In the Evening

Monday, May 27, 2019

After our ride, we enjoyed a good Thai meal.  The Boyfriend was tuckered but I was up for more, so, I went over to the coast at sunset to take in the views. 

We return to Cambria/Cayucos and Pacific Grove/Carmel over and over again because one can never get enough.  

The lighthouse in the evening.  Lovely.  Tuesday morning, before we left, The BF did 17 mile ride; he hammered it.  Me, I lounged in bed.  I've been struggling this year with health issues but this trip did wonders.  And of course, as always, with all my trips, firemen played a role; it's as though they know I'm in town.  What can I say.  Til the next adventure.

Riding Robinson Canyon Road in Carmel Valley

Monday, May 27, 2019

As predicted, the weather was so so.  But, we were determined to do Robinson Canyon Road as described by Jay.  I'm always game to do a new ride.  It was quiet and challenging.  A jogger waved to me and exclaimed how impressed to see me climb.  Didn't happen for The Boyfriend.  What can I say....

 First, you meander through the woods, doing rollers.

Then you climb and climb and hit an open area with nice views of the valley.  Boy, I was feeling the burn. Easily 8 and 9% pitches for most of the climb and maybe a bit more here and there.  For a time, the sky was blue but it quickly turned gray and chilly.

The BF took this shot of the end of this out and back ride.  It's about 30 miles starting from the Carmel Valley Shopping Center.  I didn't quite make it to end so I only did 27 miles.  A good outing that left both of us feeling good.  

In Pacific Grove to Cycle

Sunday, May 26, 2019

The Boyfriend and I are now in Pacific Grove.  Oh my golly, lookey it's Mom with her two Bambis right outside our hotel. 

Another scene outside our hotel.  I love big trees.  I love all things big.  Once again, we are treated to lovely blue skies but alas, we know the weather is forecasted to be gray and chilly tomorrow for our bike ride.  Some days you win and some days you don't. 

Here's How It Went Down

Saturday, May 25, 2019

So, after sunny skies Friday, we awoke to a dense fog, the kind that drips and drips.  Well, we're here to cycle, both of us wanting to get back in the saddle and in shape.  So, we sauntered outside along the coast to Old Creek Road, hoping to make it to Santa Rosa Creek Road in Cambria and then back along Hwy 1 to Cayucos.  Well, that was the plan.  We got pretty wet before turning onto Old Creek Road.  I was struggling but then a car passed, and a young man yelled, "Yo go girl."  Didn't happen to The Boyfriend.  What can I say.  We were pleased with ourselves for doing the climb.  But, the weather didn't let up, and we decided to throw in the towel and return back to our hotel in Cayucos.  We managed about 17 miles.  It's a beautiful and challenging ride, the hills were still somewhat green and flowers bloomed everywhere.  We took comfort in feeling good that we got back on the saddle as we work on getting back in shape.  We've done the ride before and hopefully next time we're in the area, the weather will be more cooperative.  Sunday, the weather was worse.  It rained.  So, we went into Cambria and enjoyed being tourists.  I picked up a magazine and discovered some things we are definitely going to do next trip, like take in a tour of the Clydesdale horses and the Stepladder Creamery.  We also found a new route to bike next time -- Peachy Canyon Road.  Can't wait!

Cycling Time in Cayucos

Friday, May 24, 2019

The Boyfriend and I arrived in Cayucos for some cycling.  It's sunny and lovely.  That's Morro Rock in the distance. 

We usually stay in Cambria but being Memorial Day weekend, nothing was available.  Cayucos is delightful.  We have passed through this town in the past during bike rides, stopping at the wonderful Cayucos Coffee for a quiche and yummy coffee drinks.  It is also home to Brown Butter Cookies

A lovely late afternoon enjoying the day, and knowing tomorrow, the weather will change on us.

Time to go home

Thursday, May 16, 2019

One last evening of entertainment before heading home.  I ran into people I knew, and they bought me champagne.  We enjoyed the balloon drop before dancing the night away, as well as being entertained by passengers competing in Voices of the Ocean.  I wanted the Asian American from Las Vegas who sang Patsy Cline's Crazy to win but alas the winner was a woman who reminded people of Adele. 

A view from my cabin as we approach Golden Gate Bridge.  Wow, what a trip. I enjoyed my first ever cruise and introduction to Alaska and Canada.  Til the next adventure of the seeing the world.

Welcome to Victoria

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Oh my Gosh, my first visit to Canada.  I've always wanted to go to Canada -- Whistler, Quebec, a train ride all for a future trip.  But for now, I'm visiting Victoria.  I'm jazzed.  We had drizzle. 

Today's excursion includes a trip through the city, and wow, it is beautiful.  The architecture is stunning.  Victoria is considered Canada's most British city showcasing Victorian and Edwardian era mansions and other landmarks. Victoria began in 1843 as a Hudson Bay Company trading post, named in honor of Queen Victoria. I am reminded of Berkeley, San Francisco and Princeton as we tour the city and surrounding neighborhoods.  Exquisite gardens abound and flowers everywhere. Very pretty.  Of course it's famous for its Butchart Gardens and is known as the "Garden City".  Unfortunately, Victoria has become like the Bay Area (CA) in terms of real estate prices.  I was unable to capture the pretty neighborhoods we passed; I know that I am returning for sure.

We were entertained by our guide about Victoria's history.  Here we are stopping at Mt. Tolmie.  Had we had better weather, we would have seen Washington state across the water.

I toured Craigdarrouch Catele built by Robert Dunsmuir (related to Dunsmuir near Mt. Shasta, CA).  It was marvelous.  A search in Google will provide you with its history.   I wish I had more time to explore this incredible city.  I wanted to sample chocolates from Rogers' chocolates, and hang out in a pub.  Before we knew it, we had to return to ship.  Much to short. 

Another Day at Sea

Monday, May 13th

Another day at sea as we go along the coast of Canada.  What to do, what to do?  Well, Q&A with the captain and first engineer (an Italian stud) helped to pass the time.  They shared with us that the crew is comprised of 46 nationalities and they are often at sea for 9 months at a time.  We had an 8 meter clearance going under the Golden Gate Bridge.  They talked about the ship's carbon footprint and environmental practices and what's in store for the future.  It was really interesting.

We also got a behind the scenes talk involving the galley.  The photos shared are watermelon carvings.  The amount of food prep and consumption is amazing.  On a daily basis, 1400 lbs of poultry, 1700 lbs of beef, 400 lbs of shrimp, 500 lbs of pasta, 6,000 lbs avg amt of fresh fruit consumed, and on and on.  I don't know how they do all this.  57 people work throughout the day to do all the cleaning and washing.  I also entertained myself with more karaoke and musicals in the theatre.  Time passed.  Looking forward to seeing Victoria tomorrow.  

Ketchikan

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Ketchikan, Salmon Capitol of the world, who knew.  First, that's my ship in the distance; we tendered (got on the orange boats) to get to shore.  Loved it. I am amazed at how the crew manages all of this.  Once again, we are blessed with perfect weather.

I have a busy agenda, first doing a boat tour of the area, seeing eagles and a lighthouse.  Ketchikan has so much to offer including the Misty Fords National Monument.  It is the 7th most populated city in Alaska.  Our guide informed us that when the paper mill closed, the city almost went under but tourism saved the day.

Yes, we saw eagles, but I saw more in Skagway.

Before my next tour, I checked out the town.  Ketchikan is known for its totem poles and for being the salmon capitol of the world.

Lunch was sampling smoked salmon at every store!  It was frigging delicious. We learned the hand thingy for identifying salmon - thumb - chum, forefinger - sockeye salmon, middle finger - king salmon, fourth finger - silver salmon and pinkie - pink salmon.  I met a couple from Spokane, a city I visited last year and simply loved.  I also met people on my cruise from Wisconsin, Queens NYC, South Africa, Australia, and Santa Cruz.

I visited historic Fleet Street.  It is a gem. 

See this totem pole.  Well, you'll find him in a U.S. passport.  That was the highlight for me.  Ketchikan is full of flowers and blooming trees. 

I also visited Saxman Native Village and was treated to the Tilingits culture and their totem poles.  Wow, it was a remarkable excursion.  The couple in the photo hail from Australia. I would meet up with them later on the cruise and they bought me a glass of Prosecco.  Lovely couple; I gave them tips on exploring SF upon our return to the Bay Area.  We enjoyed a concert together aboard ship on another day at sea.  I barely captured the marvel of Ketchikan.  Truly an enjoyable experience.  Back on board ship, I met someone who bought me drinks (who am I to say no) and enjoyed another round of karaoke, excellent food ( mussels, shrimp cocktails, mashed potatoes, chocolate mousse) and dancing in a bar.  Until the next adventure.

Glorious Glacier Bay

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Another perfect weather day as we sailed into Glacier Bay.  The entire morning was spent taking in this spectacular park.  We had rangers aboard (I saw their little boat dock with us; and watched them board).

There it is.  Wow.  I met lots of people of different nationalities who I would hang out with throughout the cruise; and who would buy me drinks.  Who am I to say no.  I also enjoyed taking photos of people.  I am amazed at how many people speak English; I mean, I don't speak Chinese or Russian. 

One view after another.  We saw mountain goats earlier at Lamplugh Glacier but I was unable to get a shot.

We saw sea lions frolicking for us.  The white piece is a bit of the glacier; we saw some of it break off.  Neato peato.

Marjorie Glacier.  The ranger told us it's a healthy glacier.  None of this existed 200 years ago.

So much to take in and appreciate.  In the afternoon, I sat in a chair near one of the bars to read a Smithsonian Magazine that I borrowed from the ship's library.  I met a widow from the U.K. who runs a business out of South Africa.  She likes Trump.  I met fellow Americans who can't stand his tweets but like what he is doing for the country in terms of the economy.  Hmm. Anyway, she bought me 3 glasses of wine.  Who am I to say no.... Later I went to Karaoke night.  It was a scream.  Some truly talented individuals and some god awful (stick to shower singing, please).  But I admired their courage.  Until the next adventure....

Skagway

Friday, May 10, 2019

I'm here in Skagway about to do a tour of the Klondike Summit.  Once again, we are blessed with good weather.

Our handsome tour guide Paul is as humorous as our guide Kyle in Juneau.  Paul hails from Monterey; each spring he drives his RV along with his companion, a blind dog.  Had he asked me out for a drink.... Right off the bat, he said that all the stories we heard in Juneau were not true and he would give us the inside scoop.  He was too funny.  I appreciated that he pointed out locally owned stores as we went through town. Each year Holland cruise line (if I remember correctly) hosts Prom night for the high school students.  Sweet.

It was breathtaking. The area has had quite a few significant earthquakes the last few years.

We went into Canada; Paul played their national anthem.  We returned back to the U.S. -- he played our anthem.  I've been wanting to do a train ride across Canada....

Omg, on the way back to town, we saw a baby bear!!

Taking in the history.  I also bought a t-shirt from one of the locally owned shops.  And yes, locals sound like Sarah Palin.

Another scene depicting the Gold Rush era.

I enjoyed my visit to Skagway. I don't recall what I did in the evening aboard ship. We do have television, so, I watched a lot of movies during down times. Til our next destination....

Sailing into Skagway

Friday, May 10, 2019

Sailing to Skagway, and once again, the Golden Princess is right along side of us.

I forgot to mention that while in Juneau yesterday, I saw many eagles, either in trees or flying.  Females can weigh up to 16 lbs.  An amazing bird, beautiful in flight.  I also forgot to mention that on our tour, we passed the Governor's Mansion; it looks like the White House.

A view of Skagway from our ship.  Skagway was founded in 1897.  It is 90 miles northwest of Juneau.  Today's population is approximately 1,036.  During the height of the Gold Rush, the population was 10,000.  There's much to see and do in this town including dog sledding, Klondike Summit, White Pass & Yukon (Canada), and the historic town itself.  I should have mentioned earlier that one purchases shore excursions for each port city visited.  There are many exciting adventures from which to choose.  I'm sorry to have missed the whale watching in Juneau. 

I See Land

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Land, I see land!  We're passing through the Gastineau Channel on our way to Juneau, our first port.  I can't wait to plant my feet upon solid ground.

Coming into Juneau.  We're lucky because it's not raining, in fact, we only encountered light drizzle in Victoria (but I'm getting ahead of myself).  Juneau became the capital in 1959 upon statehood. It is the only state capitol with no road access.  It is approximately 3,081 square miles.

The library is the first building one encounters when getting off the ship! I have little time to explore downtown before my excursion to Mendenhall Glacier, the Alaska State Museum and a rain forest garden.    I went into a fur store.  Omg, the touch of mink is exquisite.That's probably not P.C. to say.  Our guide Kyle who hails from Idaho when not doing a stint in Juneau was so funny and knowledgeable. We had an hour in the museum.  It was an amazing learning experience.  Hey, it's not all about being on the Love Boat.... The rainforest garden was sort of a bust but the couple who manage it gave us a good lecture on Alaska. 

Next stop on the bus is Mendenhall Glacier.  Kyle, our guide, shared funny stories about the grand opening of McDonald's, the closing of Walmart, the husband who didn't speak up that his wife didn't get back on the bus....  The Internet has made a big difference; Amazon delivers in 2-3 days.  My companion on the bus told me his sister got married the night before in the chapel on our ship.  Omg, small world, I happened to have walked by the chapel and saw the ceremony!  I'm wearing my university windbreaker.  Turns out quite a number of people on the bus are graduates and one is a professor.  Small world, eh.

Here we are at Mendenhall Glacier.  It stretches from the Juneau Icefield to Mendenhall Lake.  My companion and I walked to the waterfall which you can see in this picture.  I tried to capture the rainbow in it in another photo but was unsuccessful.  When we got back to Juneau, my companion went off to do the Mt Roberts Tram ride.  I should have signed up to do that!  He and I would meet up later to see a show aboard the ship.  Shout out to the crew in terms of getting us on and off the ship.  Remarkably well organized the entire trip.  Tomorrow we enter Skagway.  Another adventure awaits.