Page 13 - Breath of the Bear

Taking Flight: A Young Woman’s Aviation Journey

One of Samatha Boland’s earliest flying in a two-seater 152, Sam will and untamed beauty unfolding beneath,
memories is sitting in the cockpit of a attain her private pilot’s license in early where majestic mountains, icy glaciers,
plane. “I think I was four and I remember summer 2024 and then will eventually and sprawling wilderness stretch as far
sitting there and just feeling really work toward a commercial license, as the eye can see.
comfortable, because my dad made which takes over 500 hours. “Once I got Once you reach the remote beaches
me feel comfortable in the plane,” says that pilot itch, it stuck, plus knowing that of Katmai or Lake Clark, a guide will lead
Boland. Samatha’s father Martin Boland I could do it and having the confidence you to a vantage point where you can
has always had a passion for flying. He to become a pilot, which my dad really observe the true Alaska kings. Embarking
was in the Air Force, a flight instructor, helped me with,” says Boland. The plan on a bear tour out of Homer offers an
and also flew cargo throughout Alaska. is for Sam to fly customers, but until exhilarating glimpse into the untamed
Martin is one of those natural born that time she concentrates on bookings, coast, where one can witness these
guides whose love for bears is evident. marketing, social media and is a certified magnificent creatures in their natural
As the number of tourists surpassed bear guide. habitat, forging unforgettable memories
the number of bear viewing companies, When you book an excursion with amidst the rugged beauty of the Last
Martin created Scenic Bear Viewing out Scenic Bear Viewing, you are embarking Frontier.
of Homer, but first he asked his daughter on an experience of a lifetime. They are With Scenic Bear Viewing, they make
to be his partner. “My dad said I want to a family-oriented company and one of you feel like part of their extended family,
be there for you and I want you to be the few that will take most children. “We ensuring that every interaction is filled
there for me,” states Boland have rules, such as no candy, no running, with warmth, care, and genuine concern
As a seasoned pilot, Martin hoped his no excited behavior, etc,” says Sam. “We for your well-being and satisfaction.
daughter would inherit not just his love discuss these things before we ever get “We love getting to know our customers
for aviation, but also his passion for the on the plane, but we really try to educate and showing them our corner of the
boundless freedom and exhilarating the children beforehand because we state. Katmai and Lake Clark is not like
adventures that come with flying. Never want the entire family to enjoy this anywhere else in the world.” says Boland.
pushing his daughter, Martin waited in experience.”
the wings until Sam was ready. After Their classic bear viewing tour is an
ground school and over 50 hours of unforgettable day trip and includes: air
transportation in a six-seater 206 wheeled
plane, professional bear/naturalist guide,
hip waders, digital photos of your trip
and all safety equipment. Flying in their
plane over Alaska’s rugged landscapes,
one is humbled by the sheer grandeur

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