Day 6 Skagway

Today we all took a 3 hour train ride into the mountains to the summit and back. The views were amazing. The mountains were so high and so extensive, everywhere you looked. At times it looked like the track was tittering on the edge of the mountain.








After returning back to the ship Courtney and Paige left for horseback riding and dad did an organized walk through town. Monte and I walked into town also to mail a post card for Courtney. It is very touristy selling lots of stuff and tons of jewelry everywhere. We are not too keen on all that. It was very cold today and the wind picked up which made it even colder.







We all returned in time for dinner, then after dinner we made arrangements for the girls to change rooms. Paige said her room was noisy and asked me for ear plugs and sleeping pills the last few nights. I had no idea how loud their room was until I went into it around 9-10 o'clock. Their room sits above a bar/club that runs until midnight with live music. When I heard how loud it was, it was unacceptable. I wish we understood that a few days ago, but we did successfully move them tonight. So instead of being around the corner, they are now down three floors and toward the front of the ship. It is quiet and much better for them.






Tonight we went out on the deck again. It was really bone chilling cold, but the views were so amazing we had to go out. We finally came in about 10:00 and it was still fairly light outside. Just beautiful! And pictures just don't do it justice! The mountains are around us 360 degrees so the camera just can't capture that.

















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Day 5 Juneau

What a great day! First the girls left at about 8:30 for whale watching and seeing Mendenhall Glacier. Next it was me, whale watching and a hike out to the Glacier, followed by Dad and Monte with a helicopter ride and a walk on the glacier. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, but we were all prepared with warm clothes. I guess the biggest draw here is the glacier, and it is amazing!






First I went whale watching with a group of just 19 people. It seemed kind of like a whale chase. All the different boats would radio each other with sightings, then we'd hurry out to the site. I think we went to three different sights and saw many different whales. We could see blow holes all over the place, lots of "humps" and twice we saw the whole tails. Someone saw one whale breech, but I missed that. It was pretty incredible! I bet we spent at least 2 hours. It was cold, but worth the thrill. I was lucky enough to sit right near the front of the boat so when we stopped I was the first one outside on the front deck. I was out there when a big wave hit us and I got sprayed from head to toe! Next we took a bus to a trail head and hiked though forest where the glacier had previously been. It was interesting to see the " old growth" vs. the " new growth". There was a clear marking of where the glacier had been, and there were people on the tour that had seen the glacier about 20 years ago. They said they could see a huge difference in it since then. Incredible sight!

Just a note: I used a porta potty in the parking lot before our hike, and with lots of layers, carrying a back pack, wearing gloves, it was quite an adventure just trying to pee. In fact, with my gloves in my mouth, holding my back pack and trying to squat with four layers of jackets, etc. I couldn't squat well enough and ended up with pee running down my leg.... Oh well, I guess it felt warm on this cold day!








Monte and Dad loved the helicopter flight and walking on the glacier. They even walked to the edge of many crevasses. It was a thrill of a lifetime for them both.










The girls agreed that the whole day was spectacular. The saw many whales too and where amazed at everything.

We will leave soon for a salmon bake for dinner, and the girls are looking forward to dinner in the dinning room. It is interesting that I think they prefer to dine without us, and look forward to meeting new people at what ever table they sit at.

Here is the salmon bake








Here is the evening as we leave, beautiful views!








This was a shot from the deck of the ship... Indeed it was!



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Day 4 ketchikan

We had a great night sleep since the boat was much calmer. All of us decided to take the same excursion, a boat ride through the Misty Fjord. We had to get up and to breakfast by 6:30. ... Way too early when you're on vacation! It was a 3 hour tour and we saw huge mountains and cruised through the Fjord. We saw eagles and sea lions, and loved watching the sea planes take off and land. Very nice!








After that we walked into town. At the end of our walk Paige's foot was hurting. She and Courtney had worked out in the gym a couple days ago ( or maybe it was yesterday) and she has had trouble ever since. I'm concern about the 1 mile walk we had planned to do tomorrow. Luckily, I was able to get the ticket changed and the girls will do same thing minus the one hour hike, so they still see the glacier and go whale watching.






After our excursion we came back, took a nap, then set out for watching the ship set sail. Did I mention that it is bone shilling cold?




Then of course, more dinner! The food never stops!








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Still at sea day 3

Ok, now I really don't like all this bouncing around! It feels just like really bad turbulence, the kind when you feel like the plane is falling from the sky. Why is it that all I've heard is how wonderful Alaska is, but no one warns you about the seas. Maybe Alaska is so spectacular that you forget the trauma of getting there, kind of like giving birth! Today even with the patch I'm not feeling great, and by the clean ups around the ship I'd say I wasn't the only one!



We are trying a new approach today....eating less food. Seems like we eat constantly and then we are not hungry at all when a meal time comes again, yet we still manage to eat!

The girls are having fun exploring, and they are planning to go to the gym in a while. Later today they are going to see a Sherlock Holmes movie. Me, still feeling a bit sick, I'm going enjoy a nap with everyone doing their own thing. I hate to spend much in my room, but I am enjoying it! Plus, I'm on vacation and can do anything I want, including 24 hour room service! If only I were hungry!

Here the girls are enjoying another dinner.




Dad forgot his glasses, but mine look fantastic on him!



Ok, so I have the lead in ping pong, I also have the lead in basketball, and I gained a new title, faster climber than the elevator - up six flights and still beat Monte. Not only am I winner of going up, but down too. Woho, I'm on a run. Maybe I should hit the casino or play bingo.


Ok now it is 9:00 pm and finally some relief from the ups and downs! During our comedy the curtains didn't even sway.... Much better! We had another nice dinner and we all went to the show, an enjoyable evening. At 9:00 the sun is still quite high in the sky. We went outside, cold and windy, but sunny. We will get up by 6:00 and leave for our excursion right after breakfast. We are taking a boat ride to see a fjord. It is suppose to be Alaska's Yosemite.

I'm thinking that I don't love cruises anymore. Or at least rough water. I think I prefer either a warm climate or to just be on land. We are so hooked on Europe it is hard compare anything else. But, we have yet to see Alaska, I might, just yet, eat my words!


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At sea day 2

Oh my, oh my, am I glad I kept that patch on! All night the ship would raise up and down, and move side to side. I'm sure going up the coast is the worst part. All night long it felt like I was in an aircraft hitting tons of turbulence with that dropping feeling. I didn't sleep much. But I'm not at all sea sick, so that is great! I hope Paige and Courtney are fine too, haven't seen them yet today.

So it turns out that the girls were waiting for us for dinner, but we missed each other. They tried to get in to the dinning room but it was too late so they decided to wait until the next setting. But, they did meet more interesting people, which is a nice benefit.



Funny how we all seem so exhausted. All we seem to do is eat, eat and eat, and sleep and go to events. Today we heard a lecture about whales, dolphins and otters. It was very interesting. I thought Monte and Dad would find it interesting too, until I glanced at Dad and found his eyes closed then Monte doing the same. About 20 min later there was a pause of silence during the presentation and then a very loud snort. Everyone turned to see what it was, and it was my dear husband waking himself up. It was the funniest think ever! I think they did enjoy the lecture, or at least what they heard. I sure hope we are lucky enough to see some wildlife.

Monte and I played basketball, ping pong, and took a cold windy walk around the deck. It was fun!


Well, the seas have not calmed down and all day I've been on the edge of sea sickness. I can handle several hours, but I don't know about days!

We had a formal dinner tonight. The girls looked beautiful!



I'm looking forward to getting off the ship and seeing the beauty of Alaska. I think we have some nice things planned.


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Bon Voyage day 1

I've been told by a lot of people that if you cruise and get sea sick you should get the patch. Well, I do get sea sick, and my history of " the patch" from long ago is not a pleasant one.

On our honeymoon we went on our first cruise, to the Bahamas. I was concerned about getting sea sick so I did get the patch but I didn't want to use it unless I actually was sea sick. Right after the ship left port I found that I was already getting nauseated. So I read the directions and realized you have to apply it 4 hours before you leave. So, I put it on, took some dramamine and went to dinner. It was our first dinner at sea, our first dinner as a married couple, so of course we celebrated with a nice bottle of wine. Between the wine, Dramamine and the " patch", I crashed, big time! I felt so sick, I told Monte I'd have to hire a helicopter to get me off the ship. Luckily, when it all wore off I was much better and not even sea sick!



So, here we are about to board a cruise ship for Alaska. I've heard the seas are really rough heading north. So, I really don't want to get sick right off the bat, so I got an Rx for the patch. But this time I figured I'd skip the Dramamine but probably not the wine! I put the patch on the last night making a good plan so I'll be in the best shape possible to enjoy our vacation. I woke this morning, got out of bed and I was so dizzy I could hardly walk down the hallway! My mouth is so dry I'm drinking constantly. I hate this feeling. I'm thinking the patch makes you feel so bad it gives you land sickness so when you get on the sea you feel better. I'm trying to stick with it, but maybe I should have learned my lesson before.


We sailed under the magnificent golden gate bridge. What a site! The weather was a bit windy and cool, but not too bad. A beautiful start. The captain made an announcement that we were going to have strong north winds that will cause a lot of movement of the ship, and if anyone gets sea sick takes meds now. As we continued out into the open water you could feel the ship move more and more......so glad I have the patch! I would have been in bad shape without it. I hate the dry mouth and just having a weird feeling while taking it, but the alternative is much worse. I do look forward to calmer seas ahead.


We had a nice dinner tonight but Paige and Courtney were too late so they had to wait an hour and a half later for the next seating.
Sounds like the girls are having fun and they've had many interesting conversations with strangers, Iike the guy who does lighting for movies in Hollywood and another family from Scotland.

Monte was tired after dinner so he decided to rest while dad and I went to the show. We had no idea were the girls were, so we went ahead without them.

Dad and I saw the show, it was good, but I wasn't feeling really great or I would have enjoyed it more.







Off to bed, Monte is already sleeping. We need our rest for the big day tomorrow, you know, eating, sleeping, eating, whatever!

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Location:Sea princess heading north near oregon

Alsace, France Route du Vin

Alsace, France
When we left Burgundy this morning, it was hard to go. Just like every other place so far. But, we did wake up to rain, so that made it easier. It stopped not long after we were on the road so our driving was fine. It was about 4:15 min drive. Another long one, and our last of that length. Funny how it just doesn't seem that long. I guess because all the scenery is new, so it is exciting. We drove past what looked to be a van selling bread. I told Monte to stop but he had already gone past. He said we would pick up food down the road...but wait..I hope we learned from our past mistakes! He turned around and we caught the van just before it was leaving the village. We bought cheese, plain, and chocolate croissants...yep, in France!



We drove on, planning to eat them closer to lunch. Paige fell asleep and monte was driving, but I was available, so I started in on mine.





Not long after we decided to stop at a rest stop on the highway to use the bathroom and nibble our treats. On the highways in France there are very few exits. I mean very few! When you get on, you pick up what looks like a parking ticket then when you exit you give a person or machine your ticket and you pay.




So I think to cut down on how many toll areas there are, they don't let you off the highway easily. Therefore, there are a lot of rest stops, some with food etc. Our stop just had bathrooms. So, for the second time I thought I'd give it a whirl..you know, those French standing kind. I am getting better at it. Didn't even notice any splatter on my pants! How great is that since my pants haven't been washed yet and probably won't for another two weeks. It is a French experience.




So we enjoyed our croissants, but Paige was distracted by the cute French guy working nearby. I bet she could hardly taste the food!




Off we went to find our new B&B. It started to rain as we got closer and the rain kind of damped my spirit about the place we were going. It got very good reviews on-line, but in the rain, and having left behind a fabulous place I just wasn't sure if anything could be as nice. When we arrived I noticed know cute the town was. Then I noticed one place with scaffolds over the building....guess what, that was our place!




The couple who run it are very nice and run a fabulous restaurant below. I feel better about it now that the rain stopped so we could see the town, we had dinner at the restaurant, and it was very good.





















The area is amazing, so we look forward to getting out tomorrow.





We have been tired so we were glad we would go to bed early...oh, but this is France, we started at 7:30 and ended at 10:30. Here I am blogging at11:30. No wonder we have been tired!

Tomorrow should be a great day. We are hoping for good weather.

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Location:Route du Vin,Itterswiller,France

Posted by Whitefield's Travels at 4:00 PM
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Route du Vin,Itterswiller,France