Retrospect

I've been home five days now and have managed to maintain much of my vacation glow.  My work colleagues extended a warm welcome upon my return.  I haven't been out for even a week in my 3 1/2 years, so it's was very nice to know I was missed and not just for what I do.  Several had followed along with us on the blog and were just as impressed by the few pictures they saw as we had been being there. 

Now that I've had time to reflect, I know that it was such a privilege to experience Alaska and to do so with my brothers.  It shall be something to relish for a long time to come.  Between the three of us, we have scads of great photos.  I expect they will find their way into other communication venues.  Just the other day I was notified that one of our videos was on YouTube and I saw that Bill had posted many to his Facebook page.

Two of my colleagues have expressed interest in going to Alaska in the future, so it's been fun telling them about our adventures and sharing additional photos.  I sincerely hope they find the means and the time to go, it is so worth it.

Now I must concentrate on my work projects, tending to every little detail to ensure successful implementations.  Perhaps I can convince someone in Sales to pursue a client in Alaska.  Maybe they will need my support for two weeks next summer?!  I may even need to bring a few of my colleagues to assist!

Happy travels everyone, it's been fun sharing mine with you.

A Day At Sea

Last night's sunset and crescent moon

Cooking demonstration

Pastry buffet

Sunny and wonderfully warm

View...priceless

Ketchikan & Misty Fjords

Ketchikan is the 4th largest city in Alaska and was the largest of the ports we visited.  In each port there has been several jewelry stores with three times that many in Ketchikan.  We're still trying to figure out how they stay in business and who exactly is their customer.  Each one we passed by had little or no customers.  Go figure, guess we're just not part of the bling crowd!

The Misty Fjords National Monument was a great "last" excursion as you'll see by the pictures.  This evening we depart for Vancouver, arriving about 8:am.  It will take some time to get through customs, not sure we'll have any time to check out the city.  Our flight to Boston is at 2:pm. 

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watch

Our first day of prolonged rain in Juneau, mostly during our visit to the Mendenhall Glacier, though it did not detract from what we saw at all.  Bill was unable to accompany us as he has come down with a cold and spent the day in bed.  Please pray for a speedy recovery and that Michael and I will manage to resist getting sick.

Following our time at the glacier, we got on the whale watch boat.  They said it was the first clear day, meaning no fog, they'd had in a couple weeks.  Yet again we've been so very fortunate.  Michael was able to get some great shots of the whales.  We saw several along with some of their friends hanging out on a buoy.

Skagway & Wildlife Eagle Preserve

What does one say about Skagway?!  According to the various guides, Skagway was one of the early gold rush towns which has been restored to it's original look, with modern conveniences thrown in for the sake of commerce.  Pretty much a one dog sled town, with most everything along one main street.  Skagway has a population of just over 1000, which can swell to 3 to 4 thousand when a cruise ship is in town.  While the building facades are historically accurate, what's inside is primarily geared toward the tourist.  We did find some local artisan's creations and crafts for sale, but most of the goods were from China and Pakistan.

We went seeking wildlife on our excursion in Haines, through an eagle preserve and down river.  We saw several bald eagles along with their young.  Apparently it takes up to 5 years before the young develop the white feathers on their heads and tails.  Michael was able to get a few good close up shots.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Once again we heard from the naturalist and the park ranger that they hadn't seen the sun in a month, yet it was shining for us and contributing to the visual splendor.  Glacier Bay is a protected area, allowing only two cruise ships per day in the park and sometimes one or none.  I'm so thankful that we've had the benefit of the sun for most of our days.

While Denali National Park has over 6 million acres, Glacier Bay National Park is about half the size at 3.3 million acres.  It includes forest, inlet and shore and mountain peaks up to 15,000 feet.  It includes 12 tidewater glaciers, including the Margerie Glacier, the most photographed in Alaska.  We saw a few small whales, seals and otters, along with puffins, gulls and terns.

With the sun on the water, these are some of the best pics yet!

Hubbard Glacier

Brisk chilly winds, extraordinary sounds and views...the photos shall speak for themselves.

Train to Diamond Princess

Saturday's train ride was a long one, over 9 hours, but was made pleasant by the people we were seated with.  We met Scott and Marjorie, son and mother.  They were delightful company as were the family I sat with, the Chongs. 

We had great anticipation for the cruise and couldn't wait to see our state room, especially the view from the veranda.  All throughout this trip I have been quite impressed with the organization and precision with which Princess moves people from one location to another.  The check in process for the cruise began on the train when we stopped to pick up several guest services representatives.  We got off the train with our personalized cards that would be our "ticket" to all things Princess.

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Another extraordinary day!  We traveled by bus to mile 62 within the Denali National Park.  We had many sightings of grizzly bears (males, females and cubs), caribou, dall sheep, ravens, golden eagles, the Alaskan state bird (don't recall the name), other birds, the north face of McKinley and other amazing views.  We were all quite impressed with the measures taken to preserve this great wilderness.  It truly is a great treasure.

At the end of the tour we received a nice reward of $75. worth of vouchers due to the delayed departure this morning, with which we treated ourselves to a great meal.

Nice day all around...enjoy the pics friends.  Tomorrow we get on the train to head south to Whittier to meet the ship and begin the cruise segment of our adventure.