The last half of the vacation was a cruise from Wittier to Vancouver BC. Technically the kids have been in another country now! He he he. We arrived home about 8:30 this morning. The dogs were happy (Bear and Grandma's Scruffy got along well while we were gone). I took a nap and got up a bit after 1 when I heard the thunder. The cats were so happy I was home... and I need to trim their nails.
I picked up a head cold before hitting the cruise...and was not the only one sniffling and coughing. Nothing major and I did wash my hands repeatedly while on the ship. I think everyone had it by the end. It was a very long day of travel. We got off the ship a bit after 9AM but could not go through security at the airport until after 2:40PM so it was a long waiting day. I did get some cross stitch in while waiting.
Onto the photos.
Looking out from our balcony on our suite. We had a nice big room, balcony and big bathroom for a week while we did the Inside Passage Cruise from Wittier to Vancouver BC. I already miss the special lounge we had, the butler and all the chefs preparing the food!
Friday, the kids and I did a sea kayak tour in Ketchikan. It was raining and cold, but we had a good time. Seems raining there is normal and they just power through. The scenery reminded me of Maine. The kids were together and I was paired with a person from Fr. Lauderdale via Maine. It was a really nice paddle.
Because of the constant rain, I didn't get photos while paddling but we did see a deer swimming, lots of eagles, a seal and lots of pretty starfish - purple if you can believe it!
We did the 4th of July on the ship going through the passage. We left the ice behind at this point. Emily and I did a couple of the evening shows - a musical recap of the theater hits and a celtic type show. I missed the comedy show the last night - my partner in doing things was not well the last couple of days.
Docked for the day. I think this was Skagway but could be wrong. We did a 6 hour tour here, a little town with panning for gold (liked the first spot better), a salmon bake and train ride, then ended with a saloon/brothel museum. Seems Aidan didn't eat or drink enough water that day and had a little pass out spell (second in 5 months..). He was all better after. He sure know's how to worry me! The staff were great and we got him some water and food and he was much better shortly after. I think this was our Wednesday.
Aidan and I visited the Mendenhall glacier in Juneau on Thursday. There were some pretty flowers around.
This was the waterfall to the right of the glacier.
The glacier has gotten much smaller over the years. I believe this was taken near the visitor center... which you could reach out and touch it about 90 years ago! It is crazy how fast it is disappearing.
This was one of the glaciers as we cruised past. I can't recall the name. We had a great view from the balcony.
We enjoyed an afternoon watching the otters play in the water as we sailed by.
The glacier water was this amazing aqua.
The suite came with binoculars. We enjoyed using them to spot all the wildlife. Eagles, moose, bears, caribou, sea otters, seals, and dahl sheep.
The boy and I enjoyed high tea. Quite a few new to us meals as well. Aidan tried and liked escargot, among other meals. He is our foodie.
All in all, not many photo's taken the last week but we did enjoy our trip. The kids are sleeping/enjoying a room with only them in it today. Emily took the dog in with her. The cats have been all over me. I put the chickens out to play in the tall grass. The garden is very overrun, but there are a few things in there growing. Maybe a couple pumpkins? I need to go explore in there once the thunderstorms stop. Maybe later tonight.
Grandma did great with the animals and was so happy to head home with Scruffy this morning. She left some breakfast and lunch things in the fridge.
I suppose I need to unpack and figure out home life again!
Emily booked a college tour tomorrow for us Tuesday and then we have Vanderbilt next week. Good thing I told work I'd be back on Wednesday and not Tuesday!
