CRUISES OF FALL MIGRATION TO PROTECTION ISLAND

As part of our educational program for all ages, the Port Townsend Marine
Science Center has again scheduled a small number of very special boat
expeditions this fall to Protection Island, the National Wildlife Refuge at
the mouth of Discovery Bay. Home to breeding, nesting, and flyway
populations of numerous bird species, the island also plays host to
numerous marine mammals. These cruises, aboard the "Glacier Spirit", a
well appointed and comfortable 65 ft.motor-yacht are extremely popular with
birders and have also generated increased interest among non-birders
looking for an idyllic natural science adventure. The PTMSC offers these
trips to enable citizens to gain a better understanding of the marine
ecosystems and natural science interrelationships which abound in these
waters.

Trips are scheduled for Saturdays: October 6, 13, 20, & 27 and November 3 &
24 from 1 PM till 4 PM, and for Sundays: October 14, 21 & 28 and November 4
from 10 AM till 1 PM. We will also be operating our annual New Year's Eve
cruise on Monday Dec. 31st from 1PM till 4 PM. The three hour cruises
depart from Point Hudson Marina in downtown Pt. Townsend. Naturalists from
the Marine Science Center, familiar with the island, the local bird
population and marine mammals are on-board interpreters and provide
excellent commentary on local birds, mammals, geology and weather. Home to
breeding and flyway populations of numerous bird species, this Refuge,
off-limits to the public, also plays host to numerous marine mammals. Over
eighty bird species and eight mammal species, including gray whales and
elephant seals, have been spotted!

Tickets are $40 per person or $35 for members of the Marine Science Center,
Audubon or the Washington Ornithological Society. All trips include an
additional stop at Kilisut Harbor/Mystery Bay area (between Marrowstone &
Indian Islands) or Smith Island. On-Board refreshments are available. Call
the MSC at 360-385-5582 or email ptmsc at olympus.net to reserve a spot and
for additional information. Rates for children & groups are available.

The PTMSC is a non-profit educational organization based in Port Townsend
since 1982 and has been providing these trips since 1994. All ticket
revenue benefits the Marine Science Center's education programs.

9/17/01
Peter Badame
PTMSC