GUIDE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Alaska Waters is recommended by the following guide books; Frommer's, Lonely Planet, Moon Guide Books and Alaska Best Places
GUEST
COMMENTS
..."I have traveled around the world and have been with some outstanding guides so I have some experience when I say you are the very best at what you do. It was certainly my privilege to be escorted by you to those amazing natural treasures that you shared with us. You are the reason that I was able to get the images that are in the book. Anyone can press a camera shutter, it takes a very special person to get you in the position that enables you to get the shot. You are a photographer’s dream guide which is why I have strongly recommended you to some of my colleagues who have expressed an interest in Alaska but thought that Brooks Falls was the place to go. Jim, you and your family provided me with memories that are priceless."
Ron Magill ~
Communications & Media Director
Miami Metrozoo
We arrived at your RV park late on Wednesday and my traveling
companion wanted to go on your LeConte Glacier Tour. I didn't. I'd been on
several glacier tours all over Alaska and I didn't like the big, crowded
boats or the impersonal service. But she kept at me until I agreed to go.
And man, am I glad that I did. This was, hands down, one of the most
exciting experiences of my life. The jet boat ride was thrilling, the
icefield was unbelievable and the glacier itself was spectacular. The
up-close and personal service provided by Ivan and the obvious
professionalism of Capt. Jim made the trip even more enjoyable. THANK YOU
for a fantastic experience! We will be back in Sept. 2011 for the Stikine
River trip!!
B. Holtsford
I surely enjoyed
your hospitality on what was a high point on our trip!
B. Lightfoot - Renton, Washington
I was extremely
impressed with both the levels of professionalism and the
ease with which all guests were treated. I was comfortable in asking
questions and impressed not only with your knowledge, but the level
at which you shared it as well. You were a great host and represent
not only Alaska Waters Inc, but Alaska stunningly. Again, I think
you for the incredible memories!
O. Sanders - Sacramento, California
Most fantastic
trip in Alaska.
K.H. Buck - Seoul, Korea
Spectacular!!
Great captain!! Thrill, chills and fun!!
J. & F. Weimer - Cold Spring Hills, New York
"Those who have served wll gain excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 3:13
OTHER KUDOS & TRAVEL ARTICLES
The Silverthorn Chronicles
"Big Jim" Silverthorn: Jim Silverthorn, aka “Big Jim” first came to Wrangell in 1987 with his wife, Joanne, on the adventure of a lifetime. As with many others who have traveled to Alaska, it was not a onetime trip. Wrangell really got under their skin. Jim and Joanne fell in love with Wrangell and Jim found his way back in 1990 to work in the Wrangell School District. The United States Army was Jim’s first career followed by a stint as a teacher in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Alaska. He and wife, Joanne, also owned a restaurant in Creede, CO. Some have even commented favorably on his gourmet cooking. Travel has always been a part of Jim’s life, twenty years in the US Army will do that to one. His travel includes all fifty states and five continents. People, travel, and the love of nature keep his attention. Big Jim loves Alaska, specifically Wrangell, and wants everyone to share in his love of what Wrangell and Alaska Waters has to offer.
United States
Department of Commerce ~ Leslie R. Doggett Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Tourism Industries
“The United States Department of Commerce’s office of
Tourism Industries announced the Stikine River Jet Boat Tour and
Telegraph Creek and Riversong Lodge Excursion, two tours developed
by Alaska Waters Incorporated of Wrangell, Alaska, were designated
as official American Pathways 2000 itineraries”. “Certificate
of Appreciation presented to Alaska Waters, Inc. Thank you for helping
to expand U.S. tourism exports through your participation in the
American Pathways 2000 program.”
Alaska Magazine 1998 ~ Northbound by Robin Mackey Hill
…“Known collectively as Alaska Waters Inc., their family-owned
businesses offer a variety of services from guided fishing and historical
tours to glacier viewing and kayak rentals. Three years ago Wilma
Leslie, an Alaska Native of Tlingit and Haida descent, came up with
an idea to help Wrangell’s economy. She decided the town should
officially honor spring’s return by staging an annual festival.
A lifelong resident, Wilma knew what the area already had to offer:
fishing and glacier viewing along the Stikine River, birding and
world-class bear viewing on nearby Cleveland Peninsula, hiking,
kayaking and visits to historic Telegraph Creek…The result
was the Garnet Festival.
The Herald –
Alaskan Adventure, Delights you won’t see on cruise ships
Story & Photos By Sue Frause ~ Special to The Herald
“…The highlight for me was a Sunday fishing expedition.
It happened of Father’s Day, when my 4:40 a.m. wake-up call
kicked me out of bed. I was off to meet Jim Leslie, a Washington
native who owns Alaska Waters with his wife, Wilma an Alaska Native
of Tlingit and Haida descent. They provide charter, tours, water
taxi and kayak rentals.”
Coast - Alternatives News Magazine N.C.
by Glenn Arnette III
www.travelstorymagazine.com
" Remember last week I told you " dreams do come true?" Well, when you go to Alaska you will find that those dreams are created by Alaska Waters, Inc. Jim Leslie and Wilma Stokes-Leslie own the Native American company and they guarantee all trips into the wilderness to be authentic and professional. There are no games played with this organization, as the Alaskan wilderness requires exceptional knowledge."
TravelLady Magazine - Bears At Your Feet, by Hendson Quan
Bears At Your Feet
"The two levels of the observatory offer views from various angles of the creek below. I opt for the lower level first. We can see countless pink salmon swimming in the water. A group of black and brown bears appear with two cubs. They are no more than 30 feet from me. They put fishermen to shame as they easily catch their prey, one at a time. Right then and there, they eat their catch, fresh and tasty. No adding batter, no deep frying, no tarter sauce. The bears seem to know something that we humans do not, when it comes to food and nutrition."
Story and photographs by Rod Eime
Up The Wild Stikine
"Beyond the trafficked sea lanes and cruise ship haunts of Alaska's Inside Passage lies the true Alaska. Still a wild frontier where, if you stroll in the woods, you take a 303 and a cut lunch." |
