Chilly weather can really dampen one's sense of adventure, but Blue Moon Cruises is providing a way around it. Throughout the month of January and February, the Blue Moon boat is offering weekend cruises to passengers who want to witness the influx of sandhill cranes.
"It makes you feel like you are enjoying the outdoors even if you are in the comfort of the heat," said Blue Moon Cruise office manager Christine Mashburn-Paul, explaining that though the boat has an open-air upper deck, the lower deck is climate controlled.
The Blue Moon docks and begins its journey on Saturdays and Sundays at Sale Creek Marina in Soddy-Daisy. The cruise circumnavigates the Hiwassee Island in the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge for passengers to view the 10,000-plus sandhill cranes that fly through the area on their winter journey to Florida.
"The majority of the birds are going to be there in January and the first week of February," noted Mashburn-Paul, adding that some of the birds linger through February.
The sandhill crane is the second largest bird in North America and can grow to more than 4 feet tall, said Mashburn-Paul. If passengers are lucky, they might even spot the rare and endangered whooping crane, which tends to migrate with sandhill cranes.
"We do often see whooping cranes," Mashburn-Paul said, adding that one guest was even able to snap a picture of five of them together. "There are some birders that will travel miles just to see one of them."
The cruise lasts three and a half hours and includes a barbeque meal and a cash bar. It's also fully narrated by naturalist guides who teach passengers about the birds and the history of the sites seen along the way.
"People always comment on what a great crew we have and how much they learn," Mashburn-Paul said. "Our staff is one of our biggest assets; they are there to make sure everyone has a really great time.
"It's a great family cruise; it's great for all ages," she added.
Tickets cost $39 for adults, $29 for kids ages 6-16, free for kids 5 years old and under. For more information or to make a reservation, visit bluemooncruises.org. Sale Creek Marina is located at 3900 Lee Pike in Soddy-Daisy.