Friday, March 10, 2017

Flashback Friday to Alaska in September

 What the heck - I gave teasers last year.  Now it's time to give the tour. So we'll call this Flashback Friday and we shall embark on our Alaskan cruise from September 2016.  Enjoy



Alaska Day 1 - prep and go
It took seven months to arrive, but Ray and I were off on his 60th birthday adventure - Alaska!  Let's back up to January 2016. The new year arrived and also a big birthday in August. What did he want to do?  Scuba, beach, baseball? After some deliberation he chose an Alaskan cruise. Now, which cruise, what excursions, gone for how long?  A big trip takes time to plan with many choices. We solicited advice and came up with a satisfactory choice. Holland America's next to last cruise in September. Two week land and sea combo - cruise from Vancouver to Seward, then Anchorage to Denali for some tundra wilderness, and return by train to Anchorage. This would certainly give us a nice overview of Alaska and a worthy adventure.  So, let's get started.

Saturday September 3rd - fly to Vancouver, Canada. Never been  there, but had the day to explore. We checked into the Four Seasons - fancy- and then walked to the Cactus Cafe. Awesome cool, modern dining experience. It was a sunny Saturday, but everyone walking by had umbrellas. Guess the weather is as fickle there as in Texas.  Full, we strolled along the harbor enjoying glorious scenic views. Our destination was Stanley Park - a 1000 square mile variety of statues, trees, gardens, totems, and history. The trolley ride is worth the money. Splendid day and introduction to Vancouver. We would like to come back and explore more of the city.

However, on to Alaska. Let's cruise.  Sunday, September 4th at high noon we join the cattle call to board. It's actually very well organized - Holland America has done this a few times. The Noordam holds 2500 guests and 700 crew. It is a "small" ship. I am impressed. Our stateroom 4040 is big enough for two people and it does have a small verandah with two chairs. Ray sprang for the outer scenic room. What the heck - you only turn sixty once. We got our bearings by finding the Lido deck and the lunch buffet (along with seemingly everyone else on the ship). It was zooey but tasty food.
Time for the 2 pm tour with Showguy Andy. This was informative. After our tour we went back to the bow of the ship for the 5 pm farewell to Vancouver. We waved farewell to not only Canada but sunshine and blue skies.

So, dinner time at the Vista Lounge. Time to indulge in grilled salmon and a superb dessert. The portions are just right, and the quality is stupendous.  Now what? We are a tad tired but we find the BB King band show - excellent musicians and plenty of soul singing.  It's been a full day. Time for bed. The room is dark, it's darn quiet, and there's no movement.

Sleep well. Each day brings a new adventure


This is just the start. I shall regale you with more adventures as we cruise to Alaska. 

Meanwhile, have a super good March weekend - it's blustery here in TX with rain expected. You never know what's in store. 

16 comments:

  1. Looked like a fun start to a once in a lifetime adventure!

    Betty

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    1. Yep. I shall share our adventures. All good

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  2. Hi Joanne - sounds an ideal combo of a trip - I had to look up where the places were .. but that's good for me! I'd like to do both I think ... cheers Hilary

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  3. I think any travel is a positive. As we get into the trip you will enjoy rugged Akaska- a contrast to your coast

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  4. Fabulous! Smarticus and I "almost" took an Alaskan cruise for our 35th or 40th anniversary... can't remember which... but the "cattle call" mentality convinced us to opt out. Maybe some day.

    In the meantime, I'm psyched to see your pics and hear your tales. I reeeeeally hope you got to see the aurora borealis.

    Have a super weekend.

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    1. We reeeally wish we'd seen it too. Alas. Suffer thru cattle call. It is worth it

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  5. Sure sounds like a great start indeed. Passing out in a dark room after a long day was probably welcoming too.

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  6. Glad you got to see some of Vancouver. Does that cruise stop in Victoria? That would be the highlight for me....I love that place! lol

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    1. We were lucky to visit Victoria on our own in 2015. Loved it. I Could move there and be happy.

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  7. Off to a great start! What a fun way to celebrate a major milestone.

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    1. It was worth the $$. And even better than anticipated

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  8. Never been to Alaska and never been on a cruise. I know several people who have taken Alaskan cruises and it sounds like a wonderful experience. Glad you were able to do this.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. thanks. It was the best way to see Alaska, that's for sure

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  9. WOW thst eemed likle some trip Joanne. Thanks for sharing.

    Yvonne.

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