hibernation. The first salmon of the season have almost arrived, and the mighty Orcas that feed upon the salmon are close behind. By Lodge opening in June, fishing and wildlife viewing will be in full swing.
In spring, herring begin to spawn. Roe is deposited on kelp, a rare delicacy for seafood lovers. Springtime also brings the annual migration of vast schools of the eulachon (oolichan), a tiny smelt-like fish, up the local inlets and into rivers. The salmon follow the eulachans, and sea lions follow to dine on the salmon. White-sided dolphins join the parade, leaping and frolicking. In trees along the shore, thousands of eagles will soon show up for the feast. The huge web of life is the backbone upon which the traditional peoples of the Great Bear Rainforest have thrived for untold centuries.
Soon, as the snow melts, the giant grizzly bear will emerge from its den, to feast upon salmon later in the season.
Government official estimate between 1,500 and 3,000 grizzlies roam the lush mountains and valleys of the Great Bear Rainforest, giving this region the highest concentration of these mammoth creatures on the planet.
In the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, where King Pacific Lodge makes its summer home floating in safe Barnard Harbour, dwell some 230 species of birds, 68 mammals, and thousands of microorganisms. Whether it’s the earth, sea or sky that calls you, we invite you to plan ahead to join us this summer to marvel at the splendor of this vast coastal wilderness.
Orcas Now Arriving At King Pacific Lodge
Its springtime, and that can only mean its time for Orcas to return to their feeding grounds near the Lodge. The Northern Resident population of Orcas feed primarily on fish. Their favorite is the largest species of salmon, the Chinook. During early spring until late fall, family groups of Orca follow the salmon runs as the fish make their way towards northern and then southern inlets along the coast.
The northern resident Orcas are well known for their strong family bonds. This community consists of over 200 whales and is growing. Within this community exist 3 separate clans. Each pod has different matriline groups, which consists of a mother and her offspring. This family of whales will spend their entire lifetime together, especially sons and mothers. This unique relationship is what separates this population of Orcas from most other species on this planet.
These northern residents fish individually.
Family members may spread out to maximize feeding success but alert other members to the presence of fish in other locations. During the spring to fall months, different pods from different clans may meet. This could include from 30 to over 100 whales. During this time it becomes obvious just how social these whales are and the gentleness they display for one another. Among resident Orcas there is never any display of aggression.
Summer is a great time to visit King Pacific Lodge and watch Orcas. We look forward to seeing you here when the Lodge opens in June. Feel free to contact us for more information about viewing Orcas near the Lodge or learning more about their amazing behavior. Or simply log on to the website of the North Coast Cetacean Society, found at www.cetacealab.org. See you soon!
For more details about King Pacific Lodge, a Rosewood Resort visit
www.kingpacificlodge.com
