#StirCuriosity
Inspired by the legacy of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts, we lead research and education programs aboard the historic Western Flyer, connecting science, story, and community.
Golden Pleasant Sadness: The Winding Path of My Personal Western Flyer Connection
January 23, 2026In this beautiful personal essay, writer and screenwriter Rob Nightingale traces a lifetime of connection to Monterey, Ed Ricketts, John Steinbeck, and ultimately the Western Flyer, moving between memory, grief, coincidence, and wonder.
View Full ArticleAward-winning film to screen at Big Blue Film Fest
Lincoln County Leader, January 21, 2026We Simply Liked It: Steinbeck, Ricketts, & the Return of the Western Flyer, a short film by Aaron Straight of Soulcraft Allstars, has been named Best Film at the upcoming Big Blue Film Festival, January 23-24, in Newport.
View Full ArticleAward-Winning Film to Screen at Big Blue Film Fest as Western Flyer Plans Return to the Pacific Northwest
January 15, 2026We Simply Liked It has been named Best Film at the Big Blue Film Festival in Newport, Oregon. Created with SoulCraft Allstars, the short documentary chronicles the Western Flyer’s return to the Gulf of California, honoring the vessel’s historic journey with John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts.
View Full ArticleHelp Bring the Western Flyer Back to the Pacific Northwest
January 06, 2026The Western Flyer is planning a spring 2026 voyage to Oregon and Washington, returning to Pacific Northwest waters as part of a new pilot program of education, research, and community engagement. We are now fundraising to help make this journey possible.
View Full ArticleHot Off the Press: FY 2024–25 Impact Report
December 15, 2025This past year marked a major chapter for the Western Flyer Foundation—from launching our first full at-sea education season in Monterey Bay to expanding docked programs, engaging thousands of community members, and completing the Western Flyer’s historic return to the Gulf of California, 85 years after Steinbeck and Ricketts’ voyage.
View Full ArticleRequest for Research Proposals: Western Flyer Gulf of California 2027 Expedition
November 10, 2025The Western Flyer Foundation invites scientists and graduate students to propose research projects for our 2027 Gulf of California expedition. Read the RFP here.
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