Taku Harbor to Tracy Arm Cove

Up at 8:30am again to the sound of Merlin’s collar while playing and Kingston Trio on the iPod speakers. I did my ‘3 point turn’ to toss and turn a few times, then just got my butt up. It was definitely low tide as the pilings were raised far out of the water showing their barnacles. Then we headed out around 9am to a small craft advisory (we’re larger than a small craft), so it was a bit wavy. My Aunt and I sat on the bow for quite a while in the very rainy and freezing 39 degree weather. Luckily as we approached the cove, the rain stopped. Sundum glacier was off to the left and as cool as I remembered. As we got closer, the fog gobbled it up. There were also many icebergs at the entrance to Tracy Arm that we had to go check out. 2 of them are the largest I have ever seen… one the size of a two story house. We then anchored inside the cove around 1:30pm. We took the dinghy out to get up close and personal with about 3 icebergs, which we quite awesome. After a nice little ride we came back for some cheese, salami and crackers with a fresh fruit salad. Then some quiet time for everyone as we just look out at the beautiful large snow capped mountains, and watched the fog roll in. We also watched 2 large yachts (both probably 55’-65’) come into the harbor later in the evening. The larger of the 2 was named ‘Twilight’. We had kielbasa, rice and spinach salad for dinner. Then watched a Dean Martin Variety Show hour on DVD. Nice flashback to the 70’s while watching Dom DeLuise, Crystal Gayle, Dionne Warwick, Jonathan Winters, Shirley Jones and a few others sing and stuff. Then after chatting about our possible itinerary for the rest of the trip, we crashed. I bought Tori Spelling’s new book ‘Mommywood’ before leaving so I have been reading that before bed each night. Almost halfway done already.

Juneau to Taku Harbor

I woke up around 8:30am and we started up the engines around 9:30am to head out. It was a gloomy day but not very rainy. We puttered past Juneau and the 5 cruise ships in dock this morning (A Princess, Celebrity, NCL, Holland America and one liner we didn’t recognize). We had some cereal, fresh fruit and a homemade blueberry scone (with some homemade kiwi jam my Aunt made) for breakfast en route. My Aunt and I sat on I the bow for most of the trip in the 36 degree weather. We bundled up and looked quite silly. Once we got here, we saw spots of sun but still very overcast for the most part. As we sat here chatting we saw an iceberg float into the bay we were in. That is pretty unusual since we are a bit North of the glaciers, and we weren’t expecting to see any icebergs until tomorrow. So we put the dinghy down and went over to it to take pics and touch it. It was my Aunt’s first iceberg. Then after sandwiches for lunch, I took a late afternoon nap. I’m so tired up here for some reason. Fresh air and a rocking boat will you do that to you. We chilled a bit more and then BBQ’d fresh salmon they were given by a local fisherman the other day. After dinner we all watched ‘Knowing’ which was entertaining, yet thoroughly predictable. It’s almost dark out at 9:45pm and there are about 8 boats on this dock and about another 15 or more (mostly fishing boats) anchored out in this bay. And just after I typed that, one of the fishing boats shot off a couple of fireworks at the end of the bay. Tomorrow we are heading one bay (about 5 hours away) closer to the glaciers. Hopefully we catch some whales and icebergs along the way.

1st Morning in Juneau

Yesterday's flights were uneventful for the most part. Had lunch at this Alaska Tavern place at Sea-Tac for a cheeseburger and an Alaskan Ale. Then our second flight to Juneau. Rainy when we arrived, but still got to see a little of the pretty descent into Juneau's airport. We got out bags, then I called for a cab. We got down to the marina, dropped our bags, then took a walk up to the store for some last min food items. Back to the boat to have my Mom's chicken broccoli casserole and spinach salad. YUM!! We also saw a harbor seal in the marina swimming around. Then we chatted until 10pm, but not sure how I lasted that long, I was a zombie! I tossed and turned a little bit as the mattresses aren't the quality of ones you have at home, but slept well for the most part. Then woke up at 8am (9am California time) after I had been laying there for a while. We just turned on the boat engines for the first time about 5 mins ago. So I am off to make myself a cup of tea, and watch the city of Juneau and the cruise ships as we pass by. Hoping to see my first iceberg today. I'll write more when I have WiFi again in a week. See ya.

Gotta love vacation adrenaline

Do you wake up on the morning your vacation starts, at some awful hour, just wide awake and ready to go? Well that's me. I once had a 7:00am flight to Maui, and because of the distance I was to the airport at the time I had to be picked up by the shuttle service at 3:30am, after 2 hours of sleep. But since I was so excited for the trip, I hopped out of bed and was ready to go.

Well, that's the same thing for this morning. I am a night owl by nature, so didn't go to bed last night until after 2am. I had set my alarm for 6:15am so I could be out of here by 7am. Well to my surprise, I woke up around 4:40am, and after staring at the dark ceiling for about 5 mins I just got out of bed. Let's just say that I'm sure I'll crash around 8pm tonight, about 6+ hours earlier than the norm. But at least I don't have to worry about being late. I cracked open an Amp energy drink (since I'm up, but not fully awake) and have been playing on the web. Something I would likely have done when I got up at the original 6:15am wake-up call time. But this time I won't make myself late.

Anyway... in 6 hours I will be enjoying some clam chowder maybe (at a favorite place at Sea-Tac) or something else just as delicious. And in about 11 hours I will be touching down in Juneau. Which happens to be the most beautiful decent into an airport I have ever experienced. I can't wait to see it again. And it will be good to see my Mom and Step-Dad after they have been gone for 2 1/2 months now.

My Mom cracks me up

So, my Mom had been meaning to send my Aunt and I a list of the toiletry, etc items that she had on the boat, and that we wouldn't need to pack. The boat isn't all that big with 4 adults and a dog on it, so the less you bring the better. This e-mail arrived in my inbox yesterday evening and I cracked up. Besides the obvious, it's meant as a joke :-)
__________

Dear Cruise Passenger;
We are delighted that you have chosen the mv AQUILA for your 2009 Alaskan Glacier Adventure. We want you to enjoy your trip. Following is a list of items which we carry that are available to you at no additional fee. Remember, this a casual cruise. Formal nights have been eliminated due to lack of interest.

- Shampoo (Pantene)
- Conditioner
- Shower gel
- Body lotion
- Sunblock (#8, #15, #30 and #45)
- Insect repellent (yes, there are mosquitoes in Alaska)
- Curling iron
- Hair dryer (can only be used when we are in port)
- All linens
- Laptop
Cd's for storing and/or sharing photos
- First Aid supplies including:
Ibuprofen, Excedrin, Benadryl, Tums, and various ointments
Seasick medications (holistic as well as Dramamine)
- Numerous paperback books in the library
- Binoculars

Some items that will be necessary for you to bring: (the temperature in the fjords near the glacier is often in the 20's F) One does not need to spend much time outside. One can stay in the heated salon. However, most of our guests prefer to look at icebergs from the outside deck.

- Warm coat (or layer lighter ones)
- Rain slicker or umbrella if it rains in Juneau while you want to
site-see
- Cap (we have a few available to borrow)
- Gloves
- Good walking shoes for site seeing in Juneau
- Shoes that can get wet (it may rain either while we are in Juneau
or while we out of port)
- Personal medication
- Camera

Some items that are not necessary to bring:

- A hard sided suitcase. Storage space is at a premium and a duffel that
folds will work best.
- High heel shoes

Miscellaneous information:

- The cruise line has a small dog as a mascot. Dog lovers only are encouraged to take this cruise.
- We are a "no smoking" cruise line
- There will only be cell service while in Juneau.
- There will only be internet service while in Juneau.
- Email service will be available on Aquila's satellite system while away from
port.
- Kayaks are available at no additional fee
- In order to keep the capt. on an even keel, please feed him chocolate at
regular intervals
- BYOB or beer, etc. Alcohol may be consumed both in port and during cruise,
however it is not provided by the management
- Please feel free to bring to spare boat parts
- A limited number of DVD movies are available. Feel free to bring your own. They will be a wonderful addition to our "Popcorn at the Movies" evenings
- Earplugs may eliminate equipment and other miscellaneous noises

We hope this helps with your trip planning. We are anxious to meet you and begin the adventure. Remember, gratuities are gratefully accepted.

Sincerely,
Phred - Captain, Maintenance Engineer, and Entertainment
Joan - Admiral, Chef and Cabin Steward.

The countdown begins...

In 5 days I'll be leaving for Alaska for 10 days. I can't wait. Although I'm psyching myself out and already started thinking about the trip being over. Time just goes way too fast when you are having fun. But I think I have that mentality too because my Step-Bro and his girlfriend fly up for a week a few days after I get back. So I'll be back home with my trip being over knowing they are up there having fun. Blah! But it will be so nice to escape these heat waves and head to the land of icebergs.

I was in Juneau 2 summers ago, so I have kind of done almost everything there is to do there in town. That doesn't cost over $200 at least. But one day I will splurge and do the zip-line and helicopter/dogsled/glacier tours. But since my Aunt (who is going with me) hasn't been before, we'll probably take the tram up Mt Roberts and the City and Mendenhall Glacier tour. According to weather.com's 10 day forecast, we will have "showers" next Mon-Fri (that's as far out as it forecasts). However, I never trust weather.com, as they are consistently wrong. So about 3 other weather sites I checked said "cloudy with a chance of rain". But it is what it is. I will have just as much fun getting drenched outside on the boat (see below from 2 years ago), watching beautiful scenery go by, as I would in the sun. And I can't wait to go kayaking around icebergs again. YAY!


So I just have to start packing and getting organized. I have my packing and to do list already, just have to gather the stuff. And that includes the boat parts, magazines, books, medications, stuff for Merlin, etc to bring up to my parents. Just hope it doesn't take up my whole duffel bag ;-)

Nala and her funny habits...

This is just a follow up to the blog I wrote on March 6th about Nala sitting in the window still all day long. At the time, she wouldn't perform for the camera and only got her part way into the windowsill. But tonight she was sitting there as usual, and I actually thought to grab my camera this time. So here are a few shots of her in her favorite place.

Good food and stuff...

So my good friends planned a spontaneous 7th Anniversary trip to Cabo this week, and they leave tomorrow morning. They asked if I would cat sit next week, and I said yes. Firstly, I haven't cat sat for them in maybe 2 years. And even then, they had one cat and not 2 at the time. And being a dog person who loves cats, have just never had one, I needed a refresher course. So I went over there last night to get the run down. So we had some beers while they made yummy grilled cheeseburgers and onion rings from scratch. See the progression of pictures below. Good stuff as always.






Then today we all went to one of all our favorite all time restaurants, which is in Napa... Bistro Jeanty. YUM!! We each had a tomato soup in puff pastry, which I think may actually be my most favorite dish I have ever had... top 5 at least. You do not go there and not order it. I try to go back at least once a year for it. Then we all shared the crispy fried smelt with aioli, the ham and leek quiche with butter lettuce salad and the potato gratin. What a fantastic meal. I only took pictures of the smelt and soup however.





So then a nice weekend I hope, then off to their place to watch the cats for 4 days.

Interesting phone call...

So I got a VM from my half-brother this afternoon. And I just got off the phone with him... we chatted for almost an hour. I probably haven't talked to him in a year or 2. He lives in Maine and don't think I've seen him in person in about 10+ years. He now has an almost 3 year old daughter, who I obviously haven't met yet. It was good to catch up, but just crazy to hear what he's up to and how he's grown up. And hearing him talk like a Dad is funny. Of course he was calling to chat with our Dad, who was unavailable, as it is Father's Day. They haven't seen/spoken to each other in the same amount of time as me. They will have to catch up soon. And think we all need to be in touch more often.

This is a current picture of my niece Kayda (borrowed from Jeanene)

I dreamed of flying...

Ever since I was little, people around me said that everyone dreams they are flying at one point or another. And until last night I never had... at least not that I remember. But in my dream last night I was in this area of rolling hills and was with a group of people. I think it was some amateur film/acting scenario because at one point I was holding a video camera. But we ended up on this very high plateau and were filming up there. I remember looking down over the edge at some point and was kind of freaked out because it was a long way down. I'm not afraid of heights, in real life or my dream, but the cliff was so drastic that I was afraid I'd fall off.

But then at some point I ended up with some sort of wings attached to my back and had grips to hold onto. I never really had a good look at the device, but remember it being on the small side. Not anything like a hang glider. And with this device I just stepped off the edge and soared. I was really high up as the wind kept carrying me. I could see my friends on that plateau looking like ants. and I just flew above all the rolling hills and it was beautiful. I remember having a nervous excited feeling as I was up there, but I was having too much fun. Then my fear was how to get down without crashing. I made my way down slowly, but at the end I landed a little abruptly, but I was ok. It was a lot of fun.

Now I know I personally wasn't flying myself, and was using a contraptions. So not sure if that counts for a "flying dream". But It was technically the first one where I was soaring high above the land. Too cool!!