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....