What's hapened since the Florida Winter Trip:
Saturday, February 5, 2022
On returning from our
Florida trip, we experienced a strong winter storm, with ice, snow, and
extreme-low temperatures. As I sit at my computer, I’m looking out the window
to deep snow that I need to shovel off the drive and walks. Snow removal is the
responsibility of the homeowner and it must be done on the homeowner’s property(sidewalks
and driveway).
While waiting for the day
to warm more, my mind is on a familiar aggravation, that was rekindled, while
doing computer business, during the shut-in of the current winter storm. That
aggravation is called computer telephony: “Computer telephony integration, also
called computer–telephone integration or CTI, is a common name for any
technology that allows interactions on a telephone and a computer to be
integrated or coordinated. The term is predominantly used to describe
desktop-based interaction for helping users be more efficient, though it can
also refer to server-based functionality such as automatic call routing.” My
gripe is that “efficient” word in the definition! Sure, we have digital access
to account management and inquiry but many things require a telephone customer-person-interaction.
My experience is that it’s
nothing close to “efficient” for the customer. My wife can multitask for an
hour, waiting to go from #35 in the que to a “call answer”. It aggravates me exponentially
and she is offended by the rude language that I give the computer telephony,
while being digitally-assured that “my call is important”! Just imagine all the
collective time that we spend “waiting” to be served. Someone could be finding
a cure for cancer or giving time to any productive activity, instead of waiting
on a service. Also, think of all the communication throughput that is being
wasted or tied-up on the COMMON “hold” action.
In summary, it’s all about
the money! I was recently told to press the “making a payment” number to get
immediate response, a cute joke but not real! What’s real is the fact that
businesses have bought into this technology and engaged it to a point where,
“customer service has taken a back-seat to profitability”!
Friend, what do you think?
2-14-22
We took a Valentine’s overnight-trip
to historic 1732 Vincennes, Indiana. Vincennes is the oldest continually
inhabited European settlement in Indiana and Knox county is the first county in
Indiana.
It was a cold day but
clear and sunny for a drive. Along the White River Valley, we saw thousands of
Sandhill Cranes feeding on the vast agricultural fields. Seeing the huge
flocks, I checked the Internet and the DNR current estimate for the area was 25
thousand birds.
After crossing the Indiana
Limestone hills, we stopped for a country-cooking lunch at the Corner Café, in Loogootee.
It’s located in the old bank building and the restroom was in the old vault. This
is a popular place for the locals and the people were interesting and friendly.
After lunch, we cruised on
west on US 50, arriving at Vincennes at mid-day. We explored around the old
town, on the Wabash River, and enjoyed the historic sites, buildings, and the
great views.
Vincennes has French,
British, and early American influence and it’s very evident and visible in the
town and along the Wabash River. The place actually began as a French Trading
Post in 1702. The main historic sites are the Francis Vigo Memorial, George
Rogers Clark Memorial, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, François-Marie Bissot (Sieur
de Vincennes) memorial, William Henry Harrison mansion, Old State Bank, Pyramid
Mound, Lincoln Memorial bridge, and Buffalo Trace.
We stayed overnight at the
Hampton Inn, had a nice breakfast, then headed cross-country to Bloomington,
Nashville, and Columbus, another cold but scenic drive.
2-25-22
Plan: A 2022 summer trip
out west.
Indiana, Illinois,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon,
California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois,
Indiana.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
We celebrated our Mardi
Gras Day by taking a day-trip. The “Covered Bridge Loop Trail” spans six Indiana counties and will take you
by nine old bridges you absolutely must see!
New Brownsville, also
known as Clifty Covered Bridge, this old structure was built in 1840 and
resides in Mill Race Park.
The Westport Covered
Bridge, is a white bridge that has been in operation since 1880 and which was
added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It is unique because
it has windows, and it is 130 feet long.
The white-roofed, red
Sckipio bridge was built in 1886 and is still open to single-lane traffic. It
spans Sand Creek, and locals love it and work hard to keep it in shape.
James Covered Bridge- Another
single-lane bridge that's still in use, this one was constructed around 1887.
Though it was only destined to be 130 feet long, it was actually built 140 feet
long.
Shieldstown Covered
Bridge- Also known as the Shields' Mill Covered Bridge, this structure was
built in 1876 and spans the White River. Though it was closed to traffic in
1970, it is a wide bridge and was listed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 2016.
Medora- This covered
bridge loop trail takes you to the longest and oldest one in the state.
Crossing the east fork of the White River, it is only open to pedestrian
traffic. In 2007, it was added to the National Register.
Williams Bridge- The
longest double-span bridge in America, this 402-foot-long structure was built
in 1884 and is located at Williams, IN 47470. It was added to the National
Register of Historic Places in 1981 and was closed to vehicles in 2010.
Bean Blossom- This
magnificent journey ends (or begins!) with a pedestrian bridge that is one of
the state's most famous. It is regularly featured in paintings due to its
idyllic appearance. It spans the Bean Blossom Creak and is lovely any time of
year.
Ramp Creek Bridge- This is
the most unusual of sites you'll find along this covered bridge loop trail.
Built in 1838, it serves as an entrance to Brown County State Park and has two
separate lanes for traffic. It is the only one of its kind in the state and one
of only four in the nation.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Looking for a warm place
with nice attractions, we have picked Miami for an adventure experience in
dining, day-trips, and excursions. We’ve made reservations for April 5-12. Our
lodging will be an Airbnb Studio Apartment in Coconut Grove, our car a Hertz
rental, our airline AA.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Just returning from Miami,
our trip was very enjoyable, with good weather, and lots of attractions.
Tu. April 5- Travel AA to
Miami via Dallas. We arrived Miami, got our Hertz rental car and drove to our
2890 Virginia St Studio Apt., a cozy place with a good location in Coconut
Grove.
Wed. 4-6 We got a hearty
breakfast at Coral Bagels, a popular local spot, with homestyle ambiance, in
Coconut Grove. We did the Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Day City Tour. This gave us a
good overview of the Miami districts. It was fun, educational, and informative.
Following the tour, we explored the downtown MarketPlace, lunched at Longhorn
Steak House, drove around, grocery-shopped and returned to our apartment for
dinner.
Thur. 4-7 After a good
breakfast at the apartment, we drove to Coral Gables and toured the Fairchild
Tropical Botanical Garden, an outstanding display of flora, fauna, landscaping,
and architecture. Fairchild gets its name from one of the most famous plant
explorers in history, David Fairchild (1869-1954). This is an amazing story and
a must see-to-believe!
We lunched at Cuban
In the evening, we did the
Big Bus City Night Tour for stunning views of Miami at night.
Fri. 4-8 Our day began
with a nice breakfast at the apartment. We took the Rickenbacker Causeway to
Key Biscayne, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Thanks to our Camp-host
connections, we got free admission. This Park is like going back in time. The
history, flora, fauna, native plant and trees, trails, and lighthouse.
We lunched at the La
Boulangerie Boul’Mich, a French artisanal bakery with a latin twist concept. It
was delightful! We drove around, make some pictures, and headed home for
dinner.
Sat. 4-9 We made a nice,
early breakfast, then headed to south Miami Beach. We enjoyed a terrific
early-morning experience at South Pointe Park, Boardwalk, Pier, Marina, and
Biscayne Bay ship channel. Popular with locals and tourists, this is a must-see
experience. In the cool, morning Atlantic breeze, we walked and just adored the
sights, sounds, views, and people-watching.
Lunch at Garcia Brothers
Seafood Market and Grill was a real treat. A secret of locals and fresh as it gets.
Located on the Miami River, this is a great parade-watching restaurant, where
the yachts and commercial traffic constantly pass. We feasted large on the
scrumptious local seafood and the Key Lime pie was mouth-watering!
Sun. 4-10 Following a
homemade breakfast, we headed downtown, to the port, and our Biscayne Bay Boat
Cruise. If nothing else, see Miami from the water with a sightseeing cruise.
Climb aboard a boat for a tour focused on the mansions and yachts of
celebrities from Gloria Estefan to Shaquille O’Neal and the Viagra doctor. Our
itinerary included views of South Beach, Fisher Island, the Venetian Causeway, Cruise
Ship Terminal, Miami Container ship terminal, the four bridges connecting Miami
to Miami Beach, and of course stunning views of Miami and the Atlantic Ship
Chanel.
Lunch at Havana Harry’s
Cuban Restaurant in Coral Gables. This place is popular with the locals and
gave us another epicurean encounter with Cuban food.
Following lunch, we drove
to the airport, a test run to verify our departure plan.
Mon. 4-11 Breakfast at the
apartment. We drove to downtown Coconut Grove and had Cuban Coffee and guava/cheese
Pastelitos at Chug’s. Next, we toured the Barnacle Historic State Park, oldest
home and estate in Dade County. Right on the ocean, this park had an amazing
collection of a native hammock, mangrove, marine artifacts, old homestead, and
shady walking trails, providing informative placards describing the native
trees, plants, and artifacts. A wonderful tour!
Tue. 4-12 Travel Day. Coffee
at the apartment. We drove to the Airport Rental Car Center and dropped-off the
Hertz rental. We then rode the tram to the terminal. Checked in and got our
flight to Indianapolis via Washing DC Reagan National.
This Miami visit was a
very pleasant, entertaining, and informative trip!
Thursday, April 21, 2022
We’re making a weekend
trip down to Madison, on the Ohio River, for a visit with Bill and Amy.
Friday-Sunday, April 22-24, three nights, at the Madison City Campground.
Madison, Indiana (1810) is
situated on the Ohio River between Louisville and Cincinnati. It was a gateway
into the Indiana Territory from the Ohio River. Later, it became a major
steamboat port, facilitating commercial trade. Over the years, Madison had
become a tourist destination, with the entire downtown dedicated a National
Historic Landmark. Unique, timeless, historic, fun, journalist Charles Kuralt
once called Madison, Indiana, “the most beautiful rivertown in America.
The City of Madison has
one campground, located downtown along the Ohio River. Just a stone's throw
away from our many Main Street shops, this campground is connected to a walkway
that spans the course of our city's river front and a bridge-walkway over/across
the Ohio River, connecting Indiana to Kentucky. With scenic views, access to
local boat ramps, and many walking paths nearby, this campground is the perfect
place for a weekend getaway. We look forward to every Madison visit, always an
enjoyable experience!
4-21-22 TSA Registration
Indianapolis Intl Airport TSA Security Pass
We applied and received
our TSA Security Pass to avoid airport screening crowds
Thursday, April 21, 2022
A road-loop-trip to Ohio
Day 1- Travel to Dayton,
Ohio
Day 2- Visit Martha
Day 3- Visit Dayton
Day 4 -Travel to Cuyahoga
National Park
Day 5/Day 8-Visit Park and
surroundings
Day 9-10 Travel to
Columbus, Ohio and Tour Around
5-7-22 We traveled to
Dayton for a three-night visit. On Saturday, we traveled to Dayton KOA, just
off I-70, at Brookville. Had a great
visit and lunch with Martha and her family. A lot of water has gone under the
bridge since I worked with NCR here in Dayton. We spent Sunday, with
home-cooked lunch and a visit with Martha and family. On Monday, we
had a morning walk at Cox Arboretum. A nice place for visitors to escape among trees, shrubs, specialty gardens,
mature forests and prairies. We treated Martha to lunch, followed by impressive
afternoon tour of the Vulcan Tool Company. Monday afternoon, we explored
Carillon Historical Park, a
65-acre park and outdoor-museum in Dayton, Ohio, which contains historic
buildings and exhibits concerning the history of technology and the history of
Dayton and its residents from 1796 to the present. As a part of the University
of Dayton, the historical elements of the park were the brainchild of Colonel
Edward Deeds. Our last day in Dayton, we made breakfast and headed to Cuyahoga
Falls. Lunch at Columbus, break at Akron. then Cuyahoga Falls. We admired the
early bloomers along the route but further north the trees are just budding.
Loads of fun!
On Wednesday, we traveled
to Cleveland SE KOA Holiday RV Park, at Streetsboro. We enjoyed four sunny,
clear, cool days at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Our RV Park is near Hudson
(1799), a beautiful, historical small town. Very clean and a wonderful
collection of antique buildings.
Terry has several apps for
identifying flora and fauna. Dendrology, botany, and ornithology, all work
great and astound me. Just take a pic and ask the App! We discovered that a
widespread blooming shrub is aggravating our allergy reactions. It's the
invasive, wide-spread Autumn Olive.
5-11-22 Today we hiked the
Ledges trail in Cuyahoga NP. The Ledges are witnesses to change - from creation
out of Sharon Conglomerate millions of years ago, to landscapes wrecked by
humans and to preservation today. The Ledges drew many visitors in the 19th
century who came here to recreate and play. They were formed 320 million years ago.
Had a nice hike to the Ledges of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Human
habitation dates back 12-thousand years and the exposed ledges exhibit
320-million years of geology.
Welcome to the Ohio to
Erie Trail, through the Park, we discovered the scenic 326 mile trail links the
Ohio River to Lake Erie, primarily on rail trails and canal paths. A great
bicycle ride. We'll be riding the old steam locomotive on the opposite side of
the canal.
May 12 A beautiful Ohio
morning in the Cuyahoga Valley, with a Greek lunch in Cleveland. In the morning
we hiked the Bridal Veil Falls trail, then lunch.
A warm, sunny afternoon at
Cuyahoga Valley, we hiked the old Limestone Quarry Trail. Discarded millstones
and building foundations are scattered along the moderate 1.4-mile trail, which
leads through the forest to Deep Lock Quarry and vistas of the Cuyahoga River.
A trail link goes to the park's namesake, the deepest lock on the Ohio &
Erie Canal. There is a bicycle path link to the Towpath Tail from the parking lot.
We also hiked the Furnace
Run covered bridge trail for some nice pictures and rest by cool, clear,
flowing water. Crossing over Furnace Run, the Everett Covered Bridge is the
only remaining covered bridge in Summit County. In the 19th century, it was one
of over 2,000 in Ohio, the state that led the nation in covered-bridge
construction. Pioneer Ohioans referred to a creek as a “run”.
May 13 Our home-base in
the Cuyahoga Valley is KOA RV Park near Hudson, a historic 1799 village in
Summit County, Ohio. It's a great location for Cuyahoga Valley National Park,
right between Cleveland and Akron. This old village has architecture from log
cabin to Gothic Revival and numerous other classifications. Lots
of “Historic Register” buildings.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a hidden-gem,
in a metropolitan area but feels like a wilderness experience. The old
Ohio-Erie Canal, towpath, Cuyahoga River, water falls, hiking trails, flora,
and fauna, make the park a unique experience.
May 14 A Saturday morning ride on the historic Nickle
Plate Railroad Steam Locomotive No. 765, through the Cuyahoga Valley National
Park. A tourist event with lots of kids but very enjoyable! The railroad parallels the Cuyahoga River on
the west side. Across the river, on the east side, is the old Ohio River/Erie
canal, locks, and towpath. The entire canal system was 308 miles long with 146
lift locks and a rise of 1,206 feet in elevation from the Ohio River to Lake
Erie. The historic canal, followed by the railroad, were important economic
transportation systems. With the canal, then railroad, farmers could ship
products to local markets and beyond.
On the train-ride, I was
actually and physically reminded that the old steam locomotives spewed-out hot
cinders from the firebox. Not good for your clothing! The river supplied water
to the canal at strategic connections and 44 locks provided the steps to
accommodate the 400-hundred-foot elevation differential. Mule teams towed the canal barges and
facilitated the trade that built early Ohio. An amazing mid-nineteenth century
engineering feat. We saw nesting Mute Swans in the Beaver marsh.
May 16 Traveled to
Columbus, Ohio for a little sightseeing and architecture in the Ohio Capital. They have a
very interesting downtown. We had a great tour at the Statehouse. The tour
guide (State Historian) was excellent! We took a nice RV site at Alton RV Park,
on US 40, just west of downtown.
A cool, misty, windy
morning, followed by a warm, sunny afternoon in the State Capital at Columbus,
Ohio. It rained on us this morning while we visited the topiary garden. The
lady-topiary I'm standing with had a Robin's nest in her umbrella. The
topiaries are modeled after A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte
is the best-known painting of Georges Seurat, ever created on a canvas. It
depicts people in a suburban park, on an island in the Seine River, called La
Grande Jatte.
May 17 Leaving Columbus, Ohio had
a quiet, scenic, cross-country ride on the rural-farm roads of mid-Ohio.
Farmers are getting ready for Spring planting. Stopped for lunch at Cincinnati,
then headed back to Seymour to unload, clean, and store the RV unit. A really
enjoyable Ohio-loop trip!
May 17, 2022
Returning home, our Peonies,
Irises, and other lawn-landscaping were in full bloom. Now we began our lawn
service.
During the remainder of
May, we took some nice day-trips;
Columbus Airport, Museum,
and Blackerby's Hangar 5 Cafe. We also began renovating our front beds.
May 27, 2022
We enjoyed a terrific
Memorial Day program, with Glen and Kim, at Columbus North Memorial Gym.
May 28, 2022
We made a scenic Sunday
drive to Louisville, and Greenwood Kentucky, for some sightseeing and
scrumptious lunch at Linnig’s Seafood Restaurant,
May 29, 2022 Was a return
of the annual Indy 500 race at Speedway. It was festive, historic, and an
exciting race, won by Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson. He averaged 175 MPH, with his
fastest lap at 224 MPH. A pre-race feature this was an expensive, fast in an
Indy car. Glad just to watch!
We made several trips to
Indianapolis for the Museums, architecture, dining, and walking the parks.
June 2, 2022
We finally got around to
touring the mid-century modern, Miller house, of the Cummins Diesel fame.
The Cottonwoods are
blooming and the seeds look like snow on the ground, a fascination story!
We enjoyed some nice June,
Sunday drives with Glen and Kim, in southern Indiana and along the Ohio River.
June 14, 2022
Alaska Inside Passage Trip
June 16-July 2, 2022 Notes of Preparation
Preliminary Overview and
Outline
June 16- United Airlines
Indianapolis to Vancouver BC via SFO
Cruise Ports: Ketchikan,
Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier
The Inside Passage, a
coastal route for ships and boats along a network of passages which weave
through the islands on the Pacific Northwest coast of the North American
Fjordland. From Vancouver, the ship traverses all sorts of interesting waterway
terminologies, like sounds, straits, narrows, islands, channels, bays,
passages, reaches, and canals, to the northern end of the passage at Skagway.
Ketchikan, the first town
in Alaska, and the Salmon Capital of the World, is located on Revillagigedo
Island, so named in 1793 by Captain George Vancouver. It was an old Tlingit
village. Ketchikan became known as "Alaska's first city" due to its
strategic position on the southern tip of the Alaska Panhandle, at the southern
tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to Puget Sound. Lots
of Totems tell untold years of stories of life, events, religion, legends, and
all sorts of information relative to the Tlingit people. Also, time to start
sampling some of the fishing fleets splendid seafood! Attractions: Tram, Totems,
Rainforest, Bears, Misty Fjord, Lumberjack Show, Creek Street
Juneau, the Capital city,
at the foot of Mt Juneau, is the next port on the Alaska Panhandle. It’s
nestled between the Inside Passage and the mountains. It’s a remote State
Capital, and no roads connect it to the State, but the state-owned ferry
system, called the Alaska Marine Highway, and the airport/seaport, connects
with 13 other ports in Alaska, BC, and the Puget Sound, in the lower 48.
Evidence of old native, Russian, and colonial inhabitants, plus a wild
surrounding, make Juneau a rugged but historic State Capital. Exciting,
entertaining, and scenic tours abound here, with Mendenhall Glacier,
whale-watching, State Capital, water falls, shopping, exploring neighborhoods, main
attractions.
Skagway was the “Gateway
to the Klondike 1896-1899” and is situated in a narrow-glaciated valley, at the
head of the most northern fjord, of the Inside Passage, on the south coast of
Alaska. This was wild place, with colorful characters, and the historic
buildings, cemetery, docks, railway, and historic tramway ruins, are all fun to
explore!
Now, we do a 180 and head
south around Gustavus, to Glacier Bay, southwest of Skagway. Glacier Bay
National Park and Preserve covers the entire peninsula. It is an amazing
experience, cruising through the best of Alaska. The ship traveled into the heart of the
Fairweather Mountains for a trip into the ice ages. Now, this is where you see
the tidewater glaciers calving, loads of wildlife and spectacular scenery. They
tell you to expect; A team of park ranger/naturalists will board the ship as it
enters the bay. You will be cruising in the park for nearly nine hours. You
will be sailing by glaciers that are many miles long and drop ice into the sea.
There are wild animals to be found. You will be surrounded by pristine
wilderness and dwarfed by the landscape. There is much to see and experience.
Next, College Fjord is a
fjord located in the northern sector of Prince William Sound, which contains
many glaciers. Five glaciers were named by John Muir-lead explorers, in honor
of eastern, Ivy League Universities, but there are many more with names like,
Smith, Williams, and Baby. The glaciers appear bright blue, while the deep
water is dark blue, and the snow is brilliant white. What a scene of awesome nature.
Whittier, our last port of
call, is on the northeast shore of the Kenai Peninsula, at the head of Passage
Canal, on the west side of Prince William Sound. It’s 58 miles southeast of
Anchorage and access to the state interior is through the 2.5-mile Anton
Anderson Memorial Tunnel that passes under Maynard Mountain. From here, we go
289 miles, by coach to Denali, at MT. McKinley National Park. Our route takes
us on AK1along the Turnagain Arm, and AK 1, through Anchorage, along the Knick
Arm, then AK 3 to Wasilla, Willow, then along the Susitna River to Susitna,
Talkeetna, and Cantwell.
At Denali, we lodge at the
Denali Park Village, for 2 nights and a day-tour of the park. Denali is six
million acres of wild land, bisected by one meandering, ribbon of road. Mt.
McKinley is America's tallest peak, 20,310' and is the centerpiece of the most
stunning wilderness area, displaying Alaska’s flora, fauna, and geography, in
splendid elegance.
After Denali, the train
takes us back 234 miles back to Anchorage. For nearly 100 years, Denali
National Park and Anchorage have been linked by rail. That connection was made
long before a highway was built to the park entrance, and even today most
travelers return to the city by train after exploring the vast expanses of this
remote national park. In the summer of 1977, I took this train, as part of a
backpacking trip through Alaska, and it was one of my favorite memories. Their
description of the Denali to Anchorage section; “As the train pulls from the
station on its scenic journey south, it crisscrosses the Nenana River and
climbs up to Broad Pass. A long, slow descent across high plateaus, through
forests, and over many rivers follows. The train frequently passes through
areas with unimpeded Denali views on clear days. Passengers can enjoy the
sights from the large picture windows at their own seats or from top-deck dome
areas. With plenty of time to enjoy lunch and dinner on board, the train pulls
into the downtown Anchorage train depot at 8 PM.”
We have three nights at
Anchorage, with a day-tour and a visit with (Tom) an Anchorage relative on the
next two days.
History; “Captain James
Cook was among the first European explorers to map the Alaskan coastline, and
many of the geographical features (mountains, islands, rivers, waterways, etc.)
still bear the names he gave them. Cook was searching for the fabled Northwest
Passage, a route that would provide a shorter means of reaching the Pacific
from Europe than sailing east around Asia or south around South America. On May
15, 1778, after enduring weeks of hard weather, Cook turned into an inlet
between two landmarks he called Cape Douglas and Mount St. Augustine. He
anchored his ship, HMS Resolution, at a place he called "Anchor
Point" (later named "Anchorage".
This is the big city in
Alaska and they have it all! After our visit her, we fly back to Indianapolis.
June 15, 2022 Our Alaska Inside Passage Trip- Travel Log
We headed to one night in
Indianapolis, and the beginning of our Alaska Inside Passage Cruise. At
Indianapolis Marriott Airport Hotel tonight. Heading to an Alaska Inside
Passage Cruise tomorrow. I backpacked Alaska in the summer of 1976 and now we
return. I will again be there on the longest day of the year (June 21st).
We'll post and share our trip!
June 16, 2022
Vr, rotate, wheels up,
headed to Vancouver via SFO. Our TSA Clearance is worth every penny, skipping
lines and crowds!
At SFO. Lunch, then flight
to Vancouver BC. It's 60 degrees and foggy out here at the airport, in San
Mateo County. Hellos to my SF cousins (James and family and Knox, Chris, and
Ben)
Made it to Vancouver, BC.
60 degrees and very green, with splendid landscaping, and towering, stately
trees. We quickly got through Custos, caught our transfer and headed downtown.
Our base is the Pan Pacific Hotel, overlooking the harbor. The hotel was
beautiful, the atrium captivating, dining exceptional, and the 18th-floor,
southside room had stunning views of the harbor, ship dock, ferries, and
seaplane port. The seaplane
port is very busy with popular air-traffic. Frequent flights. Loved watching
them. James Simmons You would like to watch these pilots fly in and out. They
fly like Wood Ducks. up and down with a roar and a SPLASH!
Our three days in
Vancouver were very relaxing, scenic, and loads of fun. On our Vancouver City Tour. Well worth the
time and expense! We got an initial overview of the city which helped us plan
where we wanted to visit. With 54 degrees and light rain, we took a Harbor boat
tour. The harbor boat tour was so picturesque, informative, and pleasant. We
cruised around the massive container-ship facility, passed pleasure boats,
seaplanes, ferries, commercial traffic, resorts, and industrial facilities. We
saw huge piles of yellow Sulphur, a by-product of processing tar sands,
awaiting shipment to Asia.
Cruise ship departs Sunday morning. Just a
short walk from our hotel on the ship docks.
In visiting the Vancouver places that we
planned out, we took taxi rides to the destinations. We loved Stanley Park,
with the huge Cedars, Totem Poles, Sea Wall, nature trails, Rhododendrons, spectacular
landscaping and magnificent views. At Granville Island Public Market, a jewel
for local folks and tourists, they had it all. Everything that a market could
have, from crafts, art, food, entertainment, and glorious lunch opportunities.
A fine visit in Vancouver!
June 19, 2022 Sunday
Our ship departs today.
May not have cellular network in places, so we'll post shares when we can.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL FATHERS, LIVING AND DEAR DEPARTED!
June 21, 2022 Vancouver to Ketchikan, 535 miles, via
Georgia Strait, Seymour Narrows, Johnstone Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait,
Queen Charlotte Sound, Laredo Sound, Hecate Strait, Foggy Bay, Behm Canal. The
Alaska Inside Passage traverses a marine jungle of sounds, straits, narrows,
islands, channels, bays, passes, reaches, and canals. WHAT A RIDE! We busied
ourselves with learning our way around the ship. I like the gift shop clichés:
"I need vitamin sea. Seas the day, The ocean makes me salty. Salty but
sweet." Beginning with two days at sea, we got acquainted with the ships
telemetry and navigation systems. I got to exercise my USCG Seamanship and
Navigation skills, along with channel buoys, lights, lighthouses, and
day-marks. A very exciting time was just off Campbell River, at the entrance to
the Seymour Narrows. Mile 196. Ships can only pass through the narrows every
six hours. We entered on a flowing tide with no problem but the flooding tide
and whirlpools were terrifying sight from my balcony. So exciting too! I
learned that Azipods propelled our ship. Azipod is a trademark azimuth thruster
pod design, a marine propulsion unit consisting of a fixed pitch propeller
mounted on a steerable gondola ("pod") containing the electric motor
driving the propeller, allowing ships to be more maneuverable. I observed that
our ship was extremely maneuverable and we sometimes cruised at over 15 knots
(18 MPH).
We discovered that the
Alaska Inside Passage actually has an old route and a new route. The old route
is actually more protected for smaller vessels. The new route is open, shorter
and for large vessels. Our Captain took some of both. He wants to give us a
scenic and historic experience. Every day we come back to our room to a
different towel-critter on our bed. Later we attended a towel folding art demo
by the head stewards. They made all the cute towel-critters. Yesterday it was a
turkey or peacock. Today a dog or a pig?! Our State Room stewards are very
professional and talented!
Just docked at Ketchikan,
from Vancouver. BC Now we can begin our posts on our Alaska Inside Passage
Cruise. Rhododendron abundant! Five ships here today but we found our little
gem! Looking down at t Azipod is a
trademark azimuth thruster pod design, a marine propulsion unit consisting of a
fixed pitch propeller mounted on a steerable gondola ("pod")
containing the electric motor driving the propeller, allowing ships to be more
maneuverable.he busy dock, from our ship. Everything you see came by boat or
plane. No roads connect to Ketchikan.
Tongass National Forest
Discovery Center at Ketchikan, Alaska's first town and salmon capital. This was
our Ketchikan highlight visit, with a complete story of this southeast Alaska
region.
After a day in Ketchikan,
we are leaving Ketchikan and heading to Juneau overnight. It's hard to imagine
these giant ships slip through these narrow passages. I love this! In some
places it feels like we are on a river. Departing Ketchikan (mile 656) Tuesday
at 2:30pm, we headed north to Juneau (mile 969) via the Clarence Strait, up to
Sumner Strait, then SW around the Cape Decision Lighthouse, then north in the
Chatham Strait, then NE to Frederick Sound, along the southern tip of Admiralty
Island to Stephen's Passage, then N past Tracy Arm, into Juneau port, between
Douglas Island and the Juneau Icefield. This entire Alaska Inside Passage is
swimming in history but from Juneau north is the stuff reality shows are based
on.
June 22, 2022
Just docked at Juneau,
Wednesday morning. So, we are now getting our King Crab!!!! $75 a pound, not
for us. We got bisque and a crab roll. Yum
The Crow's Nest, one of
our favorite places to lounge, relax and snooze, while at sea.
An amusing on-board
observation; after a week, shipmates have gone from "lost" to
"expert", on schedules and getting around.
In discussing the ratio to
men to women in the remote reaches of the coastal villages, a wild and crazy
young woman told me; " the odds are good but the goods are odd"!
June 23, 2022
An overnight cruise north
up Lynn Canal has brought us from Juneau (mile 937), past Haynes, to Skagway
(mile a1024). Hope you enjoy my little Skagway collage on this post. Our Disney neighbor just docked at Skagway
Harbor. Shipboard, arriving Skagway, looking west, hard
to imagine this whole glacial region covered by mile-deep ice. Two ships at dock now but plenty to do that
disbursed the passengers.
God bless our Mother Ship.
She has 11 decks, with numerous bars, restaurants, shops, observation lobbies,
and the Promenade deck is great for walking quarter-mile loops. We especially
enjoy the thrill of the glass-elevators at midship. Over the foamy brine, A
REAL THRILL RIDE! Our deck 6, starboard side, balcony room keeps us right in
contact with the sights, sounds, smells, taste, feel, and touch of the entire
Alaska Inside Passage experience! Thank you, Captain, and the Neiuw Amsterdam!
What a Skagway morning! We
spent it with a crazy local woman that inundated us with fact and stories.
Great information and experience! This is the north end of the Inside Passage
and northernmost warm water, deep water port.
This valley is a summer
garden spot. Our local acquaintance told us that the winters are fairly mild
until a northern blast comes over the White Pass, with cold and wind lasting a
week or two. We visited the old cemetery, which can tell you a lot about the
place. Huge Cottonwoods up at the old
cemetery. Soapy Smith's grave. Skagway River flowing down to the harbor. Right
now, the runoff is glacial milk. A Tlingit guide showing the way to the 1879 gold rush in the Yukon gold
fields, via Chilkoot Trail. With no law and order in the early boom towns, they
established Masonic Lodges for socializing and dispensing justice. Here, they
had Arctic Brothers, the same purpose with less ritual. Looking northeast up
the valleys and canyons to White Pass. This is the only access to the Pacific
Ocean for 500 miles to the north or south. Thus, Skagway was and is the only
year-round, warm-water, deep-water port this far north. Deep here means the
harbor is 300-feet and the canal averages 1600-feet deep. So, the canal is
definitely misnamed. It's not man-made, it's a glacial fjord. To the right is
the north end of the vast Tongass National Forest, America's largest. I love to
find survey markers everywhere I go in the US. In Skagway, I found this one,
kind of special, in that its purpose is for mapping property legal
descriptions, property taxes, and property maps. Special, in that this is
Federal Property, not private property. These were generally placed well before
GPS but remain highly accurate. Since 1978, Skagway is connected to the
interior by the Klondike highway to the Yukon and British Columbia, so folks
are driving here from the lower-48. I saw a couple of really admirable 3-wheel
motorcycle rigs, pulling trailers. A camping trip like that would be very
exciting. The sun has set on Skagway Valley as we cast off, do a 180 and head
south, the way we came in. Goodbye Skagway, you were kind to us with a warm,
sunny day, and friendly folks! Overnight, we cruise to Glacier Bay.
Finishing my Skagway posts from the ship's Crow’s
Nest, forward, on the 11th deck. My favorite hangout on the ship!
June 24, 2022 Glacier Bay
Passengers can get all the
walking they want on the Level 3 Promenade Deck. One lap equal 1/3 mile. We did
1-mile walks to get our exercise.
We thoroughly and
regularly enjoyed our balcony. Protruding over the port side, the balcony gave
us port-side views and forward to the bow and aft to the stern. The Alaska Inside Passage is an incredibly
awesome experience, so to say that Glacier Bay is the highlight of the cruise
may be better described as other-worldly. A place that intrigues and inspires,
lasting a lifetime. We're sailing up the bay 65 miles to Tarr Inlet, then back
into the west Arm named Johns Hopkins Inlet. Sailing past blue ice walls,
towering over our 11-deck ship, it's hard to imagine that this 1400-foot-deep
Bay (fjord) was once covered by thousands of feet of ice. Glacier Bay WAS all
ice and no bay. When Captain Vancouver sailed past here in 1794, there was no
bay, just glacier. Now, the ice has retreated over 65 miles. This is wildlife
central too! We saw sea otters, whales, Puffins, Eagles, Stellar Seals, and
Pigeon Guillemot. The whales are a real find because they dive deep and only
appear with a blow of the spout and a flash of the fluke.
Approaching the glaciers,
the water becomes milky green as a result of the glacial silt or "rock
flour". What a day at Glacier Bay. The Park Rangers came aboard during a
loop-cruise of Glacier Bay and gave us some informative lecturers. We learned
that this Bay can be a Tidewater Glacier 101 Lab for glacial terms. We saw
examples like; horn, cirque, till, hanging valley, moraine, striations, and
shoals.
Departing Glacier Bay, we
head south through Sitakaday Narrows, west around Point Carolus, and Cape
Spenser, then into the Pacific Ocean and NW along the Fairweather Mountain
Range and the west side of the park. Overnight, we will arrive at College Fjord
tomorrow (Saturday). Entering the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Alaska, the
great ocean reminded us of Its power by tossing and bumping our Mother Ship. No
land Ho! In our situation, after a
gourmet dinner at the Tamarind, and a show at the Main Stage, we returned to
our State Room, watched the open Pacific Ocean, watched some TV, the retired.
I got a lucky pic with
Eagle on berg. A great experience. Passing several commercial vessels at
anchor, I was reminded that my rural home town produced several "merchant
marines", world travelers, and the first tattoos that I ever saw.
Saturday morning, June 25th
College Fjord is a series
of tidal glaciers at the shores, named by the researchers in honor of their Ivy
League Alma Maters. We cruise around the glaciers for viewing and looking for
wildlife. A very enjoyable entertainment aboard ship are the lectures and film
presentations on the history, stories, research, and legends of the areas.
Thanks to Captain George Vancouver for sailing his little ship into an unknown
area and opening the way for this intricate jungle of islands and water to
become the coast of our 49th State!
June 26, 2022 Whittier
Port
Catch-up time; Just
arrived at Whittier dock and leaving the ship. My favorite shipboard attendants
were, Janastu (Jana) and Bonita.
Sunday morning June 26th,
at Whittier port, we vacate the ship and take a bus-ride to Mount McKinley
National Park and Denali. Whittier is another port totally surrounded by high
mountains, so they made a tunnel under the massive mountain. Had to travel
through this 2 1/2-mile tunnel at Whittier. Narrow and scary! Our coach to
Denali. Saw Dall Sheep, Moose, and Fox. At Wasilla, we visited the Iditarod
Race headquarters, with very informative displays about the people, race, and
dogs.
We had lunch at Settlers
Bay Lodge in Wasilla, then continued our Coach ride to Denali. Between Wasilla
and Denali Park, we sopped for a visit at the Alaska Veterans Memorial, a
marvelous tribute to its military veterans. About halfway between Whittier and Fairbanks, you cross the Alaska
Divide and books can be written about it. We saw Dall Sheep, Moose, Tundra
Swan, Trumpeter Swan, and numerous birds. The observations of our Coach ride
from Whittier to Denali were; wildlife, rivers, mountain ranges, plants and
trees, high passes, tundra.
Elevations: (above sea
level)
Whittier 0
Anchorage 102
Willow 269
Wasilla 341
Talkeetna 348
Denali Park 1,747
Mile Markers: well-marked
on the roads and 470-mile railroad
Iditarod Trail Headquarters
mile 132
After a 6-hour ride, we
arrived at McKinley Chalet Resort, our next lodging. At Denali Square at the McKinley
Chalet Resort, we had dinner, took some pictures, walked about, then settled
into our very accommodating lodging. Weather looks promising, hope to see
Denali (20,310 ft) out tomorrow.
June 27, 2022 Monday
Our lodging property is in
Nenana River Canyon.
The Nenana River is
running fast, grey, and loaded with glacial silt. Let me share a short fact
about a big subject; permafrost is under most of Alaska and can be hundreds of
feet deep. It has a unique story AND unique problems!
We saw Bluebells, Creeping
Dogwood, Wild Iris, Wild Blueberry, Wild Cranberry, Cinquefoil, Alpine Aster,
Canyon Sunflower, Woods Rose, Yarrow, large Cottonwood Trees, Quaking Aspen,
White Paper Birch, Larch, Balsam Poplar, Willows, and the predominate White and
Black Spruce. Terry, my research assistant, uses phone apps to identify plants,
trees, birds, and even objects. Really fun, educational, and informative. I
have found Cottonwood in 49 States and I love its amazing story! Moose rub and
break saplings, sometimes above 6 feet high. This Resort is crawling with Moose,
mostly at night. The tall boys also love to browse any low landscaping or
garden plants, so they have to be fenced-off. We browsed the Monday morning
breakfast buffet at the Denali Square Market.
Out in Denali Park the
smoke came in and hid the mountains. Too bad because Denali was out today. We
had a nice visit at the park, crossing lots of creeks, rivers, and high passes.
It was so green and growing, with beautiful natural wonders. We saw Caribou,
Moose, migrating birds, and Ground Squirrels which the Grizzly Bears love.
Because of the smoke and time of day, we actually saw more wildlife outside the
park along the roads and railways. We love Alaska's flag. Big dipper, Ursa
Major and the North Star. The blue background is water. Ocean, lakes and sky.
An early breakfast and
goodbye to Denali. Out to the depot and train to Anchorage. We took our
transfer out to the Alaska Railway (McKinley Explorer) and headed south to
Anchorage. (About eight hours). Our train was a private observation car with a
very informative and entertaining host. This was a scenic ride. We traveled to
Denali by coach, and returned to Anchorage by rail. We saw more wildlife on
these routes than in the park. Just like a bunch of wildlife, to hang out along
the dangerous routes! Our car had its own dining room. We had a very nice
lunch. Our car was the Holland America group. This company is outstanding in
quality, service, and every aspect of travel. The train ride was long but very
picturesque, informative, and social.
We arrived in Anchorage
about 6pm, transferred to the Westmark Hotel, checked in, and took a good
overview city-tour. We visited the statue memorial for Captain Cook,
overlooking the Cook Inlet. He anchored his ship here, later named Anchorage.
He's probably saying "sorry, but there is no Northwest Passage". On
his ship, HMS Resolution, at, Cook Inlet, Captain James Cook, with Ship Master,
William Bligh; "Now Jimmy, all indications imply that this is NOT the
Northwest Passage. Well Bill, get in the boat and go check! OK Jimmy, but let
me say that this crew is the pits, especially that Christian kid. He's always
writing on his notepad and these kids are generally unmanageable! " When Turnagain
Arm is at low tide. The vast glacial-silt flats are like quicksand and flowing
tide will drown people stuck in the mud.
A large percentage of
Alaska consumables come by boat or water, but the Matsu Matanuska Valley,
around Palmer, produces ag crops. Traditional farm animals, along with Elk,
Bison, and Reindeer are produced. The long days make huge veggies like a
38-pound cabbage.
June 29, 2022 Wednesday
Today, I start a new photo
set of our Anchorage experience. Hope you enjoy and find it useful! We took our
last tour in the package-excursion. Our tour was a visit at the Alaska Wildlife
Conservation Center, at Girdwood, on the Seward Highway. The have Alaska animals
that have been rescued but cannot be released. A very nice center with great
observation and pic areas. Next, we traveled along the Whittier Road, to
Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley, where we had a cruise on the Ptarmigan, to
the Portage Glacier. This was the best glacier that we saw in Alaska, because
it’s so white, blue, and up-close. They actually retrieved samples of the
glacier bergs, so we could taste real glacier water. Iceberg. We broke off a
piece and brought it aboard for a refreshing taste of Portage Glacier.
Cook Inlet. My first
encounter with a tidal bore. Tidal range is an average 30-foot fluctuation.
Anchor your boat in 30 feet of water and she'll be on the ground at low tide.
June 30, 2022 Thursday
Thursday begins our
two-day, free-time in Anchorage with Terry's cousin Tom. Tom drove us around
town to the Small Craft Harbor and the Commercial Harbor, for some sightseeing
and pics. After a nice drive around Anchorage, we went up to Tom’s house near
the Chugach State Park. He still has the Old one-owner,1973 Dodge truck and
camper that brought Tom to Alaska in 1973. He's still here with no intention of
returning to the lower 48! He gave us a good review on his family photos and he
had a lot of new family information for us. After a visit at his house, we drove up higher
to the Chugach State Park lookout and trailhead. Great views of Anchorage from
his house and the park! Finally, we had a late lunch in town and he dripped us
off at the Westmark, with plans for Friday.
In the evening, we stopped
off for a little summer music at the park, then the Sydney Laurence Theatre for
a film on the Aurora Borealis. This presentation was educational, inspiring, and
entertaining. Now, we have to come to Fairbanks in winter for the best Northern
Lights.
Sunset tonight 11:38 Sunrise
4:17.
Hottest attraction in
downtown Anchorage. Wild Scoops Ice Cream.
July 1, 2022 Friday Tom
After breakfast at the
Westmark, we joined Tom for a day out east in the Matsu Valley. We picked up
some supplies then headed east to the Matanuska Valley and the Palmer area. The
Palmer area is a historical agricultural valley, where the long growing-season
days produce large vegatables. Palmer
(home of the Alaska State Fair) was crowed and busy as the July 4th
holiday was approaching. We drove around Palmer to see some historic site then
headed down to the Knik River. Its source is at Knik Glacier, from which it
flows northwest and west and empties into the head of Cook Inlet's Knik Arm,
near the mouth of the Matanuska River. This river and lots of others make fine
boondock camping, just be aware of the water levels and don’t get caught by
rising water. Next, we drove up the Matanuska River for some stunning, high
precipice views of the valley and mountains. Formed by the confluence of its east and south forks, the Matanuska
River flows generally southwest to the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet. At first glance,
it’s obvious that Anchorage has water on both sides by the Knik Arm and the
Turnagain Arm, both fed by rivers and as Cook discovered, there is no Northwest
Passage.
Overlooking downstream on
the Matanuska River. Most Alaska Rivers are braided streams. Glacier-fed are
cement-grey, while snowfield-fed are clear water. Around Palmer, the folks are
preparing for July 4th celebrations. Overlooking upstream Matanuska River. This was a high precipice, with a
shear drop. This is a place where Jack's ashes were scattered! We seldom lost
sight of Pinnacle Peak. A longtime landmark in the valley.
July 2, 2022 Saturday Depart
Anchorage
Travel day on AA, via
Anchorage to Chicago, then Indianapolis. Glad we had parked our car and
reserved a return-room at the Marriott. The shuttle transferred us going and
coming and it was so nice to have a quiet restful night, before and after our
trip!
We made it home on July 3,
just in time to join the Forth celebration but jet lag keeps us sequestered! What
a trip! Holland America is tops and highly recommended!
