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This is a recap of the cruise/tour. One of the most impressive things that occurred during this adventure is observing the coordination of the Princess Cruise Line and how they handle their passengers. From the check in at Vancouver and saying good by to our bags until our final stop at Fairbanks our bags, transfers, bus schedules, train rides, room assignments were all excellent. Each week Princess has 4 ships leaving Vancouver for Alaska. Each has about 2,000 passengers. Each of the passengers have elected to due various tours off the ship. Each have elected to do several offered options on the land portion. Each time you move from one venue to another, one transportation method to another an envelope is handed to you with your times, your room number, your side tours. NOW combine this with the fact that another 8,000 people are flying to Fairbanks or Anchorage to start the tour/cruise package, doing the same thing that the cruise/tour people are doing. Never was a bag or a bus late for pickup, never (that we heard) was a bag lost. Never was there a Princess employee without a smile, wanting to assist you in anyway. On the ship you have crew from all over the world, speaking English! Wanting to serve you.
On the tour portion you employees from all over the U.S., again wanting to serve you. They are proud of where they work, what they do and how enjoy your vacation.

Other cruise lines may offer and may do the same as Princess, and I am sure they do. But I am totally in AWE of how it all happens. I will recommend Princess to anyone

LAST DAY OF CRUISE/TOUR. Bummer time to head back to the lower 48 and initially the rat race of Seattle. Will seem real busy after the laid back atmosphere of Fairbanks. Slept in this morn and then packed for the trip home. After all that we headed downtown to see what it looked like. It was really desolate even though it was a Friday and the start of Golden Days. We hit some of the shops and ate at one of the better café’s.

Took the shuttle back to the Princess Lodge, retrieved our bags and waited for the bus to take us to the airport. According to the phone girl there were plenty of open seats. We wrestled the luggage, unlike the real cruise passengers, and finally got to the ticket counter. YEAH< YEAH< we got a seat, actually two. Checked the bags and proceeded thru security and up to the waiting area. Made an important phone call to Myron, so that he would know we got on the flight. Now we are on the home bound leg. AND the Captain just announced that because of winds and the Military area being closed we are going to arrive 20 minutes early.

This is the last blog of the cruise/tour portion of our summer trip. We will have pictures posted as quickly as possible. We will continue the blog as we move away from Puyallup and onto points East. The next day or two will be busy restocking the coach, picking up the dog and getting things ready to go. We have a new toilet scheduled to be installed on Monday and the awning fixed. Then OFF we go.

Up early again for tours in Fairbanks. Our first tour was the paddlewheel river boat on the Chena river. This boat and the family running it have been in Alaska since the early 1900’s. They originally used the boats for hauling cargo up the Chena from the ocean. The same family members are now using the boats for tourists to show them the early days of Alaska.

The cruise started out by the skipper turning the boat sideways in the river. Then thru the magic of remote mikes the narrator talked to a pilot in a Super Cub on floats on the river. The pilot proceeded to take off from the river, circle the boat and then land next to the boat. Very impressive. The pilot then talked about the importance of the small plane in Alaska. One in six residents have their license to fly, and some fly without a license.

Moving on down the river we stopped at a Alaskan Sled dog facility. It was the husband and two daughters of Susan Butcher. She raced the Iditarod several times, winning it several times. Barbara and I saw her start the race in 1993. It was explained, again by remote mikes, how the dogs are handled and trained for sled racing.

The next stop on the river was the confluence of the Chena, a clear water river, and the Neana, a glacial fed river. Again the importance of how watercraft play a huge part of the Alaskan live.

Turning the boat around we then stopped at an Athabasca village. This of course is a recreation of a real one. Here they had real natives, mostly high school and college students explain the old and new ways of the Athabasca’s. They have lived in the area for over 10,000 years.

When the river boat cruise was over we then started another tour to the Alaska Pipeline viewing point. It was explained how the crude oil comes out of the ground very hot and is then pumped over 450 miles to Valdez, the seaport. Along the way precautions have been taken to prevent the hot oil from melting the permafrost and damaging the surroundings.

Our next stop was the El Dorado gold mine. After boarding a train we were entertained by Earl Hughes, the official Country Music singer of Alaska. He also narrated the sights along the way, explaining how the miners would dig and store ore in the winter and then sluice it in the summer.

At the end of the train ride we each got a pan and a bag of raw ore to try our luck at panning. It was difficult at first but it did not take long to get the hang of it. They guaranteed gold would be found. We found several small pieces, about the size of a salt crystal. Total it was worth about $26. We did discover panning was NOT the way we would choose to live.

Easy day, late get up. Our transportation from Denali to Fairbanks has been changed from a bus leaving at 1:30 to a train leaving at 4. The train is a much nicer ride but still takes 4 hours. We leisurely had breakfast and then explored the stores across the highway. They all had sale signs on them, but when asked, they open in the spring with those signs up. The train ride was interesting. We went by areas where the fire had been in years past. We also went thru dense smoke from the current fires. It is hard to imagine fires in the area with as much rain and water as they have. We did not arrive at the hotel in Fairbanks until late evening, making for a very long day.

AS STATED BEFORE, PICTURES WILL BE FORTHCOMING. WE ONLY HAVE THE NET BOOK WITH US ON THE TRIP

Up early again as we had a 7 AM bus tour on Natural History of the park. The ranger took us to the Wildlife center to watch a movie of the early history of the park and the how’s and whys it was formed. Then we traveled further into the park, with more explanations and viewing of wildlife. We were able to travel beyond the milepost 13, end of the road for private vehicles. From that point on only National Park vehicles can transit. We went to MP 19, or Primrose lookout. At that point a native Athabasca told the history of the mountain from their tribes history. Several of the people elected to stay there and catch the Park Service bus to points deeper into the park.

Returning to the main lodge at Princess Riverside, we decided that a plane ride around the summit would be of interest. There were two spaces left on a flight and we grabbed them. There were a total of seven passengers in the twin aircraft. I had hoped to get the right seat, but no such luck. We were scheduled to climb to 21,000 feet, and were given oxygen masks. However the weather was moving in rapidly from the South and we could only go to 19,000. Even there clouds were closing in and we descended on down. We kept the mountain in view as long as we could. Upon returning to the base field, the rest of the flight for the day were cancelled. Out flight was great and would do it again.

To round out the day we elected to attend the dinner theater. The food was served family style and the waiters were the entertainers. The production was about the first climbing of Denali. It was a very good dinner and excellent show.

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.