Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sunday June 8, 2008 Sailing to College Fjord, Alaska
The sun rose at 4 am again, but I slept in until 6. Had breakfast and then went up on deck to enjoy the glorious morning. The tour director said that this was one of the best days at College Fjord. There were many glaciers - each named for an Ivy League school - Harvard, Princeton, etc.
I went to the Internet Cafe and signed up for a plan so I could do emails and update my blog since my phone doesn't work out here in the wilderness.
Had a relaxing and leisurely morning - read parts of a couple of books and had lunch. I went to the Art Auction at 2 - had champagne - but didn't buy anything - nothing that I liked. During the afternoon we headed out to sea - we can no longer see the land as we head for Glacier Bay where we'll spend the morning tomorrow. I used this time to take a glorious nap. The weather has turned cloudy and cool.
After napping, I watched a movie on Alaska and its wildlife and then Happy Feet which I had never seen. Had cocktails in my cabin and then went to the Internet Cafe to update my blog and check email.
Off for a martini in the Atrium Bar and then to dinner.
Larry
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Saturday June 7, 2008 - Anchorage to Whittier, Alaska
I woke up early at about 6 am. The sun had risen about 4 am since I'm so far north. It is a bit overcast today but the snow-covered mountains in the distance are absolutely beautiful. I watched a bit of Hillary's concession speech (sniff!) and then went to the convention center at 8 am to check in for the cruise. I was able to give them my big bag and I don't have to deal with that any more and will get it in my cabin on ship.
I was about the only person at check-in which was amazing. Went very fast. I have to be back there at 12:45 for the first bus to the ship that leaves at 1 pm. It will take 1 1/2 hours to get from Anchorage to Whittier by bus.
I went to a theatre across from the Convention Center and saw a money on the Alaskan Aurora Lights - it was amazing. Tim would have really enjoyed this. That would be really special to see the Aurora lights but they are unpredictable. But the photography was spectacular. After the show, I came back to the Marriott, finished packing my carry-on bag, updated my blog and then went to the Convention Center and dropped off my carry-on bag so I could go to a "market" nearby.
Anchorage is a big nothing of a town, unfortunately. I walked around town but there wasn't much to see - but the weather was pleasant for this time of year - mid 50's. I got back to the Convention Center at 12:30 and they loaded us up on the bus at 12:45 for the 1 1/2 to 2 hour trip to Whittier. We went by Turn Again Bay where Captain Cook had to turn around since it is a dead end! We saw several glaciers - they say that they are melting 2' per year and gaining 1' per year for a net loss - hence the global warming concerns.
We got to Whittier through a 2 1/2 mile one-way tunnel - they say this is the longest tunnel in North America - I kept hoping that an earthquake wouldn't hit while we were inside - people with claustrophobia would have a tough time. Whittier was a small town too - I was surprised - the biggest thing there was our ship - the Sapphire Princess. It was about the size of the Caribbean Princess that we had just been on and the rooms and restaurants were all named the same so it was easy to find my way around.
I had cocktails and then we had the safety drill at 8 pm. We set sail at 9 pm. I had dinner - prime rib that was pretty good! I went to the Skywalkers Lounge over the back of the ship and watched as we sailed out of the channel. The sun didn't set until about 11:30 pm. Then I headed to bed.
Larry
Friday June 6, 2008 - Ft Lauderdale to Anchorage
I got all packed yestereday so I think I'm ready to go. Amazing! I was up at 6 am, got ready, checked email one more time, and then Tim took me to the airport. I wish he was coming with me but he didn't want to since he has been to Alaska before. He's leaving for Orlando later today to visit his brother for the weekend and the Magic Kingdom.
I fly to Vegas (almost 5 hours) and the change planes for another 5 hour flight to Anchorage. I watched "Fools Gold" with Matthew McCoughnehey (sp?) - it was cute on the first flight. In Vegas I had only 20 minutes between flights and the gate was right next door to where I arrived. On the next 5 hour flight I napped and watched the Spiderwick Chronicles. Another meal too.
I carried on all of my baggage, although one gate agent in Vegas was not happy with me, so on arrival in Anchorage I got off the plane, into a taxi and was into Anchorage in no time. A short trip. I checked into the Marriott and walked around town - not many people out. Lots of oil company buildings too. I found where I need to go tomorrow to check in for the cruise and purchased some liquor to take on ship with me (even though you aren't supposed to do that!). I got a postcard to send to Lauren and Lillian - and then just rested since I gained 4 hours today. The sun didn't set until after 11 pm. A good first day all in all.
Larry
