Hunter McIntosh, President of The Boat
Company Explorations and The McIntosh Family, incorporated The Boat Company as
a non-profit organization with the mission of providing educational and
recreational trips in Southeast waters focusing on the Tongass National Forest,
its beauty, its problems, and its promise for future generations-this all began
in the year of 1979. A first vessel, THE
OBSERVER (an ex-Navy harbor minesweeper) was put into service in 1980. THE LISERON, (Morning Glory in French) an MSC
(minesweeper coastal) class vessel was purchased from the Department of Defense
in 1989...it had been on loan to the French Government. After a year of redesign and work, THE
LISERON was ready to accommodate its guests.
The McIntosh Family built a new replica, THE MIST COVE and she joined
the fleet in 2000. For over 40 years,
The McIntosh Family has been involved in Alaskan conservation. Their mauntra..."the more people from
the lower 48 that come to visit this part of the country and see it through our
eyes, the more advocates Alaska will have to protect its natural resources and
promote managing them effectively, thus allowing future generations the
privilege and pleasure of seeing it as we do today." 
On June 9, 2018 at approximately 12:40 pm, Charlie, Bob, and
myself departed Washington, DC for Sitka, Alaska. Prior to our departure for a much anticipated
adventure, we were told that for over 30 years The Boat Company has conducted
conservation tours of Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest - The Inside
Passage. The one-week trips are spent
from Saturday to Saturday and either begin in Sitka and end in Juneau, or
reverse the route and go from Juneau to Sitka.
It was also brought to our attention that there is no
"typical" Boat Company trip.
Each journey is shaped by the guest's personal interests that are
combined with the wonderful variety of activities available in Southeast
Alaska. And, during several very
informative personal phone calls that were made to our family before our
adventure, we were educated in regards to the appropriate attire to bring along
for summertime in Alaska's temperate rainforest. Our family studied up on this beautiful place
in our country, and from our readings we had long developed respect and
admiration for America's last great wilderness. 
Sunday, June 10 in the afternoon, we boarded THE
LISERON. As we boarded, 12 crew members
graciously welcomed us aboard.
Introductions were made with polite handshakes and kind smiles all the
way around. Charlie, Bob, and myself
were shown to our cabin and we were informed that Social Hour began at 6:00pm
in the ship's salon, followed by Dinner at 7:00pm on the fantail of THE
LISERON. We three journeymen made our
way to the salon by 6:00pm sharp and were welcomed by our fellow passengers,
The Hyslop Family-seventeen extraordinary and oh so wonderful travel
companions. The eleven children
traveling with The Hyslop Family immediately scooped our Charlie up, and for
all twelve children...their every time together was magical. Watching these twelve children of all ages
engage in daily activities and just being children was the very best! The eight adult members of The Hyslop Clan
opened their hearts and their minds to Charlie, Bob, and myself at every
occasion and at each and every turn.
Betsy and Jim Hyslop brought their family together for the remarkable
Alaskan adventure, and I'm certain they both are grateful for the multitude of
memories that were made by all seventeen members of their beautiful family.
For six exceptional days as we sailed and anchored on THE
LISERON, we fellow passengers experienced challenging hikes, kayaking
adventures that introduced us to wildlife and whale viewing at every twist and
turn, and fishing that brought laughter and sportsmanship to all twenty of
us. The steadfast and devoted crew of
THE LISERON, guided us, and cared for
our every activity...always with a smile and with unsurmountable patience.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner while aboard THE LISERON was
just incredible! We twenty fellow
passengers sat down family style for each meal, and we were treated to the most
delicious foods and baked goods. The
presentations were exquisite and the hospitality provided to us at each meal
was a delight. Each and every one of us
was grateful for the nutritious and lovely meals.
The morning of June 16, we bid our farewells, for our
adventure had come to a close. There
were handshakes and there was hugging.
Words of gratitude were spoken amongst the fellow passengers and the crew
members alike. The outdoor activities
that we all experienced on our Alaskan adventure will stay in our
hearts and minds. This remarkable adventure...it will all be
remembered!
Most grateful,
Glenna (The Kind Kids Organization)