Alaskan Cruise II

Disaster struck just before I was ready to post my Alaskan Cruise Blog.  I lost all of it.  Calling sister Carol, she helped me copy the Preview page I still had open.  But it would not let me edit it any more, and none of the video links would work.  I was tempted to turn my computer off and re-boot it, but did not want to lose the opened Preview page I had.  I could not copy straight from the 64 page word document I had made because the photos only showed as links.  So many extra hours have been spent on this, but with no results.  I am about to call it quits on blogging altogether.  But I wanted to at least get this one posted.  So, here it is, not completely fine tuned, but you can get the gist of our Cruise vacation.  I will make an Alaskan Cruise III post of the video links if they still don't work after I turn this off and try again in the morning.

Holly's Happenings

The things I do, think, and feel, while going about life here in the Glade and elsewhere.

Friday, September 2, 2016

Alaskan Cruise

We had quite an enjoyable Alaskan cruise, even though we got off to a shaky start with many fopas occurring.  Because of this, I did, on several occasions, catch myself asking "What the heck" or "Why me?"  And I tried to keep from going from that question into a downward spiral of frustration or self pity, and not think, "woe is me."



With Shirley driving, we made it safely to Courtney's by 4:45 Thursday afternoon.  I intended to treat everybody to dinner, so off we went to one of Mike and Courtney's favorite restaurants.  We all enjoyed a lovely meal, but this is when the first of many problems began, my master card was denied.  Thankfully, Mike covered for me.




On the way home my credit card DID work at a  gas station when paying for Mike's gas.   WTH?
Courtney and I went for a walk to help settle our very full tummies.  She was in search of Pokemons.  Then, she helped me with some I-phone and I-pad questions before bed... but I could no longer keep my eyes open (9:00) and called it quits.

Friday morning Shirley and I were up at 4:30 and right away I saw a note from Courtney saying our flight had been delayed and we would be missing our connecting flight.  Not a good start.  Turns out the flight crew had not gotten their mandatory 24 hours of rest so the flight had to be put on hold.  As soon as we got to the airport, Delta changed our flight plan and we were now headed to Seattle by way of LA instead of Salt Lake City.  We did recognize the fact that we would be cutting it close to get to the ship by 3:00.

The first flight was long (4 hrs) but went well and I even caught a little shut eye.  Seen above, the yummy cookies Delta served.  We had lunch at a nice pub in the LA airport (seen right) but then started stressing about the timing of getting to our ship, Explorer of the Seas.  Communications with Royal Caribbean (RC), Joe, and Patty, (who were both already on board) helped us learn what to expect and do once we landed, but this made me all the more nervous.

We had met Angie and Christy (seen left), who were on stand-by for our second flight and also trying to get to our ship on time.  Shirley and I had purchased Sky to Sea insurance with RC and were guaranteed to get on the ship.  Angie and Christy were not so fortunate to have done that and were in a different boat, so to speak.

Thankfully they made it on our flight out of LA, which left on time.  But we knew we would still be cutting it close.  I took Delta up on a complementary beer to help calm me down.  It didn't work, and, along with all the water I drank, would later cause more angst.  Seen right, the technology available on both our flights.

Because this first day story is a bit long, I have added some random photos taken during the week.  The one below is a photo of a photo of Clint Eastwood that was hanging on the stairway wall.  Shows part of me too.

As soon as we landed and the fasten seat belts light went off, I jumped up and went down the isle several rows before people stood up and got in our way.  Luckily, the first class passengers were very understanding and let all four of us ladies get by.  Once the door was open, I ran ahead to let the RC rep know we were coming.  Shirley, Angie, and Christy were quick to catch up, although Shirley was having an asthma attack.  The RC rep told us we did not have time to get our luggage and also told Angie and Christy they were on their own.  I felt bad for the ladies, but we had paid extra for the guarantee.  The rep got Shirley and I to a cab with our voucher, and off we flew, taxi going as fast as he could for the 30 minute drive.  It felt like an episode of the Great Race.  There was some swerving and horn honking but the gang plank was still down when we got to the dock.

Below is another photo that was hanging on the ship's stairway wall that caught my eye several times.

Shirley and I climbed out of the taxi and rushed to the gate and were told to wait, for some reason.  There was walky talky communication back and forth, and as we waited, Angie and Christy showed up behind us.  Hooray.  The gate people finally let Shirley and I pass through, but not our companion travelers.  There was more rushing to get to the counter and get checked in, which was also done in a hurry.  But we had no lines to wait in.  Shirley had another asthma attack and second use of her inhaler as we zig zaged the three stories up to the gang plank and on to the ship.  We were separated at this point to get to our own assigned muster stations.  I was shooed along to get to the muster drill, which finished just as I arrived.  The picture on the wall (below) must have caught Patty's eye.

I had been looking for Joe at our muster station and never saw him.  I texted him and we agreed to meet at the room.  I looked up my room number on my boarding pass, found it, but my key would not get me in.  Why me?  The nice statesman who was a few doors down the hall looked at my key and said I was at the wrong room number and sent me the right way.

Getting to the room, the door opened right up, but Joe hadn't gotten there yet.  I noticed immediately that we had a window and a balcony and there was a bottle of Champagne.  I thought how sweet of Joe for surprising me with a room up-grade.

I really had to use the bathroom after all the liquid I had drank and been holding... also, my intestines were in full speed ahead due to the nerves.  I washed up my face and unpacked all my clothes from my back pack, hanging them in the closet.

But, something didn't feel quite right.  There were two visors and a ball cap with the word 'Costa' on them.  I thought when did Joe get Costa Rica hats, and why was 'Rica' not also on them.  Then I noticed a giant pill container while unpacking my toilet supplies.  And then I saw the strange computer case and it dawned on me, this was not Joe's stuff.  WTH?  I looked at my room key and it said Brice Costa on it.  $#@&!!!

I quickly put my boots back on, stuffed the clothes back in my back pack, and grabbed all the rest of my junk.  So I thought (all week I had no idea what happened to my baggage clam slip...  wondering if Brice had found it).







I scrambled out of the wrong room as fast as I could, told the statesman coming down the hallway what I had discovered (showing him my key card) and told him what I had done in the room.  He was as confused as I was at first, but said it looked like they gave me the wrong key.   He went into Brice's room to clean up after me.



I texted Joe and we soon found each other.  I was so frazzled at this point I nearly fell into his arms holding back the tears.  I was so happy to see him.  And when we got to our room (seen left), although not so fancy, I was so glad to call this my 'home' for the week.




Our ship had set sail by the time I finally found Joe and the correct room.  I re-unpacked my back pack and then we went down to customer service and got me a new key.  But the next problem was whether or not Shirley's and my suitcases had made it onto the ship.  (Apparently, we were guaranteed to make it to the ship, but our luggage wasn't.)  We would know by 9pm that night.


Joe and I went to the Ante-Up Poker meet and greet party while Shirley and Patty got cocktails of their own at one of the bars.  Seen above, typical dessert plate I had at the party and would finish off each night's dinner with.

We met for a 6:00 dinner at the Windjammer buffet and sat near the back to see out the window.  We established this area as our meeting point for meals we would share together.  (The photo to the left was actually taken later in the week.)  By dinner time, Shirley and I were more relaxed.  However, we were still worried about our bags.  Time would tell, but we weren't feeling very optimistic.

After a filling dinner, we checked the hallway outside each of our rooms to see if our luggage made it.  Nope.  So back to customer service to find out what to do next.  We would not be getting our bags until Sunday afternoon, in two days, when we reached our first port of call - Juno.  Why me I thought again.  We did get a complementary toilet kit and t-shirt and they would wash our travel clothes each night if we wanted.  Whoo-Dee-do.

We did do some touring around the ship together.  Shirley was soon to call it a day, and Joe left to gamble.  Patty didn't last much longer so I went bar hopping on my own.  I enjoyed a battle of the sexes game show with teams of passengers coming up with some hilarious answers.  And then the game "Majority Rules" which was equally funny.  I met some nice people and enjoyed people watching as I walked from bar to bar until The Sound Waves band started at 10:30.  The music was good but people only got up for the slow dances.  Seen right, the couple (voted by us as best dance pair) whom we watched almost every night.  I turned in at midnight. (It was 2 am central time.)  I fell asleep wondering if Joe's luck was any better than mine.

I was up at 5am Saturday, unable to go back to sleep because I was worrying about even getting my suit case in Juno.  How or who was going to get it from the airport in Seattle to the port in Juno?  They had tried to assure me that it would be there, but I had already experienced enough screw ups.  How could I be sure?







I went to the Starbucks Cafe (first shop on left side of Royal Promenade in the above photo) to get my tea started and then up to walk on the 12th floor outside track, but it was way too windy and a bit damp and cold.  So I walked the different floors of the ship.  It turned out that Patty was doing the same thing and we eventually met up with each other.

Once the exercise room opened at 6am, we went to do the treadmill and elliptical.  Then, while Patty went back to shower, I had my tea and continental breakfast on my own.  We three girls later had a hot breakfast together and Joe finally got out of bed and went to work out.

We were at sea all day.  The morning was spent at various activities.  We all did a little shopping.  Shirley and I needed some more clothing.  I got socks and a rain poncho.  But, my Sea Pass (a debit card backed by our Master Card) wouldn't work.  Are you kidding me???  This time Shirley bailed me out.

It was warm enough up on deck to sit in the sun for a little while, and horse around some.


This is the indoor hot tub in the ships exercise area.  We all enjoyed it one time or another during our week long cruise. 

Patty and Shirley got 2nd place in the Ship Scavenger Hunt and learned to make a certain type of cake and carve fruit.  Joe got 2nd place in the ante up poker tournament.  And I learned some new line dances and went and lifted weights.  Before dinner we three girls went to another line dance session.  The Boot Scoot and Boogie was one we recognized, but done differently, which was more confusing than had we been learning it from scratch.  I got a little nap in before dinner.

The One Love band (seen left) played at the Star Lounge from 6:45-7:30 and 8:00-9:45.  They are the same band we fell in love with on our Caribbean cruise in February.
  
Joe was taking a break from the poker table, where his luck was not so good, so danced a few different songs with me.


The music picked up speed and we three ladies hit the dance floor, with several others soon to follow.  



Joe went back to the poker tables and Patty and Shirley went to an 8:30 show at the Theater,  so I was on my own part of the evening.
But having made some new friends I was in good company.  This is Keikoo, who's husband was not always with her.  And below is one of the California girls, Melisa, and a video of us shakin' it.

The Sound Waves Band played again, from ten till late.  They were better to listen to than to dance to, unless I had had a dance partner.  They did play some fast songs though, so I got up and danced with the girls.  It was formal night and I was feeling very under dressed since I was in my travel clothes, only thing I had to wear besides swim suit and sweets.  And I only had sandals or boots, neither good for dancing.  I turned in just before midnight.

Sunday morning we were nearing Juno.  I didn't get up and walking until 6:30.  It didn't look very promising with the looming rain clouds.  Patty had made it up earlier and finished her walking ahead of me.

We did get some photos up on deck though.  



I cut my walk short so I could join everybody for breakfast.  Also, we would soon be docking in Juno and had an excursion to get to.




We four were privileged to get off the ship early so Shirley and I could get some clothing out of our suit cases (which were on the dock ready to be loaded onto the ship).  As we departed the ship, there was a comedy of errors.  Patty ran back to her room to change shoes, but her key card wouldn't work.  Then I had to run back to our room to get my Sea Pass to get off the ship. 



We had Joe re-board the ship to go to our excursion rendezvous point to be sure they weren't waiting on us and that we hadn't missed any important information.  Meanwhile, Shirley had plenty of time to duck into a bathroom and completely change her clothes.  I only needed to grab a rain jacket from my suitcase.


Joe eventually came out and we got in line to get on the tour bus, but then he realized he had lost his phone.  So he ran back to the ship.  They had it right there in lost and found at the scanning point.  Every time you re-board, you have to empty all of your pockets.  So, that's where Joe had forgotten his phone.

Finally we were on our way and the rest of the day ended up being beautiful with absolutely perfect weather.  The sky's were clear and the sun warm.  It was one of the 5th best days they have had in Juno this summer.  We got to see more than usual because of the visibility.  Seen left, on the bus, Brian a naturalist and our tour guide for the next six hours.  Seen below, our bus stopped at this look out point so we could get photos of Mendenhall Glacier.

 

A 30 minute drive to the docks gave Brian a chance to point out glaciers and give us information about the whales.  We got on a little boat (our captain seen right) and headed out into the Gulf of Alaska to do some whale watching (video).  

Once we reached a location where the Humpbacks were feeding, the captain stopped the boat and we all got up to watch. 

The Humpback whales can be identified by the markings on the underside of their tail.  When they breach, and you have a good camera, you can get a photo (which one of our passengers did).  Then we compared the markings on his photo, to ones in this book of local whales, to identify which whale we had seen.


We were able to ID one of the six different humpback whales we saw.  Also spotted was an Orca and tons of sea lions.


What a beautiful day to be out boating around!

The sea lions followed our boat for a bit, and were jumping up to six feet out of the water, a spectacle Brian said he has never seen before.  To the right, we also saw many sea lions sun bathing on shore.


Our boat went back to the dock, having spent a total of a little over three hours out on the water.  Seen left, a look at the beautiful clear skies of Juno as we motored toward the dock.


Next we took the bus to Tongass National Forest, a nature preserve. 
Our group of 19 was split into two small groups and we went with a different naturalist (can't remember his name).  We set out on a hike to get closer to Mendenhall Glacier.  Our guide was a wealth of information and showed us the many interconnections between the land and sea.




















We met up with the other half of our group when we got to this beach at the edge of Mendenhall Lake, with the glacier in the background.  The lake is glacier fed, with huge chunks of ice (and smaller ones) floating in it.

We hiked a little over a mile,  seeing eagles (right) and lots of salmon (below).

Juno has beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and beaches which we were able to experience.  We also saw a total of five different glaciers by boat, bus, and foot.  We were so lucky to not have had fog or rain.








Our tour bus dropped the four of us off down town.  Shirley was going to meet up with her cousin who lives in Juno while Joe and Patty were going to shop and sight see.  I decided to walk around a little and then head back to the ship and unpack my suit case.

On the way back, I met up with this family of three who were taking a short cut back to the ship.  I decided to go with them.  Seen right, Guy was looking with his binoculars to see if there was fencing on the far side of this lot we were clearly not supposed to go into.  He and his daughter decided to give it a try but his wife Jenny (also seen in this photo) and I chose to go the long way around.





Guy and his daughter ended up having to back track some, going through the woods and scaring this reindeer out of hiding.

Once back to our room, there was my suit case!  Better late than never.  I got it unpacked and then worked on my blog notes.  Joe napped and the girls went to hot tub before we all met for dinner.  We ate at the Windjammer again because it was after 7pm.

The poker tables were closed till we left port at 8:30 so Joe came with us girls and danced some to the One Love Band.  The girls were tired and decided to go to bed when the band took a break and Joe left to play cards.  I stayed at the Star Lounge where more fun and games occurred (video).  Then there was a country line dance party which I had fun participating in.  The evening ended with The Seas Orchestra playing jazz.  After two songs (and no one dancing) I was ready for bed.  Joe came in much later, having bad cards and no luck at the tables.



Monday I was up walking the top deck as we were pulling into port in Skagway just after 6 am.














It was getting light out but then started gently raining.  I moved my walk to deck 4 (seen below) where it was more covered but I was still outside.

Joe and Patty left for a 7:00 rendezvous for their excursion, a train ride up the mountain and biking down.  While they were on the train, Patty took this photo of the Klondike trail, which is still visible almost 120 years later.

This photo is of she and Joe ready to bike down the mountain. 

I left at 7:30 for a horse back riding excursion (photos to follow).  And Shirley finally disembarked at 9:00 to take a train to a gold mining creek.  She panned $10 worth of gold, then went and saw and learned about the sled dogs, bred to run in the Iditarod.  She even got to hold a puppy.


My trail ride was through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park and the Dyea flats.  It was good, but not exactly what I expected.


I wasn't surprised by the rain, but it still disappointed me.  The ride would have been nicer had it not been raining and the trail so wet. 

Only I (and four others) were on the ride, which was nice, but we were only on horse back for two hours, not the expected three.  (video)

 







We rode on a gravel road most of the time, and it was under construction and not very picturesque.   It was also an out and back trail ride, so we didn't see all that much.  Also, we never trotted as promised in the brochure. 

Below, we stopped in this meadow for fifteen minutes to let the horses graze and the guide took our individual photos.

 



 

It rained lightly for most of the ride, causing my hands to get pretty cold. (Joe and Patty had the same problem on their bikes.)

At least our tour guides were great and full of information about the area.  I can't remember what this guide's name was, but he was a lot of fun.

On the way back to town, the guide stopped our van so we could take photos of this glacier fed pool.  Notice the beautiful aqua color it is.

I met some new friends on our ride, Sarah and Rae Ellen.  Our guide dropped us off in town and we went to the Skageway Brewery. 









I wanted to try's the Spruce beer which is full of vitamin C.  It had a citrus flavor which I thought was quite tasty.

After about 40 minutes, Joe and Patty met up with us at the bar.  Upon finishing our refreshing drinks, Patty did some shopping and Joe and I headed back to the ship.


Once back on board, I did an afternoon weight workout and soaked in the hot tub while Joe napped.  I also spent some time making lots of notes for this Blog.  During down time on the cruise, I often sat in the library, which was a short walk from our room, by the elevators on our deck.  My view (seen right) was distracting as I typed in notes.





We ate in the Sapphire dining room for a first, with the poker group.  We met Tammy (in bottom left of photo) who would be with us most of the evening.

We enjoyed great service and food. The waiters even sang a song for all of us (video). 

From dinner we went to the Star Lounge and enjoyed the One Love Band.  The main singer (Peter) has a great voice and was a super entertainer, which I may have already told you.  During the band's break there was a Name that Tune and Artist game that the whole crowd participated in.  Patty and Shirley left for an hour to catch a Headliner live show at the theater.  Joe dropped in after a discouraging time in the poker room.  Meanwhile, Tammy and I just stayed and listen to the band and danced all evening.  By the end of the gig, (midnight) everybody was up dancing.  Joe was home and in bed before I.

Tuesday our ship was supposed to cruise up the Tracy Arm Fjord to see Sawyer Glacier, but was unable to enter because it was not safe to pass through due to the high density of ice burgs floating in it.  So, we navigated the channel just to the south, the Endicott Arm.







I was up early and out on deck to walk and take photos (and video) as we entered the narrowing water way.
Our ship moved slowly through the water, and with the fog, clouds, and still ocean, it was very quiet, beautiful, and picturesque from both sides and ends of the ship.

I went into the workout room to cover some ground on the elliptical but was still able to observe our passage up Endicott Arm.







After breakfast we went on deck to watch our ship move towards Dawes Glacier.  I took tons of photos.  Notice the stunning rocks, sub-alpine vegetation, and azure water.  







As our ship got closer to the glacier, more and more floating ice could be seen.  Notice also, the waterfall below. 




Some chunks of ice that floated past our vessel were quite large.  Ninety percent of the mass of floating ice is underwater.  Small chunks of ice are called ‘bergy bits’, larger ones are called ‘growlers’, and chunks of ice greater than 5 m across are called ‘icebergs’.  Blue icebergs are formed from basal ice which is commonly formed by the freezing of water at the bed of the glacier.  The chunk seen below was probably 30 m from our ship and was definitely iceberg size and the pretty aqua blue.





We missed the greater spectacle of Tracy Arm Fjord, but still saw much beauty as we traveled Endicott Arm that took us to and from Dawes Glacier.  Once our ship was as close to the glacier as it could safely get, it then took 90 minutes to make a 180 degree circle before heading back down the arm.

(video)  We saw a lot of ice that had calved off the glacier, but we didn't actually get to see the calving process.  We also saw seals (the brown specks in the right photo) sunning out on the floating ice in front of the glacier.














Above is our view once we turned to head back down the passage.  At this point we went to our various activities on board.

Joe played in two poker tournaments, the girls went to more learning activities, and I went to ice skate.  The rink was small and the ice choppy.  There were also a ton of kids skating around, some out of control.  But I did okay navigating around them and had a good time.  I was ready to quit when our time was up because the front of my shins were feeling sore.

After skating I tried my luck at (artificial) rock climbing.  I have never done this before.  A lovely lady, who was in line with her 10 year old twins, was nice enough to get all of these photos and video.

My arms and legs held up better than my hands.  The cold and arthritis was enough to seize them up,  preventing me from making it to the top.  But it was fun trying.

We three girls met for lunch (having used walkie talkies to communicate).  Our lunch crowd spotted a couple of Orca off the port side of the ship.  The back of Shirley is seen in this photo.  By the time I made it to the window, I did not have a chance for a good photo of the whales.







I attended afternoon line dance lessons, typed some notes for this blog and caught a long 90 minute nap.  It was another formal night so I started getting ready (jumped into shower) at 4:00.  We met at 5:00 to get our photo taken (seen earlier in this blog) and then went in to dinner (5:30 seating).  This is the view from our table.

The One Love Band had a break this night, so we went to the Headliner show with American Idle finalist Lou Gazzara singing.  He had a great voice and put on an entertaining show.

Then we went to the Schooner Bar and participated in a 70's Music Trivia contest.  We didn't fair so well, even though a man from Scotland really helped us out.

Next we girls went to the Star Lounge to listen to the Sound Waves Band.  Again, it was more listening music than dance music.  At 10:00, when the Disco Inferno street party started, the girls headed to their cabin and I went out to the Royal Promenade.

I was right in the thick of things (video) and had fun dancing.  The party lasted a little over an hour and then I was done for the night.
 
Joe wandered in sometime later, having finally had some luck (success) at the poker table.


I slept in Wednesday, not getting up until 7 am.  We were at sea all day so there was no need to get up early.  The brisk walk, elliptical and tea got my blood flowing.  I had breakfast with Joe.  Seen right, the nightly towel folding with the days news letter.  As I had done each day, I highlighted the activities (including time they occurred) that I had hope to do and left Joe a sticky note.  This gave him an idea as to where he could find me.  Then I met up with the girls at the line dance fun on the Royal Promenade.  We tried our best to do all the moves of the four dances we were taught.  We three ladies then enjoyed a quick lunch out on the Promenade.  I took a break in the activities and came back to do some more note taking for this Blog.  All the days were starting to run together. 



I met back up with Shirley and Patty for the Love and Marriage Game Show, with three couples from the cruise being the "victims."  It was a lot of fun.  Patty had won $70.00 at Black Jack and was in the mood to shop.  I went back to the cabin to take a short rest.






After getting cleaned up for the evening's activities, Joe went to work out, while Patty, Shirley and I went to the Ice Spectacular - Spirit of the Seasons show.






It was a great production, show casing each of the seasons.  Seen left Halloween costumes as part of Fall.










To the right is the start of winter, with a girl from the crowd riding in a sleigh.  And these winter spirits were twirling and floating like giant flakes all around.

Below, this featured guest skater did a fantastic routine with hula hoops. 

We were quite impressed with the speed the skaters could obtain in such a small rink.  We enjoyed the beautiful costumes and all the fancy skate moves (lifts, jumps, spins etc.), and all the nice looking bodies. 

After an early dinner at the Windjammer, we all went to the Star Lounge to listen to The One Love band from 6:00 to 8:30.  At this point, Joe went to play cards, the girls headed back to their cabin, and I went to the Schooner Bar to listen to the Piano Man.


Before 9:30 I was up at Dizzy,s for Latin Hour, and got reunited with Jenny (from Columbia), her husband Guy and their daughter.  I enjoyed chatting for a bit and then the music began.  Jenny and her daughter were quick to get up, and I to follow.  Dizzy's switched from Latin music to disco at almost 11 pm.  I went down to the Promenade, got a little snack and checked out a couple more bars.  I was greeted by this towel monkey when I turned in before midnight.


Thursday morning Patty made it to the gym ahead of me and had already gone six miles on a stationary bike.  Our ship was in the process of getting ready to dock at Victoria, British Columbia.


Patty completed four more miles while I walked the upper decks getting some photographs.  Seen below, the bridge with our captain, navigation officers, etc.








I watched the harbor captain being brought to our ship.  I didn't realize it at the time, when I took the above photo, but he was on the small boat that ended up coming along side our ship.  Once delivered, it is his job to help direct our ship into dock.














According to beyondships2.com  "When the ship is entering or leaving port, the population of the bridge increases several fold.  The captain, the staff captain and several of the navigation officers all have responsibilities, monitoring the ship’s systems."

I went back to the gym to do two miles on the elliptical, watching the slow process of getting our ship into dock.
 
The four of us had breakfast together, an unusual occurrence.  It was a fairly warm day (low 60's), but there was a chance of rain.  We decided to leave the ship together and see what excursions were available in Victoria.  As we got to the gang plank, Joe realized he forgot his sea pass and photo ID and had to go back up to the room.



I got off the ship with the girls and then waited a long time for Joe to finally catch up with us.


Patty and Shirley had decided to take a rickshaw tour of the city, so set off on that adventure.



As you can see from the girl's coats and blanket, it was a bit chilly out.


Joe and I chose a cheaper, and more energetic method to see town, and walked (over 2 hours) some of the many trails.


We took the Waterfront Trail (seen right) all around James Bay, including walking past Fisherman's Wharf (seen below).

 







Then we headed inland, seeing many beautiful buildings and several parks.  

 

We saw the world's fourth-tallest totem pole and the well known giant Cedar Tree. 

 

 

 

We spent quite a bit of time in Beacon Hill Park

It is 200 acres of landscaped gardens, ponds and a great deal of the native flora that has been preserved.

 We saw these two peacocks as we entered the park.  There were tons of paths, ponds, water fowl and other attractions.

 

 

As we walked we also saw several rickshaws peddle by, but none with Patty and Shirley.

We walked back along the ocean's edge, returning to the ship.

When we got back near our ship's dock, I decided to walk the Ogden Point Breakwater, out to the light house and then back (maybe another mile added to my daily exercise).

 

Joe opted to head back to the ship for a nap, in preparation for his last evening of poker.  

Seen upper right, our ship from the light house.  

Below is the historic mural painted on the breakwater wall.  

I spotted this heron while viewing the mural.

I got back on board at 3 pm, grabbed a quick light lunch and took the lower photo of our ship leaving the dock.
It had really started raining and I thought how lucky we were again, to have not gotten rained on.  I sat in the library and worked at Blog notes, in an effort to get caught up.  

Once Joe woke up and went to workout, I showered, packed and dressed for the night's activities.  We all went to dinner at the Windjammer (the restaurant of choice because it was after 5:30 and was quicker).  We ate a lot more good food.  Joe went to play cards, the girls to finish packing, and I to the Star Lounge to save seats and listen to The Sound Waves Band before One Love was to play.

Patty and Shirley eventually showed up as did many of our new friends, and we all sat together.  It was our last night and we were all going to live it up.  I tried to get photos of everybody.  Seen right, Rae Ellen.  Below, Patty and I with Keiko.

The eight from California are seen right, including my special dance buds, Amy and Melisa, seen below.

 

 

During the band's first break, we played the game show, Battle of the Sexes.  Even though the guys were out numbered, they won, but we ladies made a valiant effort.  Tammi and I during a break in the action. 




More dancing continued.  Seen left, Shirley and I with Keiko and her husband.  Below, some random dude (I didn't even catch his name) asked me to dance a slow dance.  I didn't think it polite (or nice) to say no.  I think I stepped on his toes two or three times.  Oops.

We had to have our suit cases out in the hall by midnight, so during the band's second break I went up to do that.  

Lots of dancing continued throughout the last set.  

Joe joined us near the end.  

When we got back to the room, right at midnight, our suit cases were already gone.

 

I was up at 5:30 Friday and out on deck before 6 am, watching the sun rise as I walked laps around the 4th, 11th and 12th decks.  

 

We were back in Seattle and in the slow process of docking, which I also watched.  The little blue boat (seen left) was bringing the harbor captain. 

It was gloomy out with a light sprinkle.  The rain eventually got harder, so I headed to my cabin, showered, and was ready for a day of travel. 

We all had our last meal together, and I enjoyed my seventh straight breakfast of bacon, eggs, and potatoes... followed by a sweat pastry.   

Notice the line of taxi's waiting at the dock.

The trip home included standing in line to get off the ship, another line to get our bags, another line to get through customs, and then hustling 300 yards through rain with our suitcases to stand in yet another line under the Delta tent to check our suit cases.  It was back through the rain to stand in line to get on the bus, for what then was a nice 30 minute ride (with a talking tour) through Seattle to the airport.  We caught up with Patty at the airport, but after slowly moving in the line to get through security, we parted ways with her (she was flying to Iowa).

There was more waiting, and standing in lines to get on and off our two flights, and a brisk walk through the Salt Lake City airport to make our connecting flight.  Our second flight was almost three hours, and by the time we landed in Nashville at 9:30, I was fit to be tied.  But then we had to wait at baggage claim and again for the long term parking shuttle and I had two more hours of sitting during the drive home.  We arrived just after midnight and collapsed into bed.

Seen left, sunrise at Victoria, British Columbia.

Our Alaskan cruise was a great trip, one I am glad I did, but if given a choice, I would rather sail in the warm Caribbean, sitting by one of the ship's pools with island music playing and taking excursions to ocean front sandy beaches.  

Also, I will never again fly in to port the same day I am to sail out! 

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