2016 Alaska Cruise - Day 11 (Ketchikan)

Today is Sunday, July 31st.  It does not feel like a Sunday.  We were up early for two reasons....1st our phone rang with Kami all up and going at 6:15 AM.  And secondly our phone alarm went off just as the phone rang.  Kami and Nadine were both up and ready to go as they thought we moved our clocks forward on hour.  Julee told them this was to be done.  That was a bad message as this takes place tonight when we are in bed and we get closer to Seattle.  Anyway...we had a good laugh.

We had booked a site seeing tour to see Ketchikan and go out on a boat to see Eagles, Totem Poles and whatever else would come our way.  We had hoped to see whales...but no such luck.  That's ok...we've seen a few from a far.

The tour was pretty awesome.  We boarded a big bus with a lot of other people.  The driver was from Palm Springs where he said it was over 110 degrees there today.  We are in our coats once again as it is probably not going to reach 60 degrees here.  The drive through town and to the dock took about 30 minutes.  At the dock, we were greeted by a guy in a flashy uniform.  He was Captain Rob.  I wish I could have recorded our whole trip.  He was hilarious with all kinds of humor.  It really made the cruise fun.  We saw a ton of Eagles, seals, jelly fish, other birds...just no whales.  We saw some pretty. Homes built on the seaside.  Ketchikan is about 9000 people.  When 4 or 5 ships dock at the same time, the population will double.  Stores in town are only open when the ships are here.  So tourism, like the other stops is a huge deal.

Ketchikan is very quaint and nice.  It would be fun to come back for a few days.

Our boat will leave at 1 PM today to head to Vancouver Island.  We will arrive there at 7:30 PM Monday evening.  So we will have some time at sea.  Tonight is the last elegant night.  Last time I wore a suit.  But this time I"m going to wear just a nice shirt and tie.  Suit coats are uncomfortable, especially at a tightly seated table of people.

The cruise is about to end soon...and I'm kind of glad.  So many days away from home is not the best.  So we're looking forward to meeting our newest grand child and helping his parents.  But don't get me wrong...we've had a ton of fun seeing Travis and Mackenzie and being with Denise's family.  We've really had a great trip.

Pictures:

Sunset last night.....pretty huh!?!?

A towel elephant....

Flying towel creatures.....

You have to look closely for the white head...but there is an eagle sitting in the tree in the middle.

Eagle soaring......

One of many totem poles along the way.....

Denise, Nadine, Kami and Tim getting ready to board our charter boat....

Denise, Nadine and Kami enjoying the ride.....

2016 Alaska. Cruise - Day 10 (Juneau)

Today is Saturday, July 30th, and we are in the capital of Alaska...Juneau.  We arrived around 7 AM.  We were up fairly early to get breakfast and go to the Guest Service desk to get some charges moved around.  We messed up and had charges put on all our rooms for our meals at the Steak House when it should have all gone on Dale and Julee's since the travel agent had put the credit on her account only for everyone.  Naturally, that takes an act of congress to get done...and it took a while.  Finally, they said to check back later in the day and they would have it done.  We'll see....since it is about 3 PM right now as I write this.

After breakfast, we headed off the boat to catch up with our tour bus.  7 of us signed up for the Mendenhall Blacier and Salmon Bake tour.  We found our guide easily who was driving a big motor coach.  But only 11 people got on.  Once in route, we were given the tour of downtown Juneau.  The port area is small but as we drove the valley expanded a bit into areas where people live.  There are about 35,000 people who live here.  We drove about 20 minutes up to the Mendenhall Glacier.  It is quite a thing to see all these Glaciers.  They are receding quite quickly due to the warmer temperatures and lack of snow fall in these areas.  We were given an hour to explore the area and basically we took the only trail (2 mile round trip) out to a large waterfall and great view of the glacier.  It was a beautiful walk.

Upon returning, we boarded the bus and headed back towards town to one of many Salmon Bakes in the area.  The Salmon bake is an all you can eat thing in the woods.  It was really, really good.  The salmon was baked over an open fire and then coated in a brown sugar sauce...very yummy.  There was much more relative to salads, drinks and dessert.  They even had a camp fire going for marshmallow roasting.  

After eating we hiked up to a little waterfall to take a peak at the salmon who were returning to spawn. End of the trail for most of them unfortunately.

We are now getting ready to sail once again down to Ketchikan...our last Alaska stop.

Pictures:

Nadine shaking a leg with our server last night....

Mendenhall Glacier to the left....

Gold Panners...

Four of the 5 sisters....

The glacier and waterfall hikers...Tim, Denise, Bruce, Nanette, Nadine and Michelle....

Tim and Jeff waiting for a ride......

Two mama bears.....

Our little 'towel' friend....we have a whole zoo in our room.  We'll have to get a picture of them all.

Lorenzo taking a bottle....so glad his health is improving.  Hopes to go home from hospital on Friday.

2016 Alaska Cruise - Day 9 (Skagway)

Today is July 29th....Friday.  We woke up in port at Skagway, Alaska.  Amazing how small it is!  Since we are in the states, we had cell service and immediately we started getting a stream of texts from the kids at home.  The news was not good as Karlie's new baby was in the NICU with respiratory problems.  This was and is very concerning to us.  So immediately we went up top on deck, where it was a bit cold to get breakfast and call Karlie. It was good to hear her voice and share our concerns.  We had to go get ready to go on our  7 hour tour into the Yukon territories.

At 9:00 AM, we met and had a quick prayer on behalf of Karlie and Lorenzo.  Then we were off to find our tour guide.  We had told everyone to HAVE THEIR PASSPORTS many times.  But naturally, we get off the boat, and there is one person (name to not be said) that did not have their passport.  So off that person went back to the boat while others hit the bathrooms for one last time.  Some people were not feeling well...so hitting the bathroom took a LONG time.  

Finally we were off!  The drive was beautiful with some very distinct scenery.  Lots of  canyon driving.  We climbed up into the clouds over a summit and into the they Yiukon territories.  We saw a ton of lakes with one lake that actually stretched 60 miles in length.  At one point, we stopped to view something and our guide spotted some goats with his spotting scope.  I was amazed that he found them.  Also, we saw a car or two stopped and there on the side of the road was a young bear.  Our driver, Tom, thought the bear was about 1.5 years old.  

Later on, we stopped at a mushing post where some ladies had a ton of dogs that pulled sleds.  Our family, being animal lovers, had to stopped.  There, we saw many dogs ranging from mature pulling dogs to week old pups.  WE learned about dogs that pull sleds there.  A few of us paid the money to have the dogs pull an ATV for a mile and a bit.  It was a nice stop.

We then headed on to Carcrosse (used to be Caribou Crossing) where we got some bakery goods there and walked around the cool town.  From there we drove a bit further to see the Carcross desert and then on to our final destination before turning back...Emerald Lake.  This lake was amazingly green due to the mud in the lake.  It was pretty neat.

It was a fun day just driving around seeing the country side.  We did see a few Eagles which was pretty cool.

We arrived back to the boat around 4:45 PM where we called Karlie to check in.  WE learned that Lorenzo has some type of bacteria thing going on and will be in the. hospital for one week.  Crazy.

Another day in the books.

PIctures:

50 states completed...way to go Denise!

The group over looking one of the many waterfalls....

Welcome to Alaska sign...

Our bear friend.....

Michelle taking care of one of the dogs....

Denise, Nadine, and Michael being pulled by the dogs....

Eskimo Pole in Carcrosse.....

Everyone on the bus....

One of our many stops at one of the many lakes....

The happy family with baby Lorenzo who is hooked up to many devices.....

2016 /Alaska Cruise - Day 8 (Tracy Arm Fjord)

Wow...really nice day today.  We woke up to the boat cruising up into the Alaska territory passing by all the many islands (small and large).  We knew it was going to be a great day.  It is July 28th.

Our day started with a few of us bypassing the buffet for breakfast and going into the dining room.  The experience was much better as the buffet is amazingly crowded on this boat.  The goal was to be done eating and up on deck securing our set of seats to watch for whales and the beautiful scenery as it passed by.  But before we did this, I mentioned to Denise that we were in Alaska waters and maybe it was possible we would get an AT&T signal...and by golly she did!  She then got a bunch of texts telling us that Karlie was in labor back home.  Good and bad news as we're glad she is delivering...but we're sad we're not there.  Anyway...we had a nice skype session with her and Ashley at the hospital and all was going well.

We spent the bulk of day up on deck watching (and seeing) whales as we passed through the waters and up into the Fjord.  At about noon our time, we turned into the Edmonton Fjord and headed to one of the large glaciers.  The passage became much more narrow and the scenery amazingly beautiful with mountains going up from the water with myriads of waterfalls coming down them.  While traveling, Mike shared his wifi account and we were able to Skypeing Ashley while Karlie actually delivered her new born son.  Yes...we were present.  Kind of a minor miracle.  All went well which made us so glad.

We continued our travels up to the huge glacier where we parked the cruise ship for about an hour while people took pictures of it from a far.  Many times the ice 'calved' off big chunks of ice into the waters.  That was really cool to see and hear.  For $200 per person, one could get on a smaller boat and travel even closer to the glacier.  It is kind of interesting to be traveling up these fjords dodging ice in the water!  I wanted to yell 'Ice Berg' the whole time.

As we traveled we did see some moose and few bald eagles along the shore.  Later in the day, we heard that a Brown (Grizzly) Bear was seen.  We never saw it though.

In between seeing the fjord and dinner, Denise and I once again Skyped with Karlie.  We were able to talk with her and see our new grandson.  He looks great...born at 4:10 PM (MDT) weighing 7 lbs, 8 oz's.  He has lots of dark hair...he must have some Mexican blood in him!

Tonight was our 'specialty dinner' night.  We went to the Steak House restaurant on the boat.  Boy was it a feed!  They normally charge $35 per head.  But this was thrown in as part of the cruise.  Very nice food...very fancy...large portions...too much!   Everyone made a big deal about Dale and Julee and how much they mean to each of us.  They are special to all of us.  It was a really nice evening.

Pictures:

The crew hoping to see whales...our position for most of the day until the weather turned foul....

Dale and Julee keeping warm....

My beautiful wife handling the rainy weather...

Approaching the glacier....

Iceberg's along the way....

The glacier....you can see the tour boats in the distance and how small they are in comparison.

2016 Alaska Cruise - Day 7 (Sea Day)

'It is kind of funny.  You really lose track of what day it is once you get on a cruise ship and start going.  You lose access to internet connectivity and the world seems to shift a bit.  I think today was Wednesday the 27th.

We were up on the move fairly early.  Denise had some presentations that she wanted to attend.  So I got up early and went to the gym.  They really have a nice spa\gym on the boat.  And there were a lot of people there using it.  But I was able find the equipment I wanted to use open and available.  

After working out, I returned to shower and get ready for the day.  The outside air was really cold with a thick marine layer blocking most of the visibility.  So I knew long pants were in order.  I quickly showered and dressed because Denise wanted to get to a presentation on the Glaciers.  So off we went to stuff our selves on breakfast.  

The presentation was quite good.  I really enjoyed all the facts shared about glaciers and what we will see once we get into the fjords.  Apparently, we will not be able to go up the Tracy Arm Fjord as the ice has been breaking up so much and in such large chunks that is now a hazard to big boats like the one we are on.  So we will be traveling into another fjord close by that is every bit as beautiful.

After the presentation, it got a little boring.  We tried to find folks to play games and stuff.  But everyone kind of went their own ways.  We ended up with Dale and Julee playing Clue...well they played Clue while I just kind of lounged around.  We then ended up going to lunch with them.

After lunch, we went back to the same area where we played cards hoping that we can play with everyone.  But again...nobody showed up.  We did watch people around us play 'Reverse Charades' where everyone acted out a list of things while one person had to guess what it was.  It was pretty funny to watch.

By mid afternoon the marine layer had lifted and it became a beautiful day at sea.  Calm waters, sight of land to the east.  Dale,Denise and I laid out in one of the covered bungalows and watched the sea go by hoping to see whales or something.  But nothing.  Finally, it was time to go down and get ready for dinner...which was to be one of the two elegant nights.  But as we were getting ready, they started to announce that whales were being seen on both sides of the ship.  I had a few minutes, so I hurried up there to see a couple of whales breach in the distance.  Not nearly as good as what we saw in Newport, Oregon.

Dinner was yummy!  Prime Rib, Lobster Tail and large shrimp...although the the shrimp was not that large.  The appetizers were a variety of things but the one odd thing that Denise had was Alligator Fritters.  They were really good.

After dinner, because it was an elegant night, we had to get pictures taken 'professionally'.  We waited in line so long that we missed half of the theater production.  The show was Motown music and really quite good.  We liked what we saw so much that we decided to go back for the late show to see it from the beginning.  Very fun.

Well, tomorrow we start to see things as we cruise up the fjords.  Can't wait.....

Pictures:

Dale with the Cruise Director (Jaimee).  Leave it to Dale to catch up with the young Cruise Director.

Denise and I in a cabana....

The Cruise Director leading Zumba....

Nadine and Denise on the deck looking out over the sea....

Formal dinner night....

Dale and Julee celebrating 50 years....

The family (minus their son)......

2016 Alaska Cruise - Day 6 (Seattle, Boat Departure)

Today is July 26th and we are waking up at Jeff and Laura's place.  We were up fairly early getting ready for the day.  Laura served us some croissants and juice and then we headed off to Seattle to check out Pike's Market place.  The drive was pretty easy...not too much traffic.  Pike's Market is amazing.  So much food.  The flowers being sold there are relatively cheap and beautiful.  We spent about an hour exploring things out.  Our goal was to visit this until around 10:30 AM and then head to the pier to get on the ship.  Our schedule went very well as we did arrive at the boat promptly at 11 AM.

Our visit with Laura and Jeff was really short, really fun.  They were so hospitable and we owe them a lot.

Boarding the boat was fast and easy.  Upon checking in, we found Bruce, Nanette and Nadine sitting in the waiting area.  We were told that we were all to meet at 11 AM to get a picture before we board the boat.  However, some of the group was pretty far behind.  Since those who had flown in that day were tired and a bit hungry, they boarded the boat before all arrived.  Thus the initial picture taking opportunity was lost.  But heck...there will only be a few thousand pictures taken.  So I think all will be fine.  Anyway, when our group boarding was called, we also boarded the boat and headed straight to the.....Guest Services desk.  I know you all thought buffet...but that was 2nd!  We went to guest services to ask about our credit that was promised.  Turns out, we had to wait until the next day to get the credit.  I hope it comes.  OK...we then headed to the buffet.  Lots of food options.

After eating and finally seeing most everyone, we went down to our rooms and unpacked.  They were pretty quick in getting our luggage to our room.  We then headed up to the deck and began to enjoy the view of Seattle and wait for departure.  But before you depart you get the sinking boat tour.  They always say to remain calm and have you nicely lined up.  But we all know if the boat is sinking...there will be no calmness about it.  Pretty funny.  Anyway, off we went leaving the port of Seattle and out to the Pacific Ocean.  While doing that, we took lots of pictures and visited in the nice, sunny weather.

Dinner time for us will be at 5:30 PM throughout most of the cruise.  So before we knew it...it was time to eat again.  I know, hard to believe.  Dinner was pretty good.  As usual...lots of options to choose from.  I hope Denise took some pictures...like we usually do.

Lastly, most of us went to the Welcome Aboard show.  There you get introduced to the Cruise Directory.  Let me tell you about the Cruise Director....energy.  This gal is all over the stage with a ton of energy.  She is young and if she were not a Cruise Director, should be a Gymnast the way she flings her arms and legs.  After much attempt at humor, she introduced the performers that we'll see a few times in the evenings.  They danced pretty good and their singing was OK.  I hope it gets better though.

Around 10:30 PM....off to bed with lights out quickly (after blogging of course)....

Pictures:

Pikes Street Market.....

]

Fish Market......

Tourists in Seattle....

Pasta galore at Pike's Market...

Finally on the boat....waiting to sail.

The whole group....

The whole group again...finally.

The group at the show after dinner....

2016 - Alaska Cruise - Day 5 (Seattle)

It is Monday, July 25th and it is the day that we leave Travis and Mackenzie to travel to Seattle to meet up with our friends, Laura and Jeff Krinsky.  My day started early, about 3 AM for me due to insomnia, in order to catch the Amtrak train from Albany, OR to Seattle, WA.  The train left at 6:11 AM and was a 6 hour trip. 

The trip was quite uneventful and very pretty.  The whole Oregon valley up to Portland is green and beautiful and then it just gets better as you head into Washington.  So much water in the Washington area making it very picturesque.  

While traveling, a couple of Grandma's and their grand daughters sat down by us.  They were headed to Seattle to have a Grandma\Grand Daughter date.  The girls were so excited and full of energy.  After a few minutes of traveling, a lady sitting behind one of the young girls stood up and reprimanded the young girl for moving around too much.  She said it in such a harsh way.  I wanted to stand up an rip the throat out of that lady.  That sent the young girl into a quiet cry with her grandma.  I felt so bad for her.  She was not doing anything and frankly, the lady could have just moved.  Some people are just mean and think only of themselves.  Anyway, Denise and I struck up a conversation quickly with the grandma's and the girls.  And soon the young girl was smiling again and having fun.  All was well again.

We arrived right on time in downtown Seattle.  Hooking up with Laura was a bit of challenge as none of us had been there before.  But after a few calls and after yelling down over a deck to Laura when I saw her drive up in her car, we reunited once again.  What a good friend Laura is and has been to Denise\us.  We immediately decided that we needed to get some lunch and decided on some seafood.  However, the first downtown location we went to, we could not find parking.  So we headed out of the downtown area towards the north and ended up in a nice restaurant on the water.  We had some yummy food there while we visited and visited.  At about 2;30, it was time to go pick up one of her son's in 'Robotics' camp.  They young guy was excited to see all of us.  We then walked to a small park nearby that had a playground to let him run around a bit before getting in the car to head out to Laura and Jeff's place.  I think it took nearly an hour to get out of that area and out to their home.  The traffic is horrible in the Seattle area.

We arrived to their beautiful home to find Jeff still working there.  They had moved some mattresses down to a play room where Denise and I would sleep that night.  We visited for a little while and then we all piled into their Yukon and drove to a Korean restaurant for some really great food.  Visit, visit, visit...we did that through the ending until it was time to retire and go to bed.  And that could have not come quickly enough for me having been awake since 3 AM.  I was tired.

Tomorrow, we board the boat to travel to Alaska.  We look forward to seeing all of Denise's siblings and parents there.  It should be a lot of fun.

Pictures:

Albany Train Station.....

Bridges across the water as we traveled into Washington....

Seattle train station....

Seattle baseball or football stadium...not sure.

Laura and Denise on the water front for lunch....

The whole Krinsky gang having Korean food.....