Great Bear Rainforest Read Free Page B

“I’ll give you a quick tour of the ship.”
    “Yes, I have some work to do,” Dr. Brezner said. “I’m sure I’ll catch up with all of you later.”
    “I’m looking forward to it,” I said.
    He gave me a nod, turned, and ran back up the steps to the bridge. I still can’t believe I met the great Dr. Brezner, and that he’s actually on this ship with us! To me, he’s a total rock star!
    We followed the captain as he gave us a tour.
    One hundred and fourteen feet from stem to stern and painted the color of the morning sun, the Pacific Yellowfin has quite a history. Built in 1943, this wooden ship was initially put to use as a World War II mine-setting vessel. After the war, it cruised the world, operating in many different capacities; from a floating hospital to a top-secret spy ship. Ultimately, it was purchased by Captain Colin and converted to a passenger cruiser. In recent years, the captain had restored several rooms to their original grandeur. As the captain told us prior to our arrival, “She’s as much a museum as she is a boat.”
    The captain showed my parents to their room.
    “Mom and Dad get the Owner’s Stateroom,” the captain said.
    “Thank you, Captain,” my mom said, beaming.
    “Gannon and Wyatt,” the captain continued, “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to the Orca Cabin down below.”
    The captain led us downstairs to a miniature room with a ceiling so low you’ll hit your head if you stand upright. There is a writing desk in the corner. Atop the desk, is a small lamp. The room has a deep closet with shelving and space for our gear. A wooden bunk is propped against the far wall under two porthole windows.
    When I put my face up to the glass, I noticed that the surface of the sea was just inches below the window. It was so close I wondered if I might see a whale swim by. I guess that’s why they call it the Orca Cabin.
    “Adequate accommodations?” the captain asked.
    “It will do,” Gannon said with a smile.
    “Good. Then go ahead and get yourselves situated. We’re lifting anchor in ten minutes.”
    “Yes, Cap’n Colin,” Gannon said with a playful salute.
    “I hope you brought along plenty of courage,” the captain said. “I’ve arranged a bear-viewing excursion with Alu, an expert guide from Hartley Bay. It begins at first light, and the area you’ll be exploring is prime grizzly habitat.”
    Gannon gulped.
    “Do you really think we’ll see a bear?” he asked.
    “I’m almost certain of it. They don’t call it the Great Bear Rainforest for nothing.”
    Tipping his hat, the captain turned and walked out of the room.
    I could tell Gannon was nervous.
    “Don’t worry about it,” I said. “I’m sure our bear guide will be armed.”
    “Yeah,” Gannon agreed. “I’m sure you’re right.”
    I sure hope I’m right.
GANNON
    I was unpacking and trying really hard not to worry myself sick over this upcoming grizzly excursion when we heard the rattling of the anchor chain being hoisted. Wyatt yelled, “We’re casting off ” and darted from the cabin. I wanted to take video of our official cast off, so I grabbed my camera and bolted for the bow, taking the stairs two at a time and running through the dining area like I was being clocked in the 100-yard dash or something. The door to the aft cockpit was open and I jumped right through it without breaking stride and unfortunately ran right into Dr. Brezner. We both almost fell to ground and the papers he was carrying went flying all over the place. It was pretty much a disaster.
    “I’m so sorry,” I said. “Let me help you pick this up.”
    I knelt down and started scooping up some of his papers.
    “Please don’t touch my files,” Dr. Brezner snapped.
    “Okay,” I replied, kind of startled by his tone of voice. “I was just trying to help.”
    The doctor went about collecting his papers like he was in some kind of hurry.
    “Are you sure I can’t give you a hand? I feel really bad that I