Jul 2009

This was a day to remember. The ship docked during the night, supposedly about 1 AM but no one noticed as all were asleep. At 5 am things started to happen. The breakfast area open, the train out side arrived and people were moving. We had a disembarkation of 7 AM. We had been assigned to D car, table 16, which was a full length dome car. There were 7 such cars on this train heading to Denali Park. The train pulled out promptly at 8 AM and headed initially towards Anchorage. In leaving the Whittier area we had to wait for our scheduled transit thru the tunnel. It is the only way vehicles and trains can enter or leave Whittier. It is only one lane/track wide so traffic is one way.

Riding the train was a new experience for several on our car, they had never been on a train of any sort. We were lucky to see some animals along the way. The route thru Anchorage took us near the downtown area, a place I have not been for years.
As we left that area we passed thru Wasilla, home of Gov. Palin. After leaving there the engineer poured the coals to it and we moved rapidly north. The scenery along the way was beautiful and interesting. People living in the middle of no where, year round, was the norm.

Finally at 6PM some 10 hours later we arrived at Denali. When leaving the train we got on busses with the number of our building in the front window. We had received our hotel packet on the train with keys and maps. All we had to do is go to the room. The daylight was still strong as sun set was not until 11:29. The room was over looking the river and all the rapids. We went for fish and chips, outstanding, at the Bistro.

Again we woke to the sound of the fog horn on the ship. We were heading to College Fijord to see the glaciers. It had been raining all night and continued during the day. Most of the day was spent packing as we would exit the ship the next morning.

Arriving at the College Fjord, not much was visible. We got within 1/2 mile of the main glacier, Harvard. This is called College Fjord because those that were on the ship the find it were all professors from Eastern schools. The ones on the one side are named for women's colleges and on the other side, men's colleges.

Left the area about 8 pm, still light, and headed for Whittier

Awoke this morning to the two minute blasts of the ships foghorn. Opened the curtains and could not see the water next to the ship and rain was steadily pelting the deck. Not going to be a good day for seeing Glacier Bay. BUT as we entered the inlet and proceeded towards the main glaciers the fog lifted, the rain stopped and before long the clouds were breaking up. Suddenly it was a very nice day with little wind and a temperature of about 60,

We had picked up the Park Rangers during the night as we entered the National Park boundaries. One or both of them were on the PA constantly telling of how the park was formed, the history of the Tlinghit people that lived there and how the wild life is flourishing.

The Coral Princess is not a small ship, some 1,050 feel long. But with both bow and stern thrusters the Captain was able to keep the ship in front of the glacier and have it rotate so all could see. Calving ( breaking of ice off the glacier) was taking place randomly. We were about 2-3000 feet from the glacier so you could see something fall then in a second or two you could hear the loud crack. Eagles, sea otters and many types of birds were in the immediate area.

As we started out of the area the clouds started to lower, a few rain drops were felt and the wind picked up. After the rangers departed we turned west and followed the shoreline. Many humpback whales were seen spouting and breeching. Sea Otters dotted the water. All in all it was a very exciting day and the weather was with us.

The evening party put on by the Captain for the Gold card members was very good. Eats, drinks of choice were offered free of charge, a rarity on a cruise. Prizes were given to the high cruise members. The highest was 266 days of cruising, next was 188 and then 160. Of the 2010 passengers on this particulary cruise, 1550 were first time cruisers, quite amazing.

Skagway today. Arrived early so walked into town to look it over and do some shopping. Then we had a train tour starting at 1130. This was to the top of White Pass and into Canada. The train was a steam engine refurbished and the cars were of the same date period. Great trip along the narrow guage rails. Saw animals, water falls and great photo ops.

Great day in Juneau. We get to see Rene, Dave, Ellie, Roblin, Forest and Arlo. Morning started early with some basic shopping. Then Rene picked us up downtown and we went to Douglas Island where she and Dave live. We were unable to see Dawson as he was working with ERA, the helicopter service for glacier rides. At 1130 we went to pick up Forest and watch him in a class play, great. Time for lunch and Dave took off from his job, Roblin came home and all were present. Great time. We then took Rene to the airport as she was heading south to Portland to meet Eliza at soccer camp. Dave and Dawson will follow shortly and they will have a summer vacation. Spent the afternoon getting needed supplies and mailing items. Dinner at Ellie’s was again a family event. Back to the ship just before sailing. It proved to be a very nice day. Good weather, good family, good times.

Day started early as the ship docked in Ketchikan at 0615, early. We were up as the day was filled with a tour and shopping. We left the ship and walked some 15 minutes to get to the heart of town. There we took advantage of the free gifts offered to the cruise passengers and bought a few items.

We then walked back to the dock and our tour bus was waiting. We chose the Potlatch Park and fish hatchery tour. The Potlatch Park is privately owned, supervised by the state. It is a recreation of an original Tlinghit village. There are several totems depicting the clans of the various Indians. There is also a carving house with a master carver working daily. This master carver is unique in the fact that it is a woman. Women were not allowed to carve in the early days. But after the Tlinghit people were nearly wiped out, the elders agreed that women could carve.
Currently there are 3 women master carvers. A master carver will take a commission to do a totem. To carve a pole it would cost between $3000 &$5000 a lineal foot, not cheap. The master carver also makes all his own tools. Only blades are used, never any sandpaper or electric devices.

In the evening we sat in the front of the ship as we cruised thru Snow Pass. This is a narrow passage where whales, otters and seals are prevalent.

Day at Sea. Leisurely morning with great scenery along the way. Mid-morning there was a lecture on how and where to shop along the cruise route. We attended, but it was really a repeat performance of the lecture we had on the canal trip. All the major outlets are in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway for the summer tourists. The prices are the same as in the Carribean, but you don’t have to pay duty.

The evening meal was the first formal dining of the trip. As usual the food was outstanding and the ambiance was great.

This is the day, up and the final packing of the cases for getting onto the cruise ship. Went to Starbucks and brought back some scones for breakfast in anticipation of eating on the ship. Took a cab from the hotel to the cruise terminal. SIDE NOTE: Nearly all the taxis in Vancouver are Toyota Prius Hybrids. The drivers really like them and they hold a surprisingly amount of luggage.

We arrived at the cruise terminal, first built for the expo in 1994, at 1030. Went thru U.S. Customs with a breeze and then on to the check in desk. It was still a bit early to board so we, and others sat a brief spell. Once on the ship it brought back memories of our two weeks in January. This time we were further forward and on the starboard (right) side. Luggage arrived in fine order and lunch was excellent as usual.

We walked the various decks and areas reacquainting ourselves. Ran into one of the waiters we had talked to on the canal cruise. He was excited as he was going back home, INDIA, in August to get married.

It was a little weird not having another 10 couples to pal around with as we did on the canal cruise. But the upside is meeting new people.
Dinner was again excellent but lengthy. We skipped dessert in order to catch the 8PM show. Cary Long was the stand-up comedian. We had seen him on the other cruise. Funny as ever.

WOW, what a beautiful day in Vancouver, not a cloud in the sky. We rode the TROLLEY around the city. In Vancouver it is broken into two routes. One route takes you thru the north part of the city, including Stanley Park. The second route takes you around the south part of the city which includes the domed athletic venues and past the new Olympic Village.

There are several places you can cross from the north route to the south route. We chose to do that at the exit near Granville Island. This is a very unique place. It has the Farmers market and several stores and shops and resturants. Being Sunday, the place was extremely busy. All the aromas of the breads and various ethnic foods made you hungary.

Vancouver is 'young' town. Lots of up and coming business people living in the city. They are building up instead of out. Lots of high rise condos and appartments. All are clad in glass allowing the sun to come in when it does shine. During the winter lots of rain does fall. They are rebuilding the water front areas as well as refurbishing several building in anticipation of the winter olympics in 2010.

The afternoon turned cool and windy as a front was coming in with rain in the forcast.

Evening was spent getting the suitcases ready for the cruise venture.

PHOTOS OF THE CRUISE WILL BE POSTED AFTER THE CRUISE IS OVER. WE DO NOT HAVE THE LAP- TOP, ONLY THE NET BOOK WITH US.

This the day. Up at the crack of dawn, suitcases packed, the coach closed up, slides in and off we head to the airport at SEATAC and the QUICK BUS that will take us to Vancouver BC. Bus was a large one, holding 44 people and it was nearly filled. Luckily we did not have to stop at the other pickup points so headed north. Stopped at the Tulalip Restarea for a short break and then on to Canadian Customs. We had to unload all the bags and go thru for a check. We were lucky, only checked the passports, did not open the cases. Then off to Vancouver. We arrived at the cruise terminal an hour early because of the no stops. Then on to the hotel, Sheraton at Wall Center. Got settled in the room and went for katsudon at the local Japanese restuarant.

Aha, the time has come to organize and pack for the trip. We have the coach in Puyallup for storage. The suitcases are out of the truck and clothes and items are being organized to be packed. This will be a two week trip, part on the cruise ship and part on the train. Each requires separate items and clothes. We will fly back to Seattle, so have to keep the weight of the bags under 50lbs. Hard.

Kachina has been taken to Redmond and her favorite sitter, Alene. They both seemed happy to see each other.

Spent time JUST RELAXING. Our sites were only feet from the Hoods Canal at high tide. The sea lions were chasing what fish were left from the last run. People were clamming and digging oysters on the state park beach next door.
Weather cooperated such that we could eat outside most of the time. Finally a storm came thru and some rain fell, strange sight being from Arizona.

Left Puyallup about 1030 heading for Hoodsport and the campground The Waterfront at Potlatch. Being Sunday and a holiday weekend we expected light or at least moderate traffic. WRONG, the traffic was very heavy. Guess everyone was returning home early to avoid the rush later. Got to the campground and others were waiting for us. Set up and enjoyed catching up on things. The temperature was cooling all afternoon and the wind was picking up. But it was still nice enough to eat outside for dinner.

WOW, a year ago we were in Boston for the July 4th celebration at the Oval and the Boston Pops concert. We had 5 couples, up early, road the train to downtown and got checked in with our wrist bands. Set up our 'nest' and then could explore the area while we waited for the festivities. Lunch at Cheers was part of the experience. This year we played around Myrons, trying to get the TV to work. Then a big party at the neighbors with hot dogs, hamburgers and a typical 4th picnic. In Washington, fireworks are legal and the neighbors had plenty. Of course Kachina didn't like it one bit.

Travel day again. This time from Salem to Puyallup, WA and the Bredahl's. Being Friday and the day before the 4th, the interstate was loaded. Bumper to bumper all the way, but at least it was moving. Once we got onto 512, another devided road going to Puyallup, the outbound traffic as stopped. Not a good day to travel.
Made it in to the parking spot and lounged the rest of the day.