North by North West Chapter Four

Wednesday, Sept. 8th….still trying to figure out why I was sleeping so well. Was it the bed – no joint pain upon waking, the pillows – little fluffy – no neck pain. No fan – a requirement at home. Warmer than we keep it at home. Whatever it was, it was working and I’d been sleeping wonderfully – maybe it was the subtle rocking all night.


SITKA: After breakfast we were eager to go ashore to beautiful Sitka – by the way – first place the American flag was raised in Alaska.

We were taken by life boat to Sitka – the mountains misty and grey – most tops shrouded in mystery.
We somehow missed the fact that the St. Michael’s part of the tour was happening as we did Sitka the way I enjoy – just walking about, breathing the air, glancing in shops. I even managed a brief visit to Sitka’s Quilt Shop where I was able to buy a hoop – the one I had packed had been badly broken in the suitcase – I think by the inspectors – and while they didn’t have a single spool of the needed white quilting thread, I really enjoyed the shop and discovered they are on line, so I might order some of the lovely fabrics they had. More walking, and then we

called grandchildren, Larry and Jessica – left messages for both – and Lar bought a reindeer hot dog and a soda.

I wasn’t in the mood for street vendor hot dogs – reindeer or not – but I popped into a restaurant bar where they made me up a brie/berry and croissant to go. As I was about to go out to join Lar, he came in and said no need to leave, that I should sit and enjoy the gorgeous view out the big windows onto the bay and enjoy my meal.
When I was about half finished, Lar lunged up and dashed out of the restaurant without me. I hurriedly gulped down the last of my lovely warmed cheese and toasted croissant, not the recommended way to enjoy such an epicurean delight and ran to catch up with him. I never did figure out where he was in such a hurry to get to as we then waited more than 30 minutes for our tour. I don’t think he knew either!

Our tour guide for the Silver Bay Nature Cruise and Salmon Hatchery was Sandy who 18 years ago had found herself widowed, kids grown and she first visited Sitka. She fell in love with the place and came back to stay.
Our tour was enjoyable up to the point of disembarking for the hatchery. I’ll just say that commerce and nature do not go well together. I would not recommend the tour to anyone, actually, especially anyone with children along. It's left me with real issues about the food chain.. 'nuf said?!

Here you may be able to see the water is just solid with salmon attempting to get upstream to spawn. Those aren't stones you see...they are fish fighting the fight of their lives.

The hatchery did have some beautiful photo ops however,

At the end of the tour we went from the small tour boat to the life boat to the ship and were soon on our way again. We sat in a lounge area before a large window watching as we sailed away from Sitka – glass of wine – next to us an advertisement for black pearls – on the other side – out the window – the various black pearls of islands edged in frilly white of the water breaking on their settings, and gathered on top by black evergreens against a steely grey and silver sky.
I was rather saddened to see Sitka disappearing in the distance, the furthest mountains as misty

and softened as memories. From afar I saw a tiny flashing of a lighthouse like one small perfect diamond in this chain of ebony.

Abruptly, ( I was beginning to get the idea - Lar had become like a jumping jack - so I had to be prepared at a second's notice for his popping up with yet another idea!) Lar decided we must go to dinner in one of the formal dining rooms. “I want to be served” he announced. The dining rooms are not my preference. They are more “stuffy” and the offerings are fancier – saucier – richer than I like. But he, on the other hand, is not a fan of the buffet, so we must meet in the middle.
We walked in and were seated – alone for the first (and only) time and it was then I realized it was a special “dancing dinner”. I found it – oh, I don’t know – just weird, I guess…the servers were required to march in, singing and dancing with each course. Big fan fare. I kept wondering if, when they were young, they ever dreamed they would make their living in such a way. But, it’s a job….who’s to say mine isn’t as goofy in a way. People seemed to love the fan fare. Give the people what they want.

KETCHIKAN: By Breakfast on Thursday we had docked at Ketchikan. We had a scheduled “duck” tour so after briefly shopping for a few souvenirs, we boarded the duck vehicle. Our guide, a young woman originally from Utah also works as a dispatcher for the Ketchikan police and fire departments. She and our driver kept us amused and informed throughout the tour which covered a great deal of the town as well as a long stretch of their working port. They included a kind of side trip to the site of an eagle’s nest – with two fairly large youngsters still residing. The pair have used this same nest for 4 years now. One of the young has just begun to fly, but the other has not left the nest as yet. He looked absolutely huge through the binoculars. Don’t know if the movie camera picked him up or not. A tid-bit of information we picked up is that approximately 90% of what we see as the little city of Ketchikan closes up and no longer exists the minute the tourist season is over! We were encouraged to support those of the businesses that remain throughout the year.
After the tour we got a bit more shopping done, enjoyed a cup of hot tea and then we reported to the ship as it was due to leave port at 1300 hours, sailing out of the passageway and back into the Pacific. It was smooth sailing and we all saw many whales along the way – quite close to the ship. We were on the way to Victoria.

That night was the second of the two “formal” dining nights. We sat with Vicki and her mom – nice people from Texas and a couple from British Columbia. They were very much the world travelers – having been up the Amazon and other amazing places. Very genteel and soft spoken folks. That evening’s fare included filet and lobster tail.
After dinner we went directly to the theater for a show and later sat once again in one of the lounges and simply relaxed.

VICTORIA: Friday we were at sea until 1800 hours when we docked in British Columbia. Whales accompanied our travel for a great part of the way. We ate dinner on the Lido deck as we’d been advised to be sure to eat, at least a light dinner before our excursion – Pub Hopping. We disembarked and went directly to our excursion bus – we were going on the Victoria Ale and Brewery Tour. Earlier, we’d been told our suitcases had to be outside our door no later than midnight, so we tried to make sense of what we would and would not need in the morning and hurriedly packed before setting out. (I use the word “packed” lightly – it was mostly chuck, shove, throw and toss!) I cannot say how many times throughout the evening I thought back on the frightful state those suitcases were in, but reassured myself that it wasn’t for long….soon as we were on land and in a place to sleep that night I could put everything right.
The pub tour was okay – not outstanding – however the driver was fun and informative and took us by a number of interesting sites, explaining as he drove. At the end of the evening, he took us to a perfect location for pictures of their Parliament at night. We got some great pictures there.

When we returned to the pier, we got a few souvenirs and then returned to the ship.

Blessings

Grandchildren are a blessing.
They can also bless you.
Grandson Larry recently blessed me by lending me his book "The Music Lesson, A spiritual search for growth through music" by Victor L. Wooten.
A truly inspired book - a real blessing.
Thanks again, Larry!

North by North West Chapter Three

Tuesday was a full day at sea.

We were joined at breakfast by Gail and Paul (Michigan to AZ) and with Gail it is easy...just sit back and listen...no pesky conversation to worry about....just listen - or not - just be there. As we bid our farewells until later, she had walked just a short distance and fell. That was becoming a common theme on the ship - people falling, some more injured than others. When you consider the number of "older" passengers - it could really be a problem...we had heard of a number of people who have ended up in sick bay - we discovered the lady from the first couple we met from Little Rock had taken a serious fall on Sunday night...we were concerned and hadn't as yet found out how she had fared.

We wandered up to the bow to see Hubbard Glacier and spent about two hours up there, seeing, snapping and filming the beauty. They set up a nice hospitality buffet of hot pea soup (delish!), and various beverages. It was quite chilly - not wintry cold, really, but I was happy indeed to have my earmuffs and extra layers on.

Hubbard Glacier

After all that fresh air, a nap was called for.

And then - wonder of wonders! - another meal. Well, not exactly a meal - a "Tea". This time we were seated with a couple who are Tea Party members. (How appropriate, Tea party with members of ....well you get it.)They were nice - but she put out "feelers" politically and Lar quite summarily shut her down. After that, small talk until tea was over. I was, quite frankly, a bit disappointed with Tea. Lots of salmon bits and pieces...yuk...but nothing that really tickled my fancy...and my fancy isn't really all that fancy.....but, tea was good - tho bagged.

As we had partaken of tea, we chose to go to the Lido deck buffet for our evening meal...eating (at least for me) more lightly.

In the evening we saw a comedy show and the comedian was truly funny. His Ozzie Osbourne was fall down on the floor funny. He did him (Ozzie) answering the door until my sides ached from laughing. Indeed, I have laughed again several times since just thinking about it.

We sat in one of the lounges reading and enjoying a glass of wine, watched a movie in our room, and we both slept well that night.

I had begun to have fun with our Steward, Jon....see the monkey he created with towels...and see I created him a heart and a crown.

North by North West Chapter Two

Saturday the 4th we had to be in the lobby at noon for our van to the dock. We shared the ride with a couple from Utah...they were so nice, and were to sail on the Princess with the same ports of call so we hoped we would see them again. At the dock we processed easily and efficiently and with a great deal of friendliness.

The ship size was overwhelming!

At first we were told to go directly to the Lido deck until our rooms were ready but ours was already prepared so we were able to drop off our carry on things and put our valuables in the safe. We were rather surprised at our room - it was a handicap accessible room with twin beds. But all in all, a comfortable and clean room.

Lunch gave me the promise of being able to eat light and healthy - I had squash, a vegetable curry and a small piece of vegetarian lasagna. Lar ate for 2! After lunch we walked back to the room to be sure our luggage had arrived. Lar enjoyed watching the sight of me unpacking 2 of our 3 bags and then I began to run out of steam so we returned to the Lido for the Bon Voyage Party - terrific band and singer - delicious margaritas in souvenir glasses as we daparted port. I took some movies, even going up higher, while Lar sat and enjoyed the music.

We took a walk to learn some of the ships layout, having missed the organized tour.

We reported a bit later to the mandated safety lecture at our life boat location and then we went back to the room as I was having a migraine and beginning to feel unwell - though I couldn't exactly say in what way. I stayed in bed the rest of the evening, skipping dinner when Lar went.

The next day, Sunday, we realized why we were warned to take a travel clock and/or watch as we never knew what time it was! As a result, we arrived on Lido for breakfast late...our cell phones were showing the time one hour off. They closed the breakfast buffet almost immediately - tho' I had plenty (oatmeal, banana and yogurt), but Lar began to fear he would starve to death! The remainder of the day he attempted to make up for the shortened breakfast.

We continued our self tour and suddenly - at least to me it felt like suddenly - we were reporting for lunch. I was stunned to find us in a more formal dining room, being handed a huge bill o fare. We were seated with a couple from Little Rock AR - I really liked them. Lunch choices were enormous and Lar was delighted. I had an anjou pear cold soup, some sliced beef with root vegetables and fresh fruit. I ate some dinner rolls with butter in hopes they would help my sinister, growing sense that nausea was coming. Sometimes that helps. Mostly, not.

As lunch grew to a close, and we were relaxed and chatting, Lar suddenly announced that they needed to excuse us, we were moving to yet another table for "wine tasting." I couldn't believe my ears! But we did enjoy the tasting, shared by a table full of nice people and the wines were quite good.

After the tasting, although everyone else had left the room, we all continued to sit and talk. Finally, Tony, the Cellar Master came over to talk to us and then we all set out on our various tasks.

Apparently, Lar's self-assigned task was to learn every inch of the ship - I dutifully followed along, clinging to every available surface as seas had become even rougher.

By the time we got back to our room, it was nearly time to get 'formal' for dinner. I had a short nap and really felt like crying as I attempted to get dressed up. Taking a shower while hanging on for dear life is quite a new experience. And getting into snug, elastic-like panty hose - well, let's just say "America's Funniest Home Videos" material.

Once dressed, we staggered to the dining room. I was literally bouncing and banging from wall to wall in our hallway and very nearly went into someone else's room where the door was left ajar. I was desperately wishing i didn't have to face another meal. We were seated with another nice couple from Michigan originally, but transplanted to Arizona after retirement. She did not stop talking beginning to end...but that was ok because I was getting afraid to open my mouth in any way, let alone to talk!

I ordered quail which was a smart choice as there were about 2 bites on each of the pair of tiny creatures and I drank a large glass of water. We each had a glass of red wine, and sat a chatted (listened) a bit but I was really getting weird...couldn't stand the dining room another minute. We swayed to the theater to see a musical presentation - dancing and singing - one of the dancers actually fell on the set when the ship got into the act dancing. After the show we stopped in a piano bar and I tried hard to enjoy the piano - but when three couples got up to ball-room dance I thought I'd lose my mind. Then I felt quite flush - heat rising - broke out in a sweat and told Lar I thought I was about to pass out. All this time they were announcing over the loudspeaker - "please hold onto railings and such when attempting to walk!" Lar helped me back to our room and I was teary as I got undressed, I said "I want to go home" and Lar said, "no, you want to take a PILL!" So I did. I took one pill and put on one of the sea sick bands and as the ship was heaving and slamming I fell asleep.

On Monday morning Lar kindly slipped into some clothes and went up to Lido deck to retrieve some coffee which was a treat. I took a sea sick pill and was ready to go.

After breakfast we got ourselves together and went to the bow to see our arrival at Juneau, the capital of Alaska. It was a beautiful sunny day - a phenomenon as they had had steady, ugly, down pouring rain for many days. We were delighted - and everyone agreed we must have earned this reward after such rough seas. We heard some nasty stories about the sickness people had suffered the night before.

Lar had booked us on a photography safari. First up, whale watching. This did not disappoint. Rich the Captain and Jim the photographer-naturalist guide got us to the whales and we got some great photos. Those here are small so it is difficult to see just how close we were (we stayed the right distance away - the whales, however, routinely break the law!) We were defeated in our search for sea lions by rough water, but we did succeed in finding and photographing a number of Balde Eagles. After reaching our dock, we saw an enormous sea lion in the water very near the boats. Guess he hadn't wanted to disappoint us!

We then reboarded our bus and found Jim had provided us with bagged snacks and bottled water and we were then driven to the start of our hike to a glacier. Jim spent considerable time with each of us explaining facets of our individual cameras and encouraging us to "tell our own story" during the hike.

We proceeded on the hike through relatively new forest land, only uncovered from the receding glacier some 200 years ago.

Finally we reached the view of the glacier. somehow, not what I expected, it looks, from afar much like a gigantic pile of snow! It had "calved" and there were a number of small ones floating away - very blue. the recession has occurred in alarming amounts in the past several years. As Jim said "I realize American Idol may seem very important, but someone really needs to care about what is happening to our planet." Hear hear.

Some of my forest shots

Our first view of the glacier

Happy Travelers!

Maybe my best shot of the trip!

West by North West Part One

On Sept. 1 we were picked up by the airport van at about 1:45 PM. Our "van-mate" was great - lots of animated conversation made the time fly by.

The state of the world finances seems to have affected just about everything...we discovered that our flight - all the way across the country would not include any meal and we were advised to enjoy a nice meal at the Philly Airport before our flight. We opted for an Italian Cafe where Lar ordered a couple of slices and I had chicken parm with pasta, a yummy garlic knot and water. This all served up by a young woman with a million dollar smile.

After our lunch, we stopped at a Salad Works for a couple of bagels and more water for the flight, and then Lar set out to find a newspaper. As we meandered back to our waiting area, we were startled to hear our flight had been called and that the "doors to the Seattle flight will be closing."

It's been a long time, but we discovered we can still run.

If you have read my blog much at all, you will know that I recognize and adore synchronicities. For a couple of years now I have been failing miserably in doing sudoku puzzles. I mean, I simply haven't been able to get it. My granddaughter, at about 11 or 12 tried to teach me. She gave up.

Well, on our flight, the lady sitting next to me was actually able in a fairly short time to teach me how to do them! I was so excited that the flight of about 5.5 hours seemed to take no time. And I was anxious to go buy a book and see if I could do them on my own.

We took a limo to the hotel near the Seattle Airport and once everything was in our room, we walked a couple of blocks to a nearby pub, the Bull Pen. As we were walking we began to hear sirens, and then it got intense. The sheriff and police cars were flying by us 4 and 5 abreast! They zoomed into the lot of a gas station directly across from us and next thing we knew they were all over some guys in a car, had them on the ground, it was bedlam!

We entered the Bull Pen and a local nudged me and said "ya' got away, huh?" I thought that was pretty funny.

The place was nice, it was karaoke night, and the special was a flat iron steak, baked potato, garlic bread and salad for $9.95. The food was terrific and the Alaskan Amber was a treat. We talked a lot about Richard and Jois and how we miss travelling with them....I told Lar I never laugh like I do when with Jois. Something about our combination puts us in stitches and we laugh at positively anything.

As the evening wore on, we were both growing concerned about the walk back to the hotel. Neither was saying anything to the other. Finally I said, "I want out, I want out now and I want back to the hotel fastest possible!" Lar agreed.

We hoofed it! We walked as fast as we could, past the closed businesses, the self-storage place where a woman and her children were hanging out and apparently live in one of the units, and when we reached the hotel next to ours, we began to breathe again. Never, never again!

We had quite a good night's sleep and were set for our adventures.

A luxurious limo driven by Omer, originally from Ethiopia, (National Towncar Service) picked us up and took us to our second motel. Omer was a great driver, informative about the city of Seattle, and very kind.

The hotel allowed us early check in (THANK YOU!) so that we could have a full day in the city. When we opened the drapes in our room, we found the Space Needle directly in front of us.

What a great view.

We sorted ourselves out a bit and then I sat with the map and we circled the sites we were most interested in seeing. We then checked with the desk clerk, added a few sites and walked to the Space Needle - about 8 blocks.

Amazing, awesome views from atop this landmark. If you look really closely you'll see Mt. Ranier about center of the photo.

I insisted on a little souvenir shopping in the needle and then we walked to Pike Place, about 14 blocks. I was hot on the trail for Kells Irish Pub, but Lar was dragging and desperate by the time we reached 1st and Virginia. Once we found it (tucked away on the back side of the block) we opted for a cozy interior table, out of the sun and looking out at Elliott Bay.

Lar had a Guinness and I ordered an English dry cider. Lunch for Lar was shepherd's pie and for me, a beef and mushroom pasty. Each entree came with home made tomato basil soup. We split a really fabulously tasty Irish whiskey cake for dessert.

After enjoying the music and ambiance of the place, we left to stroll at our leisure and with great enjoyment, the market place.
The senses are overwhelmed by the scents, the sounds and the scenes! It's San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf times 10! The flowers, the produce. Huge bouquets of gorgeous blooms for $5 and $10. Lobster tails the size of my calf! A young man was slicing and passing out samples of huge sweet peaches. We sampled. We each bought one for later. More walking - down an alley where bubble gum is an art form. The sweet odor of the gum permeates the air. It's hard to describe the walls and windows completely covered with chewed wads of various colors of gum. Some gum has been drawn down into stalactites from the window sills.
We walked over 20 blocks more taking it all in.

We then stopped in the Peak and Western Wine shop for a bottle of Cab Sauv - Sharecroppers - Columbia Valley, and then on to Le Panier French Bakery for a long, crusty, fluffy bread.

Finally we realized that after over 4, maybe 5 miles walked, we were tiring, so we hiked up to 3rd, over to Pine and when all seemed lost, we were able to catch a 358 bus. We were so relieved to be on a form of transportation other than our feet, but Lar suddenly misunderstood something he heard and disembarked, me following, about 6 blocks too early. The short ride had helped though, so we made it back to the hotel in good time - with one unpleasant encounter with a homeless man under an overpass who asked Lar for the bread. When we chose to ignore his plea, he shouted that we had no heart and said he would "see us in hell." Bearing that cheerful prospect in mind, we retreated to our room and the air conditioned comfort to enjoy the cool and a repast of red wine, french bread and the juiciest peach we've ever eaten with a chaser of in room popped pop corn. When viewing the picture of the peach, keep in mind, that is a full sized paper plate!

I read some, continued to try my hand at a sudoku in the newspaper, and Lar got continuing updates on the Phillies game at home from our grandson via texting.

That night there was a stupendous sunset and I took quite a few pictures tho' they don't really do it justice.

I woke up about 8:30 next morning and Lar was making coffee. After getting ourselves together we went down to a nice continental breakfast - for me whole grain toast, banana and yogurt - and afterwards we took a couple of bowls and plastic ware for a snack for later.
Then it was time to catch a bus at 5th and Wall to go to the Underground Tour. We both fell in love with Pioneer Square - we said in unison "did we come to Paris?" Hope our pictures will convey its charm.

I filmed a large portion of the tour of the underground city tour with guide Terry Lynn. She has her teaching degree but was not hired back to her most recent teaching job. I told her Teaching is really missing out. If she had been my history teacher, I would have been much more interested much more early. She is a riot! The tour was fascinating - we loved every minute of it.
When the tour was over, Lar had me ask Terry Lynn for her advice on where to go for lunch. She lit up with delight and said, "oh you must go to my favorite - the Collins Pub." (Next to the Smith Tower). Boy, what a great tip! Served by Jaida, we sampled a few local beers, and our favorite - hands down - was Caldera Amber - Oregon. I'd love to explain the dominant flavor that bursts out at the first sip. But I never figured it out. It is a fruit kind of taste - plum maybe? Just never got it. But we loved it.

We shared a hummus appi and then Lar had grilled salmon with grilled fennel on a pesto infused bed of croutons. I had a steak salad - all butter leaf lettuce, my fav - really good. The mostly oldies music (40's, 50's, even some 30's) made a perfect backdrop in this rather art deco pub. When we were about to leave, Jaida offered to take our picture behind the bar.

We walked many more blocks - more than half of them on a slope not to be believed until you experience them - ankles bent in unfamiliar ways. At one point Lar was quite a few steps ahead of me and called back "just keep walking" and I smiled and said "I'm trying!" and an elderly black gentleman dressed in a suit with a rope for a belt smiled broadly and repeated "she is still smilin' and she's still walking, straight uphill." I loved that!

We walked for more than a mile trying to find our bus stop and finally stopped in the police building where the front desk officer kindly looked it up on line - walk more than half a mile more to the West to Jackson St. It sounded impossible, but we made it and after a brief wait the bus was there.

We boarded with and sat next to two people who, in broken but understandable English began to realize they were both from Nairobi - Kenya. The lady had little to say but yes, no, and agreeable nods, but the gentleman spoke of atrocities, of hunger and disease and then he spoke proudly of now being in the United States. He spoke softly but animatedly about our government which allows each person a chance to make a life, to work, to have medicine and education. He was clearly only speaking for the lady's benefit, but I am an inveterate "listener and watcher of people" and his words touched my heart. Anyone considering his/her stand on immigration should first listen to testimonies such as this - testimonies I feel sure our own ancestors might have made. He spoke, too, of cheaters, of those who "use" the system. And he spoke then with disgust. It's true, immigration may bring us undesirables, but just like the seining of sand - there are sure to be those nuggets of pure gold.
Back to our room we were tired but happy. After reading a bit, I cut up our last fabulous peach with some banana and we had a yummy snack.

At about 6 PM we went down for the van to the Safeco Park. In the elevator we met a family, all in Mariners shirts. When the son asked for whom we would be rooting we of course responded, "Mariners!" (He was a big kid!) Then Lar added, "I'm from Philly so I don't really care." Their response? "We are from South Africa!"

We chatted a bit about Cape Town and our dear friends there - I think Lar is beginning to really get the idea he is destined to go there! They kindly offered to share their hired van to the park, but we decided to take the one from the hotel in case we wanted to leave early or something. After they had left we discovered our van would only pick up 25 minutes after end of game - however long that might be. Van cost was only about $10 total, so that was okay. Once on the van, we met a young couple - he from Minnesota, she from London. They'd an agreement that they would live in London for several years and then back here. First, though, he is showing her the country. Turns out they were to be on our cruise.

Lar was able to procure seats in the Commissioners section, 6 rows up from first base. Amazing seats and a fun game. He was like a little kid enjoying the visit to this stadium. I hope we can do more of that...I know it is a wish of his.

At breakfast on Saturday, we met up with Frank and Lori (couple from So. Africa) and exchanged cards and were invited to SA to stay with them - Frank says he will get us a rental car and set us up with park tours, etc. I can tell Lar is showing signs of weakening!

We got our rain gear out as rain was threatening and walked to a nearby drug store to pick up a few things we needed - especially a Sudoku book!

Back in the room, Lar chatted with folks back home and I actually solved my first two Easy puzzles! Yay!