Alaska: Canada

Well I wish I could tell you that this picture from the brigg was mine, but alas, I am not as cool as my brother!  So since 9/11 the brigg has been closed off for passenger tours.  The only possible way to get up there is to run across the captain wandering the ship, and ask.  It is within his rights to refuse, or extend an offer.  Not only did my brother manage to find the Captain amongst the literal sea of people aboard the boat, but he also got a private tour for him and his family.  Coolest part, the invite was delivered to his door with a special meeting time and spot.  I mean.....like a movie.

I am so happy they got to see the command center of the ship.  And for the photos.  Living vicariously here!

Our final day at sea was spent eating, drinking, being merry, napping, enjoying the ocean, and spending time together.  Our final port was in Canada and our stop was a short 2 hours.  Bob, Lily and I decided we just had to embark to say that we did and we made the absolute best of it!

We hugged a big tree......

Saw the capital building........

Did a handstand in front of the capital building......

And rode in a horse drawn carriage.  It was a perfectly fun way to spend our 2 hours and we can say. OH YES CANADA!  We saw you too!

We arrived home in Seattle bright and early the next morning for our departure.  What a trip......WHAT A MEMORY!

 

Alaska: Ketchikan

By this day, the trip was just flying by.  It was silly.  Ketchikan was a blast because we just had to go and see a lumberjack show!  I mean......when in Rome.....or Alaska.

Ketchikan has some history, and we found ourselves exploring the old section "Creek Street" of the town that follows along a little river leading to the inside passage.  The historical buildings are still intact and you can read all sorts of plaques about the history.  What fun.

The lumberjack show was everything you would expect it to be and more.  Laughs, hijinks, competition, and just good ole fun.

It was SO cold, and yes these men were armless and in water.  Insane.

Evie got the chair that was swiftly made by that blonde headed chainsaw master.

We laughed and cheered and fought for our guys to win.  It was a blast.  Seriously skilled men with axes y'all.  WOW.

Following our show we had ourselves a crab feast.  We introduced the girls to crab.....not total fans, but Mikey made it fun with some careful Wolverine play.  I had forgotten how much work crab is.  Goodness.

That evening on the boat the girls and I had a pizza date night and then we all found ourselves at the second headliner show, the "Rock Opera."  Excellent music and entertainment to be sure.

The rest of the family had a huge sit down dinner complete with the resident sommelier.  Needless to say, he introduced a LOT of wine and Memaw and Papas 50th was celebrated.

Alaska: Glacier Bay

 Glacier Bay was probably my favorite day of our trip.  I LOVED waking up surrounded by spectacular mountains and features.  There is something so fun about waking up on a boat.  All me crazy, I LOVE IT!

Glacier Bay National Park did not disappoint.  The only way to access the area is via cruise ship or special boat.  It is this beautiful, quiet, and contemplative playground just full of overwhelmingly beautiful glaciers, mountains, and untouched scenery.

We all were hopeful that we would just happen across a glacier calving, but that is one of those rare experiences to be sure.  

The girls and I lived out a bucket list item of mine.  Swim in a heated pool or hot tub, with snow caps surrounded by glaciers and snow!  Check, check, and check!

This day honestly brought me to tears.  The beauty of the place, the air, and the moment was overwhelming.  So simple in its beauty and yet so unmatched.  I won't soon forget the experience.

Following our morning in the Bay the girls discovered the kids clubs and we enjoyed family time and more fun on the boat.  We did line dancing and the gym.  So fun.

That night we had the wonderful opportunity to experience the NORTHERN LIGHTS!  This year has been one of the best years for Northern Lights sightings, and we were not left out.  The clouds broke for just a few moments and, thanks to some amazing phone cameras, we were able to capture the show.

Another bucket list item.....CHECK!