Fri, August 31 - Sitka - Last Day in Alaska!

St Lazaria Island is the remains of the molton core of a volcano

Friday, July 31, 2015 Sitka

Sitka is an island with 9,000 people. Most live right on the coast as the rest is mountainous. Wonderful wildlife boat tour today - just 6 of us! We saw many, many humpback whales, sea otters, seals, puffins and a few Eagles. 

Sea Otters floating on the seaweed

Thursday, July 30, 2015 Skagway White Pass Train

Great little town of 1000 people. All tourism. 3 ships in port. Taking the White Pass train ride this afternoon. Sun is shining again!

Downtown Skagway

Oceania Regatta in port in Skagway

View from the White Pass train

Built in 1898 to transport the stampeders to the Klondike Gold Rush.

Train crosses a bridge over the river

Tuesday, July 28, 2015 Juneau

Tuesday, July 28, Herbert Glacier, Juneau

Kathy with our Helicopter pilot.

Surprise on the Glacier.  Someone we met on the shuttle got engaged!

Andy proposes to Tisha on the Glacier.  She said Yes!

Wednesday, July 29 – Day at Sea

Rusty’s early morning photos as we head toward the Hubbard Glacier.

This Glacier flows 76 miles to touch the sea at Yakutat and has a 400 foot snout. It is known to “surge” or move up to 3 feet a day.

Monday, July 27 Breakaway Adventure in Wrangell

Great boat ride: Waterfalls, icebergs and glacier

July 24-25 Seattle to Ketchikan

Friday, July 24 

Thanks much to friend Gerianne for loaning us a car and meeting us at the Pier. Delighted to meet son Jacob, a handsome and engaging young man.

Sailed out at 5:00 pm.  Beautiful day.  Dinner at Toscana. Great Italian Chianti.

Saturday, July 25 Day at Sea

Happy Birthday, Sean! Hooray for Seanie, Hooray for Seanie….!

Coasting along Inland passageway – Queen Charlotte Strait by Vancouver, British Columbia. Good workout this morning and Kathy took a bridge lesson and Rusty learned about whales.  Actually saw several this morning. Very nice Wine tasting event in the afternoon compliments of AMEX.  Very nice new red wine from Chile Arboleda Carmenere (spicy) and a Chardonnay at dinner Peter Lehman Barossa from Australia light and fruity.

Had dinner with Corrine and Mike from Rhode Island in the main dining room. Beginning to experience the “Land of the Sun.” Went to bed in the daylight and woke up in the daylight

Sunday, July 26 Ketchikan

Ketchikan

Took 8 passenger Seaplane to Misty Fijords. Magnificent views of the Alaskan landscape. 

Flying under the tree line was amazing.  

On Board Regatta

Enjoying first lunch. Staterooms not available yet. Off to explore ship!

7/23 Ferry to Bainbridge

Lunch at Doc's

7/22 Seattle

Arrived on schedule in Seattle. Beautiful day. Gerianne picked us up at airport AND loaned us a car. We are meeting her for dinner at LaMedusa in "Columbia City" District. Spent some time at Pikes Place Market and had a great lunch at Lowell's overlooking the harbor.Staying At Eric's airbnb Soaring Crane. It is fantastic. More pix tomorrow.

View from Lowell's Restaurant at Pike Street market

Lovely view of Soaring Crane garden retreat

Pre Cruise Party with the Panes!

Just arrived at Joe and Maura's for a quick overnight before flight to Seattle!  5:15 am service to the airport!  Dinner tonight at the International Golf Club in Bolton, MA

Great seeing Joe and Maura and planning next trip!

Just Getting Started

We are preparing our blog to share our adventures to Alaska and the Northwest states including four National Parks.  Hope you enjoy the trip!