It has been several weeks since I last posted. In fact my last post was published the day before we left on our Alaskan Cruise. We flew to Seattle the night before, as is our practice. The next morning we had a breakfast at the Citizen Cafe and I sampled their Korexican Tacos. They were delicious. After breakfast we had just enough time to squeeze in the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum and I am glad we did. The colors, shapes, and overall composition of the pieces was amazing. Of course we had to go through the gift shop to exit the building. Although, there were some beautiful pieces we stuck with our traditional refrigerator magnet purchase. We headed to back to the hotel, grabbed our bags, and caught a shuttle to the port. The boarding process was not too tedious or long and the metal in my ankle did not set off the detectors. Our room was comfortable and we settled in quickly. On our seven-day cruise on Holland America we traveled to Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria B.C.
Juneau was our first stop and because it was lunch time we grabbed lunch at the Hangar on the Wharf. Malcolm had the King Crab Alyeska sandwich and I had Prime Rib and Cheddar both were sandwich perfection. We walked around town a bit and finally made our way to the buses that would take us out to Mendenhall Glacier. Once there we hiked two-mile out and back to Nugget Falls where we snapped some photos and took in the breathtaking scenery. We then took the bus back and caught the tram up the mountain. Thankfully it was much shorter and a lower altitude then the tram in Jackson Hole Wyoming and thus was bearable. The view from the top of the mountain was worth it and after a brew break in the cafe we headed down and back to our ship.
Glacier Bay was an on board experience. We all flood to the decks of the ship to take in the natural wonders narrated by a park ranger. A delicious dutch pea soup was served as our ship made it way through the icy waters.
In Sitka we visited the national historic park and viewed many intricate totem poles. However, the highlight for both of us was the Raptor center where we came face to face with a rescued eagle. Thankfully there was a barrier between as we observed his powerful talons. A quick stop at a local pub for an afternoon snack and then back to the ship.
Ketchikan was our next stop as it was morning when we disembark we head for a local cafe to consume our morning fuel. It was a fifties style dinner with a Route 66 sign on the wall. We walked around downtown in the area dedicated to the pioneer women who came to Ketchikan also know as the red like district. We pick up some souvenirs and made our way back to the ship.
Our final stop was Victoria British Columbia. It was early evening when we docked and made our way off the ship. We headed to China Town for an early dinner. We then walked around town for a bit taking in the sites before finding our way to a restaurant on the harbor. We pop in to the flying Otter for a brew and snacks. My husband found a new favorite beverage which was a combination of beer and clamato.
We had an enjoyable time in each of the ports we visited but we also had some great times on the ship. We meet some interesting and fun people including the guy who worked with elephants at a California zoo. We took a cooking class with one of the executive Chefs. We savored many delectable meals and wine. Of course there was lots of resting and reading and I can’t forget the dancing. The dancing with the stars jive lesson that turn into a competition which I won and then was entered into the finals on the last afternoon of the ship. Which was held on the main stage dancing with the stars style. Although, I didn’t win the finals it was an exciting experience I won’t soon forget. This was a great vacation that provided interesting experiences, plenty of rest, and one on one time with my hubbie.