We are pulling out of the port of Kodiak, Alaska. It is rainy and foggy which is supposed to be typical weather here. This morning we went on a marine wildlife tour where we saw some whales, sea otters, and such. It was interesting to hear about the history of Kodiak. We didn't realize there was a fort here during World War II of over 35,000 soldiers and that the Japanese actually sent a scout team to Kodiak looking to invade. Very interesting stuff.
Yesterday we were in Homer Alaska, which has to be the all-time prettiest place I have ever visited. The weather was gorgeous. We rented a couple of cars and toured the countryside, stopping at many grand vistas. Of all the places I've been in Alaska on four trips, Homer is my favorite.
Monday we were in Anchorage for the day. We took a road trip down the coast and saw the mud flats and a wild-life refuge center. We saw two grizzly bears and some gorgeous elk, moose and caribou. I also saw a baby muskox which was only 5 weeks old. Anchorage is probably a bit too busy for my taste. There is only one major road in Alaska, but we managed to get stop and go traffic on our trek down the coast. Our guide was a very interesting man who knew a lot about the area. We had a nice time.
We will be at sea now for a couple of days. We are hoping for calmer seas than we had since my last posting. We have a sea day, a glacier day, and 2 ports of call remaining. I'm off to sit in the spa on the Lido deck. Pictures will be posted when we get home.
Jul 7, 2010
Jul 3, 2010
Seeing the Sights
We are sitting here in bed, gazing out of the wall of windows at the beautiful Glacier Bay, drinking a cup of coffee. Today we stay on board ship because we have a day of touring some of the glaciers. The ship will be silent and from past experiences, we know ahead of time the day will be awe inspiring.
Thursday we were in Sitka, where we had an experience of a lifetime. We took a motorized ocean raft, that only seated 6, and headed 15 miles out into the Baranof Bay, destination a dormant volcano. We suddenly pulled up, the guide stopped the engines, and we watched as two humpback whales blew, and then came to the surface not more than 100 yards in front of us. Wow! We watched them a while, then continued on into a sea otter colony. What darling creatures! We entered a volcanic sea cave where there were colors of rock and sea that were mesmerizing. On the way back, we again came upon the humpbacks and this time one of them, jumped out of the water right in front of us, seeming to wave as he went back down. Unbelievable.
Yesterday, we were in Skagway, where we attended a historical drama about the local villain. Very interesting and cute. The production included some audience participation and Joni was chosen to join the girls in the can-can line. She was a-kickin' with the best of them.
Lots of fun. Again, pictures and more updates will follow.
Thursday we were in Sitka, where we had an experience of a lifetime. We took a motorized ocean raft, that only seated 6, and headed 15 miles out into the Baranof Bay, destination a dormant volcano. We suddenly pulled up, the guide stopped the engines, and we watched as two humpback whales blew, and then came to the surface not more than 100 yards in front of us. Wow! We watched them a while, then continued on into a sea otter colony. What darling creatures! We entered a volcanic sea cave where there were colors of rock and sea that were mesmerizing. On the way back, we again came upon the humpbacks and this time one of them, jumped out of the water right in front of us, seeming to wave as he went back down. Unbelievable.
Yesterday, we were in Skagway, where we attended a historical drama about the local villain. Very interesting and cute. The production included some audience participation and Joni was chosen to join the girls in the can-can line. She was a-kickin' with the best of them.
Lots of fun. Again, pictures and more updates will follow.
Jul 1, 2010
First Couple of Days
We set sail on Monday afternoon, heading for the beautiful state of Alaska. We left home at seven in the morning, flew to Seattle and were on the Lido deck of the ship eating lunch by 1 o'clock. Everything went smooth.
We are having a great time enjoying the scenery, visiting, playing a variety of games, and of course eating. Yesterday we docked in Ketchikan and we went on two very interesting tours. We first went on the Duck Tour which was full of Local Color and we came away with quite a few facts about the area and the culture. We were thrilled to see Eagles. Then we went on the Bering Sea Crab Expedition where we were on a ship used in "The Deadliest Catch" TV show. I got my picture taken with a giant King Crab which came out of the pots which I will post when we get home. They demonstrated many different styles of fishing for the various species. It was truly wonderful. I kept thinking about how much Steve would enjoy this expedition! On both tours we saw hundreds of Eagles, some as close as ten feet from us. What a spectacular site!
Each time I've been in Alaska, I've been struck by the beauty and grandeur that only a powerful God could create. More updates later!
We are having a great time enjoying the scenery, visiting, playing a variety of games, and of course eating. Yesterday we docked in Ketchikan and we went on two very interesting tours. We first went on the Duck Tour which was full of Local Color and we came away with quite a few facts about the area and the culture. We were thrilled to see Eagles. Then we went on the Bering Sea Crab Expedition where we were on a ship used in "The Deadliest Catch" TV show. I got my picture taken with a giant King Crab which came out of the pots which I will post when we get home. They demonstrated many different styles of fishing for the various species. It was truly wonderful. I kept thinking about how much Steve would enjoy this expedition! On both tours we saw hundreds of Eagles, some as close as ten feet from us. What a spectacular site!
Each time I've been in Alaska, I've been struck by the beauty and grandeur that only a powerful God could create. More updates later!
Jun 22, 2010
Father's Day
Father's Day is a good day. So often we forget to honor our dads and husbands and to take for granted all they do for the family. I invited the kids to come on Saturday for a barbecue and swim time. With the girls having dads in the area, church services, and visiting my dad on Sunday, Father's Day can be rather hectic. Having a get-together on Saturday was nice and relaxing for Ken. He liked the special time with the kids and grandkids.
Of course, the weather didn't co-operate as planned. It was in the high 70's, which meant only the bravest of us used the pool. (That was Dylan, David, and Dayna). But until the wind picked up, at least we could sit outside. I think it is funny how separated the guys and the girls are on the pictures! When we were outside, the guys were on one side of the pool, the girls on the other. When we went in the house, the guys sat in one room, the girls in the other. I guess they don't want to hear about babies and weddings, and we don't want to hear about cows and finances. Danny and Kristi stayed over night and we were able to play some games with them and Kenny and Erin.
Thanks kids for making this a special time for Dad (and me)!
Of course, the weather didn't co-operate as planned. It was in the high 70's, which meant only the bravest of us used the pool. (That was Dylan, David, and Dayna). But until the wind picked up, at least we could sit outside. I think it is funny how separated the guys and the girls are on the pictures! When we were outside, the guys were on one side of the pool, the girls on the other. When we went in the house, the guys sat in one room, the girls in the other. I guess they don't want to hear about babies and weddings, and we don't want to hear about cows and finances. Danny and Kristi stayed over night and we were able to play some games with them and Kenny and Erin.
Thanks kids for making this a special time for Dad (and me)!
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