Wednesday, June 15, 2011

North to Alaska


Okay, so I'm a little bummed about not going to New York this year for National. I must admit though that Alaska was worth the sacrifice. My hubby and I took our moms on a week long cruise through the inside passage to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan and finally Victoria BC.

The weather cooperated beautifully. Scenery was amazing. Although I missed the black bear that some folks saw, we did see plenty of whales in Glacier Bay, a mountain goat and two babies on the train ride out of Skagway, plus an upclose and personal with an eagle in Ketchikan.

Probably the highlight for me though was that hubby joined the spa the first day out and we were able to relax and take in much of the scenery at sea from the whirlpool or sitting in the loungers, just watching Alaska pass by. Being a warm water sort of gal, that one thing helped make Alaska more my type trip.

We ended the adventure in Butchart Gardens in Victoria the last evening and all I can say is that I wish we'd had more than three hours to wander through and take in the array of color and landscaping. Awesome.


For those of you like me who are sweltering here in the south, maybe the pics will give you a moment's relief. For everyone headed to New York at the end of the month, wishing you a wonderful time. Will miss you.

Anybody else out there have any trips planned this year?

12 comments:

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

The Alaskan cruise is one of the highlights of my life. And you are right, 3 hours in Butchart Gardens is not nearly enough. I've seen it 3 times and can still go back. It is truely amazing.

I'll be in NYC and will be missing my PP girlfriends this year.

Liz Lipperman said...

We didn't see the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, but we did go on a tour of the city and saw a little town (among other cool places) where the bunnies have taken over. There were a million of them (not really!)

I'm bummed I'm not going to Nationals this year, either. Next year we'll party together.

Pamela Stone said...

Thanks for stopping by. Vickie, you'll have to party for all of us this year. Liz, next year...

Kathy Ivan said...

I'm not going to Nationals this year, either, but hoping and planning for next year. We'll all have to make a big celebration party for 2012!

I've never been to Alaska, heck, I've never been on a cruise to anywhere, but I'd love to. Sounds so relaxing and fun. Glad you had a good time wiht the "moms."

Pamela Stone said...

Hi Kathy. Thanks for stopping by. I realize cruises aren't for everyone, but I love them. You might consider a short Caribbean cruise out of Galveston and see what you think.

Phyllis said...

HI Pam,

An Alaskan cruise is on our list. I’ve been on 4 other cruises - all Caribbean, with the latest leaving out of Galveston. This year will be my 40th class reunion in my Colorado hometown. I’m planning on going, however, my employment seems to dictate what I can and cannot do lately.

I’m not going to NYC either. I am planning on California next year though!

Juliet Burns said...

LOve the pic of the eagle. I'm not going to Nationals either and am very sad, missing the 10th anniversary of Blaze--they're having a big party this year on Wed.
Not going anywhere else either. But am getting debt paid down and paying for a kid in college in the fall.
Not sure I'll ever get to Alaska, it's not really on my bucket list. Now England...

Estella said...

You got to see Butchart Gardens---I am so jealous!

Pamela Stone said...

Phyllies, I've done the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Estella, if you ever get the chance it is gorgeous. I could have spent a day there easily.

Juliet, you typically are the one with the travel bug. Surprised Alaska isn't on your list. I'm not sure I have a bucket list.

Sara said...

We got to see a lot of Vancouver when I served on the Board and one of the meetings was in Canada. It was in the early 90s.

Now I plan much simpler trips - like going to a cottage in Maine - to quilt and knit...and chill.

linda s said...

No NYC - On my list of things to do in this lifetime. I love driving to Alaska. I lovr seeing all the wild animals. My favourite was seeing wild buffalo along the road. Good thing we were going slow for a corner.
Next year, I really, really want to go to the South east part of America - I want to see the Ozarks.

Pamela Stone said...

Sara, I'm with you on simple these days. I'd love to rent a beach house and just write for a week. Walk on the beach and enjoy the ocean. I used to love crafts, never quilting, but needlepoint, latch hook and croche. Loved to sew. Writing has left no time and I guess I got over it.

Linda, our tour bus driver and her husband had driven up to Skagway from Iowa. She loved the drive.

The one thing I do know about vacations as I've gotten older. I'm more into relaxation and taking in nature than I am all the touristy stuff.