And we're home.....

We left Vancouver without problems and enjoyed a nice but bumpy flight.   But after the 3 days in a gale, a bumpy flight was nothing!

Once in Minneapolis we found out our flight on home was delayed an hour and a half.   We just couldn't catch a break!!  But a couple of margaritas later we felt better (or at least I felt better) and we even caught a little of the Chicago-Pittsburgh game in the Sky Club.  

We boarded the DSM flight and made it home 38 minutes later.   Home.... Well, at least to Des Moines.   Our bags were one of the first out on the belt and off we went for home.  

It was 13 days for the first group and seven for the second since we left home.   I think Priss and the gang are glad to see home.... Or at least to get off the boat!

It was an adventure in many ways and one we'll always remember.   After all, how many people can say they rode out a whole gale in the Pacific Ocean?  And we're all still rocking!

Now..... On to MORE adventures!!

Sunday.... Vancouver

It's 8 am, we are at the port of Vancouver and we're waiting to disembark from the ship, claim our bags, go through customs and find our bus to the airport. 

That part went pretty well but the bus to the airport turned out to be the sightseeing bus to the airport.   We got a twisty turny trip with all of the highlights of Vancouver. 

Once at the airport, we got our bags and made our way to the Delta counter to check-in.   We got all of our bags checked, as well as Heather's bag, saving her $25.  But with all good comes some bad..... Somehow, I got tapped for the random extra security screening.   And because everyone was with me, they got "selected" as well.  

Customs and immigration was next... Kind of nice doing the US Customs before getting to the US.  And we got lucky and went through a shorter line than this one!

Once through Customs and in the boarding gates, there was a shopping area where I got some food for the flight and did a little shopping.  In the duty free liquor store, I found a bottle of Aberlour A'Bunadh.  

 It's a cask strength single malt that has some wonderful flavors.  On the cruise, I had been "schooling" Greg about single malts and we talked about the different types..... Highlands vs Lowlands, etc....and I told him about A'Bunadh.  Well, when I saw the bottles there, I decided to get him an early birthday present..... And I got myself one too!

While waiting to board, i looked over the bill for the onboard purchases.  The final bill wasn't too horrible....and for some reason all the charges went to Doug's name and Hilary/Greg's name.  That would have been great if the credit cards on file were theirs as well!!  :)    Nah, just kidding.... It was my pleasure bringing everyone along!  

We boarded the plane without problems and are currently enjoying the flight.  Allstate is providing 30 free minutes of wi-Di on the flight for advertising so I thought I'd post this installment and then finish with one more at the end. 

Despite the disappointment with missing two port calls and having to tolerate the rough seas, I think we saw a lot and had fun as a family, all of us spending time together.   And that was the intent from the beginning.  So it was a very good trip!!!

Saturday....

Today was the last day at sea.  It started with some people forgetting to reset our time back to Pacific from Alaska time.  So.... Some people missed breakfast in the dining room.  

We piddled around for the first couple of hours and "planned our day".  We started out with a slot machine tournament.... We all lost :(

Next was another magic show for some while others went out to the deck to watch for wildlife. 

I went for my massage.  It was so good.... I even fell asleep at the end of it. Hard to believe but I did nap a little. 

We all gathered again in a bar and then went outdoors to look for life again.  This time we saw a few pods of porpoise, including the ones that look like little orca. 

During our time outside, it rained a little and gave us a few rainbows to admire. 

And we cruised by an island that had a few villages on it, one with a number of totem poles.  Apparently this village has been collecting and preserving totem poles to preserve the culture of the natives living there.  

We have to be packed and bags outside our stateroom by midnight and we will disembark at 0800-0830.   So this is the last evening onboard.   And I still have a pocketful of chips to spend before 10 pm. 

Friday's over.....

Well, after rocking and rolling all day, the ship finally pulled out of the storm!!  About 3:30, the winds layed down, and the seas calmed, the skies became somewhat blue and the sun came out. 

 It was nice to have at least a short respite from the heavier than normal seas.   The Captain says that we may well have another brief spell of weather again tomorrow.  But we only have 30 hours more onboard!!!

I did play a little blackjack today and was up about $20.   I drew a blackjack but guess what the dealer had??  Yup, a blackjack!!  And after she had already drawn 3 of them in the previous 5 hands, I figured it was time to take my meager winnings!   We had a nice dinner tonight at formal night then went to the "Country Roadhouse" show.   Let's just leave it at I've never been in a roadhouse like that!!!

While at dinner, the Captain spoke to us on the overhead speaker and said that not only would we get another glass of champagne at dinner tonight but because of the weather (even though an act of God), the Corporate offices have authorized a 15% reduction on a future Holland American Cruise!!!  Now isn't that just great!!!  Only one problem.... It is not very likely that I will be able to get anyone to go on a cruise with me again because of this. . 

Tomorrow is a day at sea again.... But we'll have fun.  Even if it is just in the cabin.... Or at second breakfast!!

Underway Friday and bored......

So..... It's amazing where your thoughts go when trapped on a cruise ship.....

I feel a bit like a Hobbit on this trip.... We're always eating!   Breakfast then an hour later second breakfast....wait an hour and it's coffee time.   Then lunch but, because we came before the serving line was open, we had to start at the ice cream bar.  Then coffee again and afternoon tea.  Dinner will be at 5:45......

Doug has been eating non stop.   Personally, I think it is instinctual......because if we get tossed in the sea, he'll have a subcutaneous fat layer similar to a harbor seal.   He'll be bobbing in the ocean, nice and warm, balancing his plate on his belly.  

I'm thinking of spending the afternoon at the Film Festival..... "The Poseidon Adventure" followed by "Titanic"  then "The Abyss" and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea".  And, to top the day off, "Waterworld". 

We did just see a whale about 50 yds to port.... But the storm didn't seem to be bothering him any. 

The waves seem to be kicking up a bit at this time..... A little more shuddering as we pitch and roll.  While we can't get to the bow, the view from the Crow's Nest is pretty good.... We've lost a few of our valiant band to Mal de Mer and they have adjourned to their quarters.  Me??  Shoot.... I paid for this E Ticket  ride, I'm going to enjoy it!!

 From 12 decks above the waterline....

Friday.... Another day at sea

Well, one thing is for sure..... The family isn't real crazy about cruising anymore.  Missing port calls and just riding the waves at sea is not high on everyone's list.  But the Captain has done a good job making the ride as calm as possible. 

This am's weather report is the storm is continuing with lessening later this afternoon.   Currently 55-65 mph winds with seas up to 14'.   It's fun.....

So we are trying to take in all that the ship has to offer.... The boys are playing poker a lot.... The girls are going to the library or knitting.... Priss is napping and I've been enjoying Kaluha and coffee.   Lots of activities onboard.....games, shows, trivia....

Tomorrow will be more of the same..... But, to help fill the day, I have a massage scheduled.  What the heck......?

Thursday....at sea

Well, it's Thursday.... A day we were to have in Juneau.  But because of a storm with winds up to 65 mph and up to 24 ft seas, the Captain decided to cancel the Juneau port call.   

And as of this am, it's likely we will miss the Ketchikan port call as well.   Last message from the skipper suggested we will be at sea until out-lasting the storm.  Understandably, not a lot of happy people on board.... The kids are pretty bummed.  But Priss had a long day yesterday and some time to rest is good. 

Right now, the Captain says we are having 35 mph winds (with gusts to 45) and seas of 12-15 foot.   The ship is rocking a bit but she seems to be pretty stable.  

So, for the time being, we'll eat, drink, play bingo, gamble, play trivia and name that tune..... Oh, and there is a Magician show tonight.   Greg is looking forward to that!!

And now, at 11pm, the wind is ripping and ship is rocking..... Gonna be a fun night!