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!

Skagway - Wednesday

This morning started by hearing the ship pull into the pier in Skagway about 630 am.   My wake up was at 7 so I peeked outside to see us tied up at the pier with trees right outside our balcony. 

After getting up and ready, we went for a quick bite of breakfast before setting out for the town.  But we soon found out that  we weren't alone.... There were 4 other ships in port today!

It was a foggy, cloudy, rainy morning.....

We walked up the pier and caught the shuttle to town and began exploring.   Skagway is a holdover from the days of the Gold Rush.  The difference is that instead of prospectors coming into town from the gold fields now it's tourists coming off the cruise ships.  But both are hauling in their "pouches of gold" in to town. 

Doug and Heather rented a tandem bike for the day..... Probably the most efficient way around the area.   And it could also be used as a taxi!!  I may buy a rickshaw and start a retirement job here in Skagway!!

We wandered around town, shopping without a lot of success.   We stopped at  the Skagway Brewing Co and had a nice lunch.  After lunch, we headed out to the Gold Field Cemetery and the water falls out there. 

Nice day, despite the rain...... And a nice little hike back to the bus. 

We got past this stretch of road pretty fast!!

The ship departs tonight at 1800 hrs..... We're onboard and getting ready for dinner soon.   And a massage for me tonight!!

Tomorrow..... An unexpected day at sea out running the storm.   The Captain said if we don't, we could expect 65 mph winds with swells up to 24'.   Uh..... I'm all for finding the safety of the Inside Passage as soon as possible!!

Quick update....

Sorry for the delay in writing.... Two days at sea and no wireless!!

We heard that our port call in Haines was cancelled and changed to Skagway because they were working on the port.  Tonight, we found out that there is a big storm bearing down on us..... Our Juneau stop is being cancelled and we will be beating feet towards Ketchikan and the safety of the Inside Passage.  

More tomorrow...

Monday - Day at sea.....

Good night's sleep and woke up to a nice view of the coast from our balcony.  

Surprisingly, the temperature is very comfortable.   The ship is rocking a little bit but certainly nothing terrible.   The kids have loaded up on meclizine so they are set to go.   Me?  I'm feeling great..... But what else is a sailor going to say??

Priss is moving a bit slow today.... The last few days have been full and she's tired so we are going to just hang out in the stateroom for awhile. 

This afternoon we had a late lunch, took in a lecture on the geology of Alaska (Fire and Ice) before going to the Dutch High Tea with Hilary and Heather.  Afterwards, we played $10,000 Bingo..... And we lost!!

Now after freshening up and dressing for dinner, we are ready to go eat.   Tonight there is a show at 8 that we can go to OR go to one of the clubs onboard. 

Priss decided that we should go to the show.... "Northern Lights".   Well..... It was interesting.   I know why I don't go to those things now. 

Tomorrow...... Glacier Bay. 

Anchorage to Seward

The kids made it in last night, Saturday, arriving at the airport at the same time our train pulled into the depot!   We got the bus to the hotel and met them in the lobby.   Doug, Heather and Greg headed out on the town with some buddies of Doug's from his college days. 

We also met up last night with some friends who are from Anchorage, Jan and Bernie Nyboer.   I don't think I had seen Jan since he retired from the Navy in 2000.   He still looks great and is as active as ever!  We had a drink and dessert and a chance to catch up.... Great time!!

We slept well despite getting to bed later than usual... We had a nice breakfast with Hilary and Greg then waited for the bus to take us to the depot. 

Boarding the train was interesting.... Doug, Priss and I were in one train car while Hilary, Greg and Heather were in another.   Last night when we checked in, the representative said for us to just all go to the same train car and see if they could work things out.  We all took the same bus to the depot and when we got to our assigned train car, they said "You three go ahead and board and we'll figure it out".   So we did..... And, immediately after we sat down, they said "We want you to go to the first car instead..... There are 4 open tables up there".   So we all sat together for the trip to Seward and the ship.  

Everyone told us the trip from Anchorage to Seward was spectacular..... It was!  Beautiful views of the mountains and glaciers. 

 

Once we made it to Seward, we were in the first dozen through the check in process and on board.  It's a nice ship... Smaller than the last Norwegian ship we were on but very comfortable none the less. 

It's a nice little room.....

 But with views that were just as stunning as all those we have been seeing this week.   

And of course, going onboard a cruise ship requires the lifeboat drill...... Our boat had a 100% muster!!

After the drill, we went to the dining room and had a wonderful family dinner to start the cruise tonight. When we returned to our stateroom, we had this sight from from the balcony... Nice start!!

Tuesday - Glacier Bay

We awoke to views of the start of Glacier Bay.....

Leisurely trip up the bay yielded some views of whales and sea lions, with goats being seen on shore.  At the bow of the ship, the staff were serving Dutch Pea Soup while watching the scenery pass by. 

We went into one arm of the bay to the Margorie Glacier and stopped an hour or so to watch the glacier "calve".   We were lucky enough to see a few drop into the water with the resulting wave at times crashing into areas of the shore. 

From there, we went to Johns Hopkins Bay to see the Johns Hopkins Glacier.  Another set of spectacular views.....

Dinner will be soon and Skagway adventures tomorrow!!

Off to Anchorage....

First off, still no joy on the Aurora. Priss couldn't sleep and was up a couple of times and outside  looking.   I slept well though.....

It was a cloudy, rainy and overcast morning.   Remember yesterday when we decided to go on the flight?  In retrospect, a very good choice!!  They didn't go up this morning at all!!  

The train to Anchorage left at noon so we slept in, had a late breakfast and did a little shopping before we went to the Park Visitor Center for a bit.   The Park really is a lovely place and just a few hour stay doesn't do it justice.  

The train ride south was a beautiful ride through the Alaskan Range.   Mountains on both sides with rivers running next to the tracks.   With the clouds, the mountains made some gorgeous pictures!!  And with the trees all changing, the colors were amazing.  Some of the yellow was the most brilliant I've ever seen!!

But as we got further south, the clouds cleared and we saw some of the most spectacular views of Denali imaginable!  We were able to see it all... From the base all the way to the summit!

Truly a breathtaking site!!

The train ride was very nice although long.... 8 hours from Denali to Anchorage.  But they had a bar and served lunch and dinner as well.  And time to nap, take pictures and blog. 

We didn't see a lot of wildlife but did see a bald eagle and two moose.   People were starting to grumble when they hadn't seen anything.... But when the moose were spotted, the train erupted with hollers, laughter and excitement!

Now everyone is keeping their eyes peeled.... 2 more hours to Anchorage. 

Doug did get a picture of some wildlife on a riverbank though.... As we crossed a bridge, a bunch of 11 rafters on the bank all lined up and mooned the train.   Quite a sight!!

We'll see the kids soon in Anchorage and get ready for tomorrow's leg of the trip.... Anchorage to Seward.  It should be an equally beautiful leg of the trip. 

Friday the 13th..... Denali

Long day today.... 

It started about 1 am when each one of us got up to check if the Aurora Borealis was out.... We didn't want to miss that!  But we didn't see it.   Turns out that it showed about 3 am.   And to make matters worse, the hotel's "Northern Lights Wake-up" didn't happen!!!  There were some upset folks this morning!!

We left the hotel for the train to Denali  about 730 am.   Pretty nice private Holland America car that is pulled by the Alaska Railroad.   

It was a dome car.... Upper was observation seating, lower was the dining car.  

Pretty nice and comfortable 4 hour ride!!  Here are a few pics...

It was a good morning!

We arrived in Denali at about noon but took an hour to get on the bus from the depot, drive to the hotel and get to our room.  Sure was glad that all the check in was pre done!!  

We had signed up for a Mt McKinley Glacier flight yesterday and so, after a quick lunch, we waited for our ride to the airport.   Right on time, the van came to pick us up but there was bad news.   Because of weather on the south side of Mt McKinley, landing on the glacier was out. They offered an alternative flight around the north side of the mountain instead OR we could cancel and get a dull refund.  We were all pretty bummed, especially Priss but we decided to go ahead and go on the alternate.  

Lucky for us!!!!  The weather on the north side was clear as a bell and we got great views of McKinley and the glaciers on that side.  

While it looked like Friday the 13th was going to get us, this was a definite highlight!

We got back to the Lodge and had dinner, did a little shopping and then hit the room to get ready for bed.   Tomorrow will be a long day as well but it will be nice because we'll meet up with the rest of the kids.  We'll get up if there is an Aurora sighting. 

Tomorrow... Anchorage!