We flew into Vancouver, Canada late Thursday night, August 25th.
We boarded the boat Friday afternoon. Here is a shot of the ship. It was a little too cold to swim outside but they had a very nice indoor pool that we used.
The surprise went very well! Everyone was shocked. We have a great video of it but it is too long to post. Here is a picture shortly after the surprise. Can't you see how happy everyone was! = )
On Saturday we went through the inside passage. It was beautiful!
Sunday was our first stop... Ketchikan, Alaska.
The river was so high. We were able to see salmon jumping in it!
We took a tour of a salmon hatchery and it had a bald eagle there as well. We had never seen one up close before.
Jack is pretty close to the bald eagle's wing span. = )
We asked some of the locals where we could find the best salmon and they sent us to Cape Fox Lodge. Here are Erika and Bryce outside the lodge. We were ready for a warm place to stop and eat.
Last shot of Ketchikan.
We got back on the ship and relaxed for a little while before dinner. This was a cool spot on the ship that you could walk on and see the ocean below.
All of our cabins were close to each other which was great. I love this shot of mom on her veranda.
That night we celebrated G&G's anniversary at The Olympic restaurant on the cruise. It was the best filet mignon I have ever had and the service was excellent.
G&G with all their kids.
Uncle Bruce and Aunt Kathy
The desserts were amazing!
On Monday we were tendered at Icy Strait Point, which mean we had to take a small boat to shore.
When we first got to Icy Strait Point it was very foggy. Uncle Jeff took these cool pictures with the ship in the background.
We started off with a nice hike. It was so green and beautiful!
After the hike the boys went on a bike ride and the girls went whale watching.
Tuesday we were able to stop in Juneau, Alaska. Mom and Dad were doing an excursion on this stop and we decided to join them. We went to Taku Lodge, which turned out to be a highlight of the trip. We took a float plane to the lodge and the view was amazing.
Once we got to the lodge we hiked around and were right next to a glacier.
After that we ate fresh salmon. I tried it and it was the best salmon I have ever had, even though I ordered chicken and everyone looked at me like I was crazy. The rolls and baked beans were incredible!
During the meal a bear came up to the grill and we were able to go out and see it. We got pretty close to it, with no fence or anything.
On the float plane ride back.
After Taku Lodge we went to Mendenhall Glacier. We had to hike to the glacier and on the way we saw another bear!
Check out this photo Jack got of this bald eagle. If you look closely you can see a fish in its talons.
Look at my professional photographer! = )
Another one of Jack's shots. (Well all the pictures on this blog post are his photography pictures)
The glacier was beautiful. There was a huge waterfall right next to it too which was spectacular.
I don't know how I haven't talked about the food much yet. It was so good! We would order a couple of entrees each and also a couple desserts. Then at night we would go to the pizza bar or order room service at midnight just for a little bite to eat. After the cruise we were in shock at how much we ate and the pounds we gained. We also had to get back to reality because Jerome, our amazing waiter, wasn't there to serve us anymore and that was a bummer. = ) Here are some picture from dinner.
Late night pizza run.
Wednesday we were docked in Skagway, Alaska. We learned all about the White Pass and Yukon Route where people would go during the Klondike Gold Rush. It was very interesting.
Look who we saw, haha.
After that we went on a hike with Uncle Jeff, Billy, Erika, Bryce, and Dad.
That night was the formal dinner. Once again we had amazing food. We were also able to have the famous dessert, baked Alaska.
The whole group!
Brotherly love, haha.
Thursday we were cruising all day but we made a stop at Hubbard Glacier.
Here are some pictures of the ice calving. It sounded like thunder and when it fell it caused a pretty big wave that rocked the boat.
After the glacier (which was really early in the morning) we went and had a huge breakfast. Here is one of the centerpieces.
Later that day we were able to go look at the captain controlling the boat.
Jack driving the ship = )
Last shot of the scenery before we got off the ship. Another fun thing we did was at night we would play shuffle board on the deck. I only have video of the games. I wish I took some action shots. = )
Friday we were dropped off in Seward, Alaska where we took a bus to Anchorage and flew home. Here are some pictures we took while waiting in the airport.
Overall, it was an incredible trip! Thank you so much Jeff and Billy for taking us along! We made so many fun memories and it is a trip we will always remember.
