Thursday, July 16
I knew on the first day of our cruise that the week would go by too fast. Still, I find myself writing the last entry thinking, "I can't believe it's almost over."
With legs about twice as long as Mamaw's, I don't know if she'll ever travel with me again. Her feet hurt a lot and I heard "slow down" more than once. At the same time, I saw the twinkle in her eyes more than I heard "slow down," so I think the amount of time she had fun outweighs the amount of time she secretly cursed long hallways and endless flights of stairs.
Today we slept in until 10, although we lost an hour of sleep with the time change. While Mamaw got ready, I did two loads of laundry (so I wouldn't smell up my suitcase), then we had a late lunch. My lunchbox isn't going to cut it after this cruise.
We sat through a staff farewell (tear), then packed our suitcases. Beefore we knew it, it was 5:30 and time for our last dinner on deck. "Yes, we will feed you 'til the bitter end," the activities director said.
By 7, we were docked in Victoria, British Columbia, and made our way to a bus to go to a lighted tour of Butchart Gardens. We were on the same bus as the ladies from dinner.
The gardens were absolutely beautiful. 67 acres of all kinds of flowers, trees, arbors and water fountains -- a Japanese garden, the sunken garden, Italian Garden, rose garden and Mediterranean garden. It reminded me of Biltmore's gardens but better. We also saw the Big Dipper! (Or Little Dipper, I don't know which. ... How do you know the difference if you don't have the other one to compare it to anyway?)
When we got back, it was 11:30 and time to board the ship one last time. We'll be in Seattle around 8 a.m.
I think Mamaw is overwhelmed with so many things to do and keep up with right now, but I have a feeling she'll be traveling more. She's already ready to come back. I told her we should go up the east coast next ... or Paris.
As our dining room steward, Sonny, said today, there are no goodbyes. "Until we meet again," he said. I like that.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Alaska cruise 7 - The Travel Bug
Wednesday, July 15
Mamaw has always wanted to travel. I asked her what's the farthest she's ever been from home prior to this trip and she said she went to New York when she was about 13. She also went to D.C. in 1985. She called that "a few years ago."
So I guess she's had the itch to travel more since 1945, minus the D.C. trip. Mom gets the same kind of restlessness, as does Dad, so I blame my travel bug on them.
Papaw, on the other hand, is a self-proclaimed homebody. "I think it's 'cause he's bashful," Mamaw said. He stays busy doing things, whether helping his brother in the country, mowing the yard, tending to the vegetable garden or watering the flowers, but doesn't like to stray far from home.
... Which is why I'm really glad we're on this trip. Before the cruise even came up, I told Mamaw about a year ago that I was going to take her on a trip somewhere. Well she's ended up taking me, but I'm honored to be invited and so happy to spend this time together. I'd love to go on extended trips like this with everyone in the family -- Papaw, Mom, Dad, Seth, Emily, etc.
Living away, (although not that far), I miss out on a lot of things and feel like there's so much I don't know about my family sometimes. Thank goodness Mom fills me in. She's my Tennessee newspaper.
I also feel like I miss out on some lessons all these people could teach me. I've tried to go home more this year, but it's still not the same as living nearby. If Pete and I move away, I'll probably see them even less. This is where I wish our families lived in the same state.
I'm getting off track. ... Today has been pretty restful. We didn't have to get up early again, but had a good time on a Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer excursion. Our ship docked in Ketchikan, then we took a boat about an hour out to more untouched land -- misty fjords just like the brochure said. We also saw a bunch of harbor seals. I bet they'd make good pets if you had the space.
While on the boat, we got complimentary hot chocolate and either clam chowder or vegetarian chili. I had the chili because it smelled too good to pass up.
I slept most of the way back, then we rushed through a few gift shops looking for one more souvenir. We only had 40 minutes before we had to be back on the ship and this was our last stop in Alaska.
Even though I've passed the opportunity up several times now, I'm kicking myself for not getting the Alaska shirt I wanted. I didn't want to spend the money, but it was cheap and now I keep seeing people on deck wearing it. It was my favorite color, too. :(
We again went to the Rotterdam Dining Hall for dinner and I'm really going to miss the ladies we've been sitting with. I'm going to look the girls up on Facebook.
Before another Bible study started, we went back to the room. Mamaw had left her glasses there and we found them on the "eyes" of probably the only moose we'll see here. The staff always comes in to tidy the rooms and add different towel creatures during dinner. This was by far the best.
Still not the best part of the day, though. That goes to the midnight chocolate buffet. Could God have created anything greater? With violin and cello music in the background, Mamaw and I made our way through plate after plate of cakes, cheesecakes, truffles and chocolate covered strawberries. Chefs added ice sculptures, a chocolate fountain and fruit fountain to the display. We sat with Toni and Heidi (the two other ladies from dinner) and Mamaw finally got a picture with her new friend and the friend's daughter. The lady's last name is Hutcheson, but I don't know her first name.
By the way, Mamaw has officially misplaced the most items I've ever seen in the time we've been here. I think it's because we have so many papers to keep up with and all our luggage and clothes are crammed in the closets. She's "found" three things she thought she lost in one of her suitcases. (I keep telling her to let me get the suitcase off the shelf because it's heavy, but she insists she can do it. "I'm big and strong," she told me earlier this week. "I'm not sure about the big part," I said.)
Last stop -- Victoria!
Mamaw has always wanted to travel. I asked her what's the farthest she's ever been from home prior to this trip and she said she went to New York when she was about 13. She also went to D.C. in 1985. She called that "a few years ago."
So I guess she's had the itch to travel more since 1945, minus the D.C. trip. Mom gets the same kind of restlessness, as does Dad, so I blame my travel bug on them.
Papaw, on the other hand, is a self-proclaimed homebody. "I think it's 'cause he's bashful," Mamaw said. He stays busy doing things, whether helping his brother in the country, mowing the yard, tending to the vegetable garden or watering the flowers, but doesn't like to stray far from home.
... Which is why I'm really glad we're on this trip. Before the cruise even came up, I told Mamaw about a year ago that I was going to take her on a trip somewhere. Well she's ended up taking me, but I'm honored to be invited and so happy to spend this time together. I'd love to go on extended trips like this with everyone in the family -- Papaw, Mom, Dad, Seth, Emily, etc.
Living away, (although not that far), I miss out on a lot of things and feel like there's so much I don't know about my family sometimes. Thank goodness Mom fills me in. She's my Tennessee newspaper.
I also feel like I miss out on some lessons all these people could teach me. I've tried to go home more this year, but it's still not the same as living nearby. If Pete and I move away, I'll probably see them even less. This is where I wish our families lived in the same state.
I'm getting off track. ... Today has been pretty restful. We didn't have to get up early again, but had a good time on a Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer excursion. Our ship docked in Ketchikan, then we took a boat about an hour out to more untouched land -- misty fjords just like the brochure said. We also saw a bunch of harbor seals. I bet they'd make good pets if you had the space.
While on the boat, we got complimentary hot chocolate and either clam chowder or vegetarian chili. I had the chili because it smelled too good to pass up.
I slept most of the way back, then we rushed through a few gift shops looking for one more souvenir. We only had 40 minutes before we had to be back on the ship and this was our last stop in Alaska.
Even though I've passed the opportunity up several times now, I'm kicking myself for not getting the Alaska shirt I wanted. I didn't want to spend the money, but it was cheap and now I keep seeing people on deck wearing it. It was my favorite color, too. :(
We again went to the Rotterdam Dining Hall for dinner and I'm really going to miss the ladies we've been sitting with. I'm going to look the girls up on Facebook.
Before another Bible study started, we went back to the room. Mamaw had left her glasses there and we found them on the "eyes" of probably the only moose we'll see here. The staff always comes in to tidy the rooms and add different towel creatures during dinner. This was by far the best.
Still not the best part of the day, though. That goes to the midnight chocolate buffet. Could God have created anything greater? With violin and cello music in the background, Mamaw and I made our way through plate after plate of cakes, cheesecakes, truffles and chocolate covered strawberries. Chefs added ice sculptures, a chocolate fountain and fruit fountain to the display. We sat with Toni and Heidi (the two other ladies from dinner) and Mamaw finally got a picture with her new friend and the friend's daughter. The lady's last name is Hutcheson, but I don't know her first name.
By the way, Mamaw has officially misplaced the most items I've ever seen in the time we've been here. I think it's because we have so many papers to keep up with and all our luggage and clothes are crammed in the closets. She's "found" three things she thought she lost in one of her suitcases. (I keep telling her to let me get the suitcase off the shelf because it's heavy, but she insists she can do it. "I'm big and strong," she told me earlier this week. "I'm not sure about the big part," I said.)
Last stop -- Victoria!
Alaska cruise 6 - Happy Birthday times Three
Tuesday, July 14
As much as I've loved our excursions and look forward to two more, it was nice to stay in and relax today, also known as Mamaw's birthday.
We started out with breakfast in the room. I've realized how much I like to be served. Then we took our time going out on deck, but it was incredible when we did. There were chunks of ice everywhere in the water and ginormous fjords. Still no goats, bears or moose sightings. We were again blessed with good weather, although I did get some use out of my toboggan and scarf.
Lunch was next and we both got ice cream cones afterwards. Mmm. We've also had some great dinners in Rotterdam -- king crab, New York strip steak with green beans and mashed potatoes, etc. As luck has it, we sat beside the ladies Mamaw met yesterday and they exchanged addresses.
Our next plan of action was to grab a book and find a quiet place to read, but we both fell asleep before we left the room. I slept for about two hours. I could've slept longer, but the activities director made an announcement about the captain's reception at 4:45. It was already 4:35, so I jumped up and got ready. Most people were dressed up and headed to the Mondriaan Lounge to hear a short presentation by a handful of men in charge of the ship. We watched a jazz band play before going to dinner.
I'd given Mamaw all her birthday cards earlier. At dinner, I told a guy it was her birthday, but that she didn't want to be sung to. She'd warned me several times.
By dessert time, a couple of waiters brought over a small piece of chocolate mousse cake and ice cream for everyone at the table. Mamaw's plate had an edible "Happy Birthday" greeting. The other ladies at the table and I sang "Happy Birthday" quietly to not attract attention.
Later, however, we went to the piano bar to hear Babbie Mason, who asked if anyone had a birthday so she could determine who to give one of her books to. I raised Mamaw's hand and Babbie, along with the audience, sang to her. Wendy and Maureen (the mother and daughter from our dinner table) were also there. So, ha, she still got her song. :)
It was great, too, because Mamaw told me later that she wanted that book. After the concert, Babbie signed it and sang a Stevie Wonder version of "Happy Birthday" with her sister.
Mamaw also got a free DVD from Jerry Vines when he heard about the special day.
So in the end, I think she's had a really good day full of surprises. I'm happy to be a part of it.
P.S. I had a dream about checking my e-mail, but it's still nice not to have the distractions of cell phones and the Internet. ... And to get paid vacation.
As much as I've loved our excursions and look forward to two more, it was nice to stay in and relax today, also known as Mamaw's birthday.
We started out with breakfast in the room. I've realized how much I like to be served. Then we took our time going out on deck, but it was incredible when we did. There were chunks of ice everywhere in the water and ginormous fjords. Still no goats, bears or moose sightings. We were again blessed with good weather, although I did get some use out of my toboggan and scarf.
Lunch was next and we both got ice cream cones afterwards. Mmm. We've also had some great dinners in Rotterdam -- king crab, New York strip steak with green beans and mashed potatoes, etc. As luck has it, we sat beside the ladies Mamaw met yesterday and they exchanged addresses.
Our next plan of action was to grab a book and find a quiet place to read, but we both fell asleep before we left the room. I slept for about two hours. I could've slept longer, but the activities director made an announcement about the captain's reception at 4:45. It was already 4:35, so I jumped up and got ready. Most people were dressed up and headed to the Mondriaan Lounge to hear a short presentation by a handful of men in charge of the ship. We watched a jazz band play before going to dinner.
I'd given Mamaw all her birthday cards earlier. At dinner, I told a guy it was her birthday, but that she didn't want to be sung to. She'd warned me several times.
By dessert time, a couple of waiters brought over a small piece of chocolate mousse cake and ice cream for everyone at the table. Mamaw's plate had an edible "Happy Birthday" greeting. The other ladies at the table and I sang "Happy Birthday" quietly to not attract attention.
Later, however, we went to the piano bar to hear Babbie Mason, who asked if anyone had a birthday so she could determine who to give one of her books to. I raised Mamaw's hand and Babbie, along with the audience, sang to her. Wendy and Maureen (the mother and daughter from our dinner table) were also there. So, ha, she still got her song. :)
It was great, too, because Mamaw told me later that she wanted that book. After the concert, Babbie signed it and sang a Stevie Wonder version of "Happy Birthday" with her sister.
Mamaw also got a free DVD from Jerry Vines when he heard about the special day.
So in the end, I think she's had a really good day full of surprises. I'm happy to be a part of it.
P.S. I had a dream about checking my e-mail, but it's still nice not to have the distractions of cell phones and the Internet. ... And to get paid vacation.
Alaska cruise 5 - Saddle and Paddle
Monday, July 13
Today is Mom and Dad's 25th anniversary and I hate that I'm not around to celebrate. I hope they got my card. They'll also be seeing an announcement in the local paper this Sunday, so I hope they like it. (Thanks, Andy!)
Otherwise, today has been amazing. My first stop was the Scagway port at 8 a.m. where I met 9 others to take a bus to the Yukon, then canoeing on Spirit Lake. The ride up took an hour and a half, but the scenery was incredible. Crystal clear water and sunshine everywhere. Everyone keeps telling us how lucky we are to have such great weather.
I'm pretty sure I've seen pictures of Spirit Lake before, but actually being there was amazing. I paddled with a lady named Phyllis. The water was only 4 to 5 feet deep where we went and we saw moose tracks all over the bottom of the lake. (It was named Spirit Lake because when the wind blows through, it makes a whistling noise and the natives thought they could communicate with their ancestors' spirits.)
Once out of the lake, we had lunch at a little restaurant. I had a salmon salad sandwich, soup sort of like minestrone and apple pie -- all made by the lady who runs it. Then it was off to the barn where we grabbed helmets for horseback riding. I got a horse named Spirit. Emily loves horses, especially the movie "Spirit," so I got her a red horseshoe with the horse's name on it as a souvenir.
The ride was fantastic. Last time I went riding was with Pete in New Zealand where it hailed on us and my saddle came loose. But this was a very easy ride through a wooded area, by a river, then back up the mountain. There are moose, bears and elk in the area during other parts of the year apparently. I think the guide said they've moved up the mountain by now.
On the way back to Scagway, we passed Bove Island and listened to our guide tell stories about the Gold Rush in Alaska and Canada. I don't think I would've liked to be one of the scavengers.
Then several years ago, he said, one guy cleared some trees along the Alaska Highway to make room for a home. Authorities told him he couldn't cut them down and to put them back, so he placed them in the ground upside down. I was on the wrong side of the bus to get a picture of that one.
I was exhausted by the time I got back, but headed out once again after I got clean. Mamaw was on her second excursion. I bought Dad's souvenir and two photo scrapbooks. I'm giving one to Mamaw tomorrow for her birthday. I also got pictures of where Sarah Palin grew up and a guy's backyard where he's created a lawn mower cemetery for locals' old mowers.
Once Mamaw got back, we swapped stories. She didn't like the second trip as much because the bus driver backed up when she was trying to put her things overhead and she fell in the aisle. She was fine, but the driver made her fill out papers about the incident for liability. Everyone asked if she was OK and one lady kept offering her Excedrin. She doesn't like to cause a fuss, but I feel bad that I wasn't there. She did befriend one elderly lady from Decatur, Ga., and her two daughters.
Our Bible study was really good tonight, too. Jerry Vines spoke about doing things for God's glory, not men, and storing up heavenly treasures instead of earthly ones. Then we watched more comedy by Geraldine and Ricky.
At 11 p.m., we went out on deck and it was beautiful. Still light enough to see things, although my camera didn't want a photo of the lighthouses to save its life. Tomorrow's passage is supposed to be even prettier.
Today is Mom and Dad's 25th anniversary and I hate that I'm not around to celebrate. I hope they got my card. They'll also be seeing an announcement in the local paper this Sunday, so I hope they like it. (Thanks, Andy!)
Otherwise, today has been amazing. My first stop was the Scagway port at 8 a.m. where I met 9 others to take a bus to the Yukon, then canoeing on Spirit Lake. The ride up took an hour and a half, but the scenery was incredible. Crystal clear water and sunshine everywhere. Everyone keeps telling us how lucky we are to have such great weather.
I'm pretty sure I've seen pictures of Spirit Lake before, but actually being there was amazing. I paddled with a lady named Phyllis. The water was only 4 to 5 feet deep where we went and we saw moose tracks all over the bottom of the lake. (It was named Spirit Lake because when the wind blows through, it makes a whistling noise and the natives thought they could communicate with their ancestors' spirits.)
Once out of the lake, we had lunch at a little restaurant. I had a salmon salad sandwich, soup sort of like minestrone and apple pie -- all made by the lady who runs it. Then it was off to the barn where we grabbed helmets for horseback riding. I got a horse named Spirit. Emily loves horses, especially the movie "Spirit," so I got her a red horseshoe with the horse's name on it as a souvenir.
The ride was fantastic. Last time I went riding was with Pete in New Zealand where it hailed on us and my saddle came loose. But this was a very easy ride through a wooded area, by a river, then back up the mountain. There are moose, bears and elk in the area during other parts of the year apparently. I think the guide said they've moved up the mountain by now.
On the way back to Scagway, we passed Bove Island and listened to our guide tell stories about the Gold Rush in Alaska and Canada. I don't think I would've liked to be one of the scavengers.
Then several years ago, he said, one guy cleared some trees along the Alaska Highway to make room for a home. Authorities told him he couldn't cut them down and to put them back, so he placed them in the ground upside down. I was on the wrong side of the bus to get a picture of that one.
I was exhausted by the time I got back, but headed out once again after I got clean. Mamaw was on her second excursion. I bought Dad's souvenir and two photo scrapbooks. I'm giving one to Mamaw tomorrow for her birthday. I also got pictures of where Sarah Palin grew up and a guy's backyard where he's created a lawn mower cemetery for locals' old mowers.
Once Mamaw got back, we swapped stories. She didn't like the second trip as much because the bus driver backed up when she was trying to put her things overhead and she fell in the aisle. She was fine, but the driver made her fill out papers about the incident for liability. Everyone asked if she was OK and one lady kept offering her Excedrin. She doesn't like to cause a fuss, but I feel bad that I wasn't there. She did befriend one elderly lady from Decatur, Ga., and her two daughters.
Our Bible study was really good tonight, too. Jerry Vines spoke about doing things for God's glory, not men, and storing up heavenly treasures instead of earthly ones. Then we watched more comedy by Geraldine and Ricky.
At 11 p.m., we went out on deck and it was beautiful. Still light enough to see things, although my camera didn't want a photo of the lighthouses to save its life. Tomorrow's passage is supposed to be even prettier.
Alaska cruise 4 - I Know What You Mean
Sunday, July 12
Pete has always told me how beautiful Alaska is. After he spent last summer there, I could tell he missed it, but oh do I understand why now. Before this trip, I thought a person must be pretty special to want to live here. It's cold, it stays light or dark all the time and it's far away from everything. But it also gets warm (we've had weather in the mid-60s to low 70s), you have a ton of space and the air is so much clearer. Far from Charlotte's irritating humidity.
When Mamaw and I made it on deck this morning, we were surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green trees. It was one of those moments you know you need to soak in because it just doesn't happen that often. I must've taken five pictures from every angle, but I wanted to make sure I captured it (even though that's impossible to do entirely).
When we got off the ship in Juneau, we rode the tram up to Mount Roberts. I could handle that view every day. (Although I say that and still wonder if I could ever be content in one place my whole life.) Then back down the tram and a little bit of shopping before we boarded a bus for our Photo Safari by Land and Sea excursion. Our guide didn't look much older than me, but is a professional photographer. She's moving to Colorado this fall to do more work on a documentary.
Anyway, she and another guide, Mike, took us out on a boat for sightseeing at Auke Bay. She gave us some camera pointers and we spent most of the time trying to photograph humpback whales. At one point, there were several to raise up out of the water at one time, not far at all from another tourist boat. I saw it, but of course missed it with my camera. The guide (Jennifer) told us they were feeding on herring. There was also a baby humpback whale that kept jumping up and we decided he was showing off.
We had a chance to photograph bald eagles, too, but I'm not a bird person. I did, however, breathe in the pine smell as much as possible. Reminded me of Christmas.
The next stop was Mendenhaal Glacier. I don't remember the exact number of feet, but it's moved a LOT since 1916. (Did it move before that? I don't know.) There were markers where the glacier used to be and it's about a mile or so farther out now. It leads to the Juneau ice fields, which are HUGE. (According to the Hawaiian guy, Juneau is also the second largest city in the nation, but much, much less populated than most.)
The guide also offered walking sticks to everyone on our rainforest walk. Mamaw took one and I told her she looked like Moses, especially when she passed between two big rocks.
It's amazing how different one state is to another. And how massive everying in Alaska seems to be. Humongous mountains, crisp air and wildlife everywhere. Absolutely gorgeous. I told Mamaw I could get used to celebrating the Sabbath this way.
Tomorrow we have more excursions planned in Scagway. Mamaw looked at her schedule earlier and didn't realize she'd have to get up early again to be at the port in time. "Oh my mercy, that's 8:10!" she said. "I'll have to go home to get a rest."
Her first stop tomorrow will be a White Pass Summit train ride, then a trip up another mountain to a suspension bridge. The latter is dubbed "bridge and bake" on her ticket. "We're gonna bake a bridge," she predicted.
Well I have to go now. She's already asleep and getting up earlier than I think she needs to. She said she'll need more time if her hair "doesn't lay right" in the morning.
Pete has always told me how beautiful Alaska is. After he spent last summer there, I could tell he missed it, but oh do I understand why now. Before this trip, I thought a person must be pretty special to want to live here. It's cold, it stays light or dark all the time and it's far away from everything. But it also gets warm (we've had weather in the mid-60s to low 70s), you have a ton of space and the air is so much clearer. Far from Charlotte's irritating humidity.
When Mamaw and I made it on deck this morning, we were surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green trees. It was one of those moments you know you need to soak in because it just doesn't happen that often. I must've taken five pictures from every angle, but I wanted to make sure I captured it (even though that's impossible to do entirely).
When we got off the ship in Juneau, we rode the tram up to Mount Roberts. I could handle that view every day. (Although I say that and still wonder if I could ever be content in one place my whole life.) Then back down the tram and a little bit of shopping before we boarded a bus for our Photo Safari by Land and Sea excursion. Our guide didn't look much older than me, but is a professional photographer. She's moving to Colorado this fall to do more work on a documentary.
Anyway, she and another guide, Mike, took us out on a boat for sightseeing at Auke Bay. She gave us some camera pointers and we spent most of the time trying to photograph humpback whales. At one point, there were several to raise up out of the water at one time, not far at all from another tourist boat. I saw it, but of course missed it with my camera. The guide (Jennifer) told us they were feeding on herring. There was also a baby humpback whale that kept jumping up and we decided he was showing off.
We had a chance to photograph bald eagles, too, but I'm not a bird person. I did, however, breathe in the pine smell as much as possible. Reminded me of Christmas.
The next stop was Mendenhaal Glacier. I don't remember the exact number of feet, but it's moved a LOT since 1916. (Did it move before that? I don't know.) There were markers where the glacier used to be and it's about a mile or so farther out now. It leads to the Juneau ice fields, which are HUGE. (According to the Hawaiian guy, Juneau is also the second largest city in the nation, but much, much less populated than most.)
The guide also offered walking sticks to everyone on our rainforest walk. Mamaw took one and I told her she looked like Moses, especially when she passed between two big rocks.
It's amazing how different one state is to another. And how massive everying in Alaska seems to be. Humongous mountains, crisp air and wildlife everywhere. Absolutely gorgeous. I told Mamaw I could get used to celebrating the Sabbath this way.
Tomorrow we have more excursions planned in Scagway. Mamaw looked at her schedule earlier and didn't realize she'd have to get up early again to be at the port in time. "Oh my mercy, that's 8:10!" she said. "I'll have to go home to get a rest."
Her first stop tomorrow will be a White Pass Summit train ride, then a trip up another mountain to a suspension bridge. The latter is dubbed "bridge and bake" on her ticket. "We're gonna bake a bridge," she predicted.
Well I have to go now. She's already asleep and getting up earlier than I think she needs to. She said she'll need more time if her hair "doesn't lay right" in the morning.
Alaska cruise 3 - Better Busy Than Bored
Saturday, July 11
I'm exhausted. As Mamaw said earlier, the people on the ship certainly don't want you to be bored.
So this morning I got up early, planning to meet a group to go on a mile walk around the ship. There was no one there when I got to the meeting place and I soon found out that it was 9 a.m., not 8 a.m., and I had missed it. My cell phone hadn't changed yet. We also missed breakfast and had to get room service, but it made for a relaxing morning.
At 10:45, we went to a presentation where a lady gave us inside tips on shopping at the ports. Most of it was about jewelry, but interesting all the same. Since we had a late breakfast, we skipped lunch and went to a Charles Stanley book signing, then to a presentation about the history of Juneau, Scagway and Ketchikan, Victoria, B.C. The presenter is Hawaiian and said there are more people on his island of Oahu than in all of Alaska -- "the last frontier." So excited to see the places in person.
Then it was time for Mamaw's birthday gift. :) A foot and ankle massage at the spa. She said it helped a lot, so yay! The masseuse is Australian and it made me miss Australia. I have a feeling this cruise will give me the same feeling as when I went there -- you think you'll get the travel bug out of your system for awhile, but it just makes you want to travel more.
After the spa, I went to the gym for awhile and Mamaw read a book in the waiting room. The treadmill I was on overlooked the ocean and it was hard to run straight when the ship rocked.
Then off to dinner with live violin music. Of course as soon as I walked over to take a video, they started playing the theme song to "Titanic." How original. ... And not the best song to play when you're in the middle of the ocean.
We also had a Bible study and heard Stan Whitmire play the piano and Greater Vision sing. We wrapped up the evening with a comedy skit. I was a little apprehensive about that part because it involved a ventriloquist, but the lady had us laughing every two seconds. Her name is Geraldine and the puppet is Ricky.
Now it's so late I don't even want to look at the clock. I'm watching Larry King Live -- a special on Michael Jackson. We have church at 8:15, so I guess I gotta get some sleep. Next stop -- Juneau!
I'm exhausted. As Mamaw said earlier, the people on the ship certainly don't want you to be bored.
So this morning I got up early, planning to meet a group to go on a mile walk around the ship. There was no one there when I got to the meeting place and I soon found out that it was 9 a.m., not 8 a.m., and I had missed it. My cell phone hadn't changed yet. We also missed breakfast and had to get room service, but it made for a relaxing morning.
At 10:45, we went to a presentation where a lady gave us inside tips on shopping at the ports. Most of it was about jewelry, but interesting all the same. Since we had a late breakfast, we skipped lunch and went to a Charles Stanley book signing, then to a presentation about the history of Juneau, Scagway and Ketchikan, Victoria, B.C. The presenter is Hawaiian and said there are more people on his island of Oahu than in all of Alaska -- "the last frontier." So excited to see the places in person.
Then it was time for Mamaw's birthday gift. :) A foot and ankle massage at the spa. She said it helped a lot, so yay! The masseuse is Australian and it made me miss Australia. I have a feeling this cruise will give me the same feeling as when I went there -- you think you'll get the travel bug out of your system for awhile, but it just makes you want to travel more.
After the spa, I went to the gym for awhile and Mamaw read a book in the waiting room. The treadmill I was on overlooked the ocean and it was hard to run straight when the ship rocked.
Then off to dinner with live violin music. Of course as soon as I walked over to take a video, they started playing the theme song to "Titanic." How original. ... And not the best song to play when you're in the middle of the ocean.
We also had a Bible study and heard Stan Whitmire play the piano and Greater Vision sing. We wrapped up the evening with a comedy skit. I was a little apprehensive about that part because it involved a ventriloquist, but the lady had us laughing every two seconds. Her name is Geraldine and the puppet is Ricky.
Now it's so late I don't even want to look at the clock. I'm watching Larry King Live -- a special on Michael Jackson. We have church at 8:15, so I guess I gotta get some sleep. Next stop -- Juneau!
Alaska cruise 2 - "I Could Get Used to This"
Friday, July 10
Mamaw: "Well this is it."
Me: "Isn't that what you said that time you were driving and you thought the truck was going to hit you?"
Mamaw: "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. ... Well this is a different kind of 'it.'"
Mamaw and I left the hotel to board the bus this morning, grins plastered on our faces like kids going to Disney World. Once to the port, it was a long process to check in -- one which included a brief health survey with a list of embarrassing questions to which anyone answering "yes" must be abnormally secure. Then it was finally time to board and even the most elaborate cruise commercials hadn't prepared me for the first view inside. Rich-colored carpets, shiny railings, grand staircases and a really tall organ in the middle of the 4th deck.
We first ate lunch in the Lido Restaurant, which has a great view of the ocean. It'll be hard not to have dessert with every meal. Then exploring on deck where we decided only a hammock would make it more perfect. "I could get used to this," Mamaw said.
When our room was ready, we crammed in our luggage and unpacked to make more space. Small but cute. We won't spend much time here anyway. By then it was time for dinner, so we made our way to the Rotterdam Dining Hall. We share a table with four other women -- a mother and daughter from New York and an aunt and niece from Oregon. We also have a window seat and watched mountains, boats and lighthouses pass by as we ate dinner. I had almond crusted salmon with zucchini and carrots.
Charles Stanley spoke at 8:15, so we listened to his sermon about developing intimate relationships -- being the friend, spouse or family member people need and really investing time and effort into the relationship.
We made another trip outside awhile ago, but it's now so foggy you can't see anything. It made me think of when Titanic hit an iceberg.
Tomorrow we're on the ship all day, but there are several things planned. Everyone here is really nice and we met a couple of ladies who live five minutes from me in Matthews. Small world. ... I still can't believe I'm on a cruise.
Mamaw: "Well this is it."
Me: "Isn't that what you said that time you were driving and you thought the truck was going to hit you?"
Mamaw: "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. ... Well this is a different kind of 'it.'"
Mamaw and I left the hotel to board the bus this morning, grins plastered on our faces like kids going to Disney World. Once to the port, it was a long process to check in -- one which included a brief health survey with a list of embarrassing questions to which anyone answering "yes" must be abnormally secure. Then it was finally time to board and even the most elaborate cruise commercials hadn't prepared me for the first view inside. Rich-colored carpets, shiny railings, grand staircases and a really tall organ in the middle of the 4th deck.
We first ate lunch in the Lido Restaurant, which has a great view of the ocean. It'll be hard not to have dessert with every meal. Then exploring on deck where we decided only a hammock would make it more perfect. "I could get used to this," Mamaw said.
When our room was ready, we crammed in our luggage and unpacked to make more space. Small but cute. We won't spend much time here anyway. By then it was time for dinner, so we made our way to the Rotterdam Dining Hall. We share a table with four other women -- a mother and daughter from New York and an aunt and niece from Oregon. We also have a window seat and watched mountains, boats and lighthouses pass by as we ate dinner. I had almond crusted salmon with zucchini and carrots.
Charles Stanley spoke at 8:15, so we listened to his sermon about developing intimate relationships -- being the friend, spouse or family member people need and really investing time and effort into the relationship.
We made another trip outside awhile ago, but it's now so foggy you can't see anything. It made me think of when Titanic hit an iceberg.
Tomorrow we're on the ship all day, but there are several things planned. Everyone here is really nice and we met a couple of ladies who live five minutes from me in Matthews. Small world. ... I still can't believe I'm on a cruise.
Alaska cruise 1 - Everything But the Pillow Mint
I got back from Alaska last Friday after a weeklong cruise with Mamaw. Here are the journal entries I wrote during our trip -- parts 1 through 8.
I'll also include some pictures later on, but for a more complete album, go to http://travel.webshots.com/album/573683590rtVkNv?vhost=travel.
***
Thursday, July 9
I never pictured Mamaw in Seattle. Or even myself really -- too much rain. Yet here we are -- Mamaw dead to the world in her bed beside me and me writing this after flying across country and exploring Washington for an entire afternoon.
Her idea to take an Alaska cruise started a few months ago. She saw an ad in a monthly In Touch Charles Stanley magazine and "felt like the Lord just spoke to me."
"We should go to Alaska," I said when she told me about it. I meant it, but sort of forgot about it until she brought it up again a week or two later. After weeks of planning -- her getting a passport, me reserving plane tickets and several phone calls and forms later, we've done it. Just 19 hours before our ship departs. I'm just as excited for her as I am for myself.
When we got to our room, the only thing missing was a mint on the pillow. Poofy white covers, a flat screen TV, a basket of snacks and a view of a theatre and The Cheesecake Factory from the 10th floor.
I debated how to fit all the free snacks in my bag while rummaging through a king size Kit Kat, Hershey bar with almonds, cashews, expensive potato chips and a glass jar of Gummi Bears shaped like a Gummi Bear.
Having skipped lunch, I popped open the chips and chomped away. That's when I saw a slip of paper with the title "May we tempt you with something?" Turns out the chips were $4 and the rest of the goodies were just as ridiculously expensive. I would've left the rest and asked them to charge me $2, but I didn't think it would fly. I was also upset to see the label on an enticing liter of water -- "A charge of $5 will be billed to your room if consumed." I took my empty Dasani bottle to the bathroom sink.
Once we got settled in, I called Andy, then Papaw, to let them know we were here. It was about a 5 1/2 hour flight and we're now 3 hours behind. I handed the phone to Mamaw and Papaw said he missed her already. She told him not to get hurt while she's gone.
Then we walked about 5 blocks down to Pike's Farmers Market by the water. Lots of pretty flowers and smelly fish for sale. Then to Etta's for dinner where we both had a bowl of clam chowder. Afterwards, we took the monorail to the Space Needle. Standing underneath it, I thought how amazing it is that I traveled such a long way in such a short time today. That and Frasier.
Oh yes, and I completed the evening with a fabulous ice cream cone that was less expensive than the chips.
I'll also include some pictures later on, but for a more complete album, go to http://travel.webshots.com/album/573683590rtVkNv?vhost=travel.
***
Thursday, July 9
I never pictured Mamaw in Seattle. Or even myself really -- too much rain. Yet here we are -- Mamaw dead to the world in her bed beside me and me writing this after flying across country and exploring Washington for an entire afternoon.
Her idea to take an Alaska cruise started a few months ago. She saw an ad in a monthly In Touch Charles Stanley magazine and "felt like the Lord just spoke to me."
"We should go to Alaska," I said when she told me about it. I meant it, but sort of forgot about it until she brought it up again a week or two later. After weeks of planning -- her getting a passport, me reserving plane tickets and several phone calls and forms later, we've done it. Just 19 hours before our ship departs. I'm just as excited for her as I am for myself.
When we got to our room, the only thing missing was a mint on the pillow. Poofy white covers, a flat screen TV, a basket of snacks and a view of a theatre and The Cheesecake Factory from the 10th floor.
I debated how to fit all the free snacks in my bag while rummaging through a king size Kit Kat, Hershey bar with almonds, cashews, expensive potato chips and a glass jar of Gummi Bears shaped like a Gummi Bear.
Having skipped lunch, I popped open the chips and chomped away. That's when I saw a slip of paper with the title "May we tempt you with something?" Turns out the chips were $4 and the rest of the goodies were just as ridiculously expensive. I would've left the rest and asked them to charge me $2, but I didn't think it would fly. I was also upset to see the label on an enticing liter of water -- "A charge of $5 will be billed to your room if consumed." I took my empty Dasani bottle to the bathroom sink.
Once we got settled in, I called Andy, then Papaw, to let them know we were here. It was about a 5 1/2 hour flight and we're now 3 hours behind. I handed the phone to Mamaw and Papaw said he missed her already. She told him not to get hurt while she's gone.
Then we walked about 5 blocks down to Pike's Farmers Market by the water. Lots of pretty flowers and smelly fish for sale. Then to Etta's for dinner where we both had a bowl of clam chowder. Afterwards, we took the monorail to the Space Needle. Standing underneath it, I thought how amazing it is that I traveled such a long way in such a short time today. That and Frasier.
Oh yes, and I completed the evening with a fabulous ice cream cone that was less expensive than the chips.
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