Thursday already. Where have the last three days gone?
My suitcase arrived last night - at 9.30pm!! I had already gone to bed.
Isn't it lovely that the world gets dark for several hours every day?
Work is busy. Look forward to catching up with some of you soon.
Lesley
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Home again!
We're home. Thank goodness.
The tour has been fabulous, company great, scenery amazing, cruise unforgettable, food scrumptious......................... (you must get my drift by now)
Give us all a few days to settle down, back to the grindstone and watch this space.
The comments will fly.
Lesley
The tour has been fabulous, company great, scenery amazing, cruise unforgettable, food scrumptious......................... (you must get my drift by now)
Give us all a few days to settle down, back to the grindstone and watch this space.
The comments will fly.
Lesley
Sunday, May 25, 2008
downhill from here!
The title says it all - it's all downhill from here as we travel from way up here, to way down there.
The BAGS are bring bought down now. We'll post a total later.
Much excitement for me last night, my Barney got a hole-in-one on the 7th at Ngaruawahia yesterday. This is his second, but still very, very exciting. The bar shout would have been fun. Cliff, you could probably hear him yahoo from Hamilton.
The other excitement last night was that it almost got dark. The sky was a little overcast, so at midnight it just looked 'light dark'.
Will wrap this up at home.
Lesley
The BAGS are bring bought down now. We'll post a total later.
Much excitement for me last night, my Barney got a hole-in-one on the 7th at Ngaruawahia yesterday. This is his second, but still very, very exciting. The bar shout would have been fun. Cliff, you could probably hear him yahoo from Hamilton.
The other excitement last night was that it almost got dark. The sky was a little overcast, so at midnight it just looked 'light dark'.
Will wrap this up at home.
Lesley
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Last call from Alaksa
------ or maybe there'll be time tomorrow, we'll see.
Rainy day, but not enough to dampen our spirits.
The Aurora Collection was AMAZING! I just can't describe how magnificent Dave Parkhurst's photographs of many years of aurora, set to piano and guitar, could be. Nearly everyone bought a copy of the DVD (did I spell that right?) A very moving experience.
After the show and a quick chat with Dave it was onto Cabin Fever to meet with talented artist Barbara Lavelle. Another website worth visiting. Lots of books and prints were purchased.
Cabin Fever is a very nice gift store, good quality at reasonable prices.
Mike our driver then drove us around the city. We saw a moose standing in someones yard. gosh he was big, but horns just buds at this early stage of the season. Our afternoon tour included a golf shop (sorry Barney - just junk and good golfers don't like junk) and the bush Pilots Park at the airport. Alaska has the highest number of float planes in the world and this lake at the airport is just for them. Kind of like with your boat. A small shed and tie your plane out outside, or drag it up on the dry. The road markings are like at a rail crossing, but these are for 'planes crossong'. Stopped and watched a few take off, but quite fresh out there.
Last minute purcxhases are being made, bags at being sat on and all is well with the world.
Maybe tomorrow, but if not next week,
Lesley & the 40 slightly weary travellers
Rainy day, but not enough to dampen our spirits.
The Aurora Collection was AMAZING! I just can't describe how magnificent Dave Parkhurst's photographs of many years of aurora, set to piano and guitar, could be. Nearly everyone bought a copy of the DVD (did I spell that right?) A very moving experience.
After the show and a quick chat with Dave it was onto Cabin Fever to meet with talented artist Barbara Lavelle. Another website worth visiting. Lots of books and prints were purchased.
Cabin Fever is a very nice gift store, good quality at reasonable prices.
Mike our driver then drove us around the city. We saw a moose standing in someones yard. gosh he was big, but horns just buds at this early stage of the season. Our afternoon tour included a golf shop (sorry Barney - just junk and good golfers don't like junk) and the bush Pilots Park at the airport. Alaska has the highest number of float planes in the world and this lake at the airport is just for them. Kind of like with your boat. A small shed and tie your plane out outside, or drag it up on the dry. The road markings are like at a rail crossing, but these are for 'planes crossong'. Stopped and watched a few take off, but quite fresh out there.
Last minute purcxhases are being made, bags at being sat on and all is well with the world.
Maybe tomorrow, but if not next week,
Lesley & the 40 slightly weary travellers
where are you all??
How come no comments since my last post? What's your excuse, been asleep, or something?
One of our more memorable exploits was having all 41 (remember one has gone off to Italy) waiting for the number 2 bus into Downtown. Deb, the driver was fabulous and she put the bus 'out of service' and drove us one downtown with the only stops being for drop offs.
Great, great restaurant last night. Snow Goose is a quilters must for dinner. Its a really large building that also contains their brewery. I think I've already suggested their website.
Had our gift swap last night when we got back to the hotel.
All downhill from here.
Lesley & the Suitcase Gang
One of our more memorable exploits was having all 41 (remember one has gone off to Italy) waiting for the number 2 bus into Downtown. Deb, the driver was fabulous and she put the bus 'out of service' and drove us one downtown with the only stops being for drop offs.
Great, great restaurant last night. Snow Goose is a quilters must for dinner. Its a really large building that also contains their brewery. I think I've already suggested their website.
Had our gift swap last night when we got back to the hotel.
All downhill from here.
Lesley & the Suitcase Gang
Friday, May 23, 2008
Anchorage
Greeting from Anchorage again.
Despite the flight leaving nearly an hour late we had a fine flight down from Fairbanks.
Luckily they had the freight crew at the airport to load the coach. Mike - same driver as last time, was very smiley and happy to us ( if not the 85 checked pieces of luggage).
First stop - yep, Quilt Tree and a lunch date with designer Brenda Henning. We got to see all of her quilts that have been featured in her various books.
I have walked back to the hotel - yes Matthew, your board Boots have arrived from Michigan.
Am off to explore the bus system. we are heading into town tonight for dinner at the Snow Goose restaurant. Check out their website for the views etc.
Later
Lesley 7 just 40 others now. Marty has started on her journey to Italy :)
Despite the flight leaving nearly an hour late we had a fine flight down from Fairbanks.
Luckily they had the freight crew at the airport to load the coach. Mike - same driver as last time, was very smiley and happy to us ( if not the 85 checked pieces of luggage).
First stop - yep, Quilt Tree and a lunch date with designer Brenda Henning. We got to see all of her quilts that have been featured in her various books.
I have walked back to the hotel - yes Matthew, your board Boots have arrived from Michigan.
Am off to explore the bus system. we are heading into town tonight for dinner at the Snow Goose restaurant. Check out their website for the views etc.
Later
Lesley 7 just 40 others now. Marty has started on her journey to Italy :)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tired now!
What have we done today. Well, I told you this morning about going to a quilt store, well, we went to 2. First up this morning we went to Northern Threads. Absolutely fabulous and voted best of tour by many.
A quick visit to the Post Office by several people to send parcels home (isn't that cheating?), then it was on to see the Alaskan Oil Pipeline. Very interesting for a big grey (48" in diametre) round thing. Stretches something like 800 miles.
Across the road was an iceberg. We have the pics to prove it! Seems the lunatic that lives there had a long stand pipe installed and every few days he just turned it on until he ended up with an 'iceberg' that was over 50' tall. (Only in America)
A short bus journey to Chatanika Lodge. You would not believe this place. About 30 mins form anything there is this big complex festoon with Harley Davidson flags and fairy lights. It has a bar, restaurant and accommodation - and fairy lights. In fact, it has fairy lights everywhere! By the squillion! They are on the rafters, around the poles that hold up the ceiling, around the door frames.... you get the idea.
Then there's the dollar bills. They are written on and the staples to the rafters, walls, doors etc, etc, etc. There's thought to be over $30,000 worth. Ours is inside the door on the left just as you turn to go to the counter.
THEN there's the Ladies Room!!!!! Well, it's a double bowl booth, with swing doors and wait til you see the light switch cover. AMAZING! Especially with the shadow from the light!
Food and company were wonderful. Colleen had invited Tom who works for the Courts system and travels from about the Arctic Circle up, looking after villages and settlements. Very intersting man and culture.
After lunch we were invited to Margaret Wiedman's house. Margaret is a quilting friend of Colleen's. Her home is a log cabin in the woods. Fab.
Back into town for the last quilt store for the day. Phew!
Early night tonight (yeah right). Sue and I had dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant.
time for a bath, wine & bed.
Till tomorrow.
A quick visit to the Post Office by several people to send parcels home (isn't that cheating?), then it was on to see the Alaskan Oil Pipeline. Very interesting for a big grey (48" in diametre) round thing. Stretches something like 800 miles.
Across the road was an iceberg. We have the pics to prove it! Seems the lunatic that lives there had a long stand pipe installed and every few days he just turned it on until he ended up with an 'iceberg' that was over 50' tall. (Only in America)
A short bus journey to Chatanika Lodge. You would not believe this place. About 30 mins form anything there is this big complex festoon with Harley Davidson flags and fairy lights. It has a bar, restaurant and accommodation - and fairy lights. In fact, it has fairy lights everywhere! By the squillion! They are on the rafters, around the poles that hold up the ceiling, around the door frames.... you get the idea.
Then there's the dollar bills. They are written on and the staples to the rafters, walls, doors etc, etc, etc. There's thought to be over $30,000 worth. Ours is inside the door on the left just as you turn to go to the counter.
THEN there's the Ladies Room!!!!! Well, it's a double bowl booth, with swing doors and wait til you see the light switch cover. AMAZING! Especially with the shadow from the light!
Food and company were wonderful. Colleen had invited Tom who works for the Courts system and travels from about the Arctic Circle up, looking after villages and settlements. Very intersting man and culture.
After lunch we were invited to Margaret Wiedman's house. Margaret is a quilting friend of Colleen's. Her home is a log cabin in the woods. Fab.
Back into town for the last quilt store for the day. Phew!
Early night tonight (yeah right). Sue and I had dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant.
time for a bath, wine & bed.
Till tomorrow.
Another day.......
Another day in Alaska, this one is a bit rainy, but what the heck. Yesterday the weather was just like you saw on the Riverboat website, beautiful.
Today Colleen jones in joining us as we go to......................, yep, a quilt store. Then it's of to see the Pipeline and other surprises.
From the Breakfast Show
Today Colleen jones in joining us as we go to......................, yep, a quilt store. Then it's of to see the Pipeline and other surprises.
From the Breakfast Show
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Fairbanks or Bust!
Another fun-filled day, this time with Colleen Jones, my friend from North Pole.
Colleen arrived at 8am, all aboard the bus & off we went to the Riverboat Discovery. Have a look at www.riverboatdiscovery.com
This family owned & operated business is probably the best ever tourist attraction (as opposed to buildings, or nature) that I have ever seen.
You board discovery and the entire land-based crew stand on the jetty to wave us off. As we cruised the Tanana River we were informed of local history, folklore, sled doss, cultural traditions, log cabin construction, plus, plus, plus.
Our Captain was Wade Binkley, grandson of the founder, Jim Binkley. Grandma was standing on the banks of the river waving - she no longer has to make doughnuts to feed the visitors; then the were neighbours waving from verandahs, all just fabulous. This really was a highlight for us all.
It was even a pleasure to visit that great Alaskan Institution, the Gift shop. It has excellent quality, but very well priced souvenirs. Well done the Binkleys!
Then it was onto Harleys Diner. Colleen & her later husband Randy had just opened this 50's-style diner when Randy died in a motorcycle accident. Randy's dream has been realised by Colleen & her great team. The sandwiches were the size of the cruise liner. Yum.
Then it was off to North Pole to visit the Santa Claus House. Now, in north Pole even the street lights are painted & shaped like candy canes. This entire store is Christmas - actually, that's a teeny, tiny fib - they also stock fake Crucifixion Nails. I kid you not. You can mail order from their website if you can't shop personally. Now I'm not knocking this store. It was fantastic. An incredible selection of every style of Christmas decoration you could possibly imagine. I could only just resist purchasing the 'combat serviceman' decoration.
Then we visited Colleen's house. Yep, she fitted the 42 of us, plus about 8 others into her home for nibbles and show and tell. Wonderful hostess.
Early night tonight.
Till tomorrow,
Lesley & the Tourists
Colleen arrived at 8am, all aboard the bus & off we went to the Riverboat Discovery. Have a look at www.riverboatdiscovery.com
This family owned & operated business is probably the best ever tourist attraction (as opposed to buildings, or nature) that I have ever seen.
You board discovery and the entire land-based crew stand on the jetty to wave us off. As we cruised the Tanana River we were informed of local history, folklore, sled doss, cultural traditions, log cabin construction, plus, plus, plus.
Our Captain was Wade Binkley, grandson of the founder, Jim Binkley. Grandma was standing on the banks of the river waving - she no longer has to make doughnuts to feed the visitors; then the were neighbours waving from verandahs, all just fabulous. This really was a highlight for us all.
It was even a pleasure to visit that great Alaskan Institution, the Gift shop. It has excellent quality, but very well priced souvenirs. Well done the Binkleys!
Then it was onto Harleys Diner. Colleen & her later husband Randy had just opened this 50's-style diner when Randy died in a motorcycle accident. Randy's dream has been realised by Colleen & her great team. The sandwiches were the size of the cruise liner. Yum.
Then it was off to North Pole to visit the Santa Claus House. Now, in north Pole even the street lights are painted & shaped like candy canes. This entire store is Christmas - actually, that's a teeny, tiny fib - they also stock fake Crucifixion Nails. I kid you not. You can mail order from their website if you can't shop personally. Now I'm not knocking this store. It was fantastic. An incredible selection of every style of Christmas decoration you could possibly imagine. I could only just resist purchasing the 'combat serviceman' decoration.
Then we visited Colleen's house. Yep, she fitted the 42 of us, plus about 8 others into her home for nibbles and show and tell. Wonderful hostess.
Early night tonight.
Till tomorrow,
Lesley & the Tourists
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Off the rails!!!!!!!!!!!!
We're here in Fairbanks Alaska. Wow, doesn't that sound fancy?
What else happened this morning? Mmmmmmmm, let me see.
After the Breakfast Fiasco, not to be confused with a Breakfast Fiesta, we headed in many different directions. Some to the shops........ yes, to the shops. I can't keep them away.
12noonish, most of us were on the bus heading to see the Jeff King Husky Homestead. Jeff is the guy that has won the Iditarod Sled Race four times. He came second this year, but just one hour. You may have read about it.
Anyhow, we got to hold cute little husky pups. I had my neck laundered by one of them No accidents though. Then we were educated about the breed, their habits and the mysteries of huskies. These dogs were all lean machines, much like heading eye dogs. Not the fluffy big beasts we tend to imagine. Currently they have 90 dogs, including the pups. All well housed and tethered. They have a food bowl on one side of their house and a water bucket on the other.
Five of the dogs were teamed up with a quad bike and off they went for a training run, this is not a just for show thing, they were heading out on a regular training run. What a racket while all the other dogs pleaded to be able to go too. Soon as the team were out of sight the barking stopped and they all sat or laid down again.
Then we had the opportunity to meet with Jeff King. Much smaller in stature than I had imagined. In my mind he was 6' 4", grizzly bear build. Wrong! He's a regular guy about 5' 8".
What a pleasure to listen to someone so passionate about his way of life and his dogs. The atmosphere of the race start in March is evidently 'electric'. 11 days of 6 hours mushing, 6 hours of dog resting (Jeff gets less than one & half hours rest each time) until they reach Nome.
Can you tell that I really enjoyed this activity. Barney, I have a signed book for you. No starting this one at the last page to see if you like it!
4pm ----- down at the station! The 4 hours trip turned into a 5 hour trip, BUT... (fanfare) we saw several moose. Yes, several. We were beginning o think that they were only on posters and t-shirts. We also saw the odd arctic hare, 2 caribou, several white swans and a sparrow. Oh, and a red setter.
Fairbanks looks like a real city. It has really surprised me.
Tomorrow my friend Colleen is meeting us at 8am and she will be spending two days with us, showing the sights of the area.
Till then, that's it from me and that's it from them!
What else happened this morning? Mmmmmmmm, let me see.
After the Breakfast Fiasco, not to be confused with a Breakfast Fiesta, we headed in many different directions. Some to the shops........ yes, to the shops. I can't keep them away.
12noonish, most of us were on the bus heading to see the Jeff King Husky Homestead. Jeff is the guy that has won the Iditarod Sled Race four times. He came second this year, but just one hour. You may have read about it.
Anyhow, we got to hold cute little husky pups. I had my neck laundered by one of them No accidents though. Then we were educated about the breed, their habits and the mysteries of huskies. These dogs were all lean machines, much like heading eye dogs. Not the fluffy big beasts we tend to imagine. Currently they have 90 dogs, including the pups. All well housed and tethered. They have a food bowl on one side of their house and a water bucket on the other.
Five of the dogs were teamed up with a quad bike and off they went for a training run, this is not a just for show thing, they were heading out on a regular training run. What a racket while all the other dogs pleaded to be able to go too. Soon as the team were out of sight the barking stopped and they all sat or laid down again.
Then we had the opportunity to meet with Jeff King. Much smaller in stature than I had imagined. In my mind he was 6' 4", grizzly bear build. Wrong! He's a regular guy about 5' 8".
What a pleasure to listen to someone so passionate about his way of life and his dogs. The atmosphere of the race start in March is evidently 'electric'. 11 days of 6 hours mushing, 6 hours of dog resting (Jeff gets less than one & half hours rest each time) until they reach Nome.
Can you tell that I really enjoyed this activity. Barney, I have a signed book for you. No starting this one at the last page to see if you like it!
4pm ----- down at the station! The 4 hours trip turned into a 5 hour trip, BUT... (fanfare) we saw several moose. Yes, several. We were beginning o think that they were only on posters and t-shirts. We also saw the odd arctic hare, 2 caribou, several white swans and a sparrow. Oh, and a red setter.
Fairbanks looks like a real city. It has really surprised me.
Tomorrow my friend Colleen is meeting us at 8am and she will be spending two days with us, showing the sights of the area.
Till then, that's it from me and that's it from them!
Denali
Denali - early in the season. Think 'Fawlty Towers', or is that Farty Towels.
If things could go wrong then yesterday & this morning were when it was happening.
Yesterday on the train they ran out of lunch.
Transfer coach from train to accommodation didn't arrive.
Absolute chaos at hotel regarding check-in.
I ended up in a shared broom cupboard with a shared bathroom and the lift well next to me.
Bus to take us to evening entertainment wasn't booked - we got there late.
THIS MORNING................ no breakfast. One & half hours after first of the group turned up for breakfast we finally were allowed in the dinning room.
Still, the sun is shining and as long as the train takes us to Fairbanks AND our bags have arrived ahead of us, we'll be happy.
No aurora. Maybe tonight.
If things could go wrong then yesterday & this morning were when it was happening.
Yesterday on the train they ran out of lunch.
Transfer coach from train to accommodation didn't arrive.
Absolute chaos at hotel regarding check-in.
I ended up in a shared broom cupboard with a shared bathroom and the lift well next to me.
Bus to take us to evening entertainment wasn't booked - we got there late.
THIS MORNING................ no breakfast. One & half hours after first of the group turned up for breakfast we finally were allowed in the dinning room.
Still, the sun is shining and as long as the train takes us to Fairbanks AND our bags have arrived ahead of us, we'll be happy.
No aurora. Maybe tonight.
Northern lights
Just back from the Fanny Show. Lots of fun & kisses (Sorry Barney). Very silly evening.
We'll all probably be up at 1am as they expect that an aurora will be happening. Will let you know.
11.15pm and you could still sit outside and read a book (except it's too cold)
We'll all probably be up at 1am as they expect that an aurora will be happening. Will let you know.
11.15pm and you could still sit outside and read a book (except it's too cold)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Denali National Park
What a great day we have had. Train pulled out at 8.15am - only overnight bags at this time, as the suitcases have gone onto Fairbanks by truck. Maybe they didn't think the train would make it up the mountain passes with ALL those bags.
To start with we wished that we had cards, or something to pass the time
Gotta go, bus is here to take us to Fanny Show & dinner!
To start with we wished that we had cards, or something to pass the time
Gotta go, bus is here to take us to Fanny Show & dinner!
Rail roaded into it!
6am is a cruel time of day.
Up & at it. Down to the station, early in the morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off to Denali,
Till later,
M & Them
Up & at it. Down to the station, early in the morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off to Denali,
Till later,
M & Them
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Glaciers Unlimited
For the past couple of days we have been up and down fiords, floating by glaciers, mountains, mountains and more mountains.
Friday;
Glacier Bay was magnificent and the weather even played its part by being a little overcast and drizzly, so great for photos. Ice floating around the ship makes you feel like you’re floating on top of a load of washing.
The glaciers enormous, like the white cliffs at Dover, only tinged with blue, turquoise & green. Majestic! Then the rumble, not unlike thunder, splash! Another great chunk slides into the bay. We spent the day drifting along (I’m sure there was a purpose and direction)
With so many mountains, draped in snow, the views never become boring (except when you at home have to sit through viewings of our hundreds of pictures of snow and mountains!). At we sailed by twenty or more ‘Southern Alps’ it just got better and better every minute.
Formal dinner tonight, boy did we look glamorous and we have the photos to prove it!
Saturday;
Another sea day and this time College Fiords. Today we saw more wildlife – otters, Pacific Dolphins, sea lions, humpbacked & orca whales. Plenty of bird life today too.
At midnight the sky was still quite light, then sunrise was scheduled for 4.13am. It never really got dark. A romantic moonlight night (and no-one to be romantic with). Michelle got some great photos – most of us were asleep.
Sunday;
Seward - no fanfare, we just arrived. Bit sad as we have really, really enjoyd the Indonesian crew on the boat, with their 'towel' sculpture, smiles and amazing service. The towel sculptures ar gob-smacking. Over the eight evenings I had the following left to decorate my room; stingray, dolphin, swan, rabbit, frog, dog, crab & (can't remembr the other one) - all made just from bath towels, hand towels & face clothes. Crazy, but true!!
Smooth disembarkation at 9am, into coach - goodness knows how many bags now. I'll find out tomorrow. Mike, driver/guide was wonderful. full commentary, complet with history and trivia. short tour around Seward - a bit lik a short tour around Huntly, then onto Portage Glacier for a lunch stop. The lake is still closed (frozen), but a lovely place to stop.
Then a magnificent drive along the glacial rivers and inlets to Anchorage. Saw eagles and mountain sheep.
First stop Dina's Quilt store in Eagle River. Great BIG building and very hot! Then onto Seams Like Home Quilts. Lots of fun there too. these 'gals stayed open late for us.
Finally Springhills Hotel. Across the road to the Outback - an Aussie restaurant chain, great food. Tired now, want to go to bed, but if I don't get this updated what will you have to read tonight?
Tomorrow it's early start again. Mike will be here to pick us up at 7am. A truck, yes, a truck, will be here to collect the bags and will deliver them straight to Fairbanks. We stop tomorrow night in Denali National Park. most of us are going to the Fanny (something) show & dinner. We have had a lot of laughs about the name of it.
Tuesday morning lots of us are going to meet the husky pups, then back on the train in the afternoon to Fairbanks.
Later.......................
For the past couple of days we have been up and down fiords, floating by glaciers, mountains, mountains and more mountains.
Friday;
Glacier Bay was magnificent and the weather even played its part by being a little overcast and drizzly, so great for photos. Ice floating around the ship makes you feel like you’re floating on top of a load of washing.
The glaciers enormous, like the white cliffs at Dover, only tinged with blue, turquoise & green. Majestic! Then the rumble, not unlike thunder, splash! Another great chunk slides into the bay. We spent the day drifting along (I’m sure there was a purpose and direction)
With so many mountains, draped in snow, the views never become boring (except when you at home have to sit through viewings of our hundreds of pictures of snow and mountains!). At we sailed by twenty or more ‘Southern Alps’ it just got better and better every minute.
Formal dinner tonight, boy did we look glamorous and we have the photos to prove it!
Saturday;
Another sea day and this time College Fiords. Today we saw more wildlife – otters, Pacific Dolphins, sea lions, humpbacked & orca whales. Plenty of bird life today too.
At midnight the sky was still quite light, then sunrise was scheduled for 4.13am. It never really got dark. A romantic moonlight night (and no-one to be romantic with). Michelle got some great photos – most of us were asleep.
Sunday;
Seward - no fanfare, we just arrived. Bit sad as we have really, really enjoyd the Indonesian crew on the boat, with their 'towel' sculpture, smiles and amazing service. The towel sculptures ar gob-smacking. Over the eight evenings I had the following left to decorate my room; stingray, dolphin, swan, rabbit, frog, dog, crab & (can't remembr the other one) - all made just from bath towels, hand towels & face clothes. Crazy, but true!!
Smooth disembarkation at 9am, into coach - goodness knows how many bags now. I'll find out tomorrow. Mike, driver/guide was wonderful. full commentary, complet with history and trivia. short tour around Seward - a bit lik a short tour around Huntly, then onto Portage Glacier for a lunch stop. The lake is still closed (frozen), but a lovely place to stop.
Then a magnificent drive along the glacial rivers and inlets to Anchorage. Saw eagles and mountain sheep.
First stop Dina's Quilt store in Eagle River. Great BIG building and very hot! Then onto Seams Like Home Quilts. Lots of fun there too. these 'gals stayed open late for us.
Finally Springhills Hotel. Across the road to the Outback - an Aussie restaurant chain, great food. Tired now, want to go to bed, but if I don't get this updated what will you have to read tonight?
Tomorrow it's early start again. Mike will be here to pick us up at 7am. A truck, yes, a truck, will be here to collect the bags and will deliver them straight to Fairbanks. We stop tomorrow night in Denali National Park. most of us are going to the Fanny (something) show & dinner. We have had a lot of laughs about the name of it.
Tuesday morning lots of us are going to meet the husky pups, then back on the train in the afternoon to Fairbanks.
Later.......................
Saturday, May 17, 2008
All at sea - with a purpose
Saturday today and we have all participated in 'Hit the Deck' - a 5km walk around the Promanade Deck to support Brest Cancer Awareness. We did it! and have the photos to prove it.
Last nights glam dinner was just that. Lobster, prawns, coq au vin (chook), surf & turf; followed by Baked Alaska, complete with sparklers. Glamorous, gorgeous and lifting our expectations of what will be served at home from now on.
Then it was Showtime. The cabin & waiting staff are all Indonesian and last night they put on a cultural experience that was not to be missed. These guys were wonderful and very talented. Patric sings to us while we queue for our lunch trays. Frank & Nat are his favourites.
Rosemary & Phyllis were up on the stage for a couple of numbers too!
Today we face the daunting task of packing. Yuk!! Tomorrow we have to have bags ready by 7am and will disembark at around 9am. All very well organised.
Will post again in Anchorage - unless something of note occurs before then!
Last nights glam dinner was just that. Lobster, prawns, coq au vin (chook), surf & turf; followed by Baked Alaska, complete with sparklers. Glamorous, gorgeous and lifting our expectations of what will be served at home from now on.
Then it was Showtime. The cabin & waiting staff are all Indonesian and last night they put on a cultural experience that was not to be missed. These guys were wonderful and very talented. Patric sings to us while we queue for our lunch trays. Frank & Nat are his favourites.
Rosemary & Phyllis were up on the stage for a couple of numbers too!
Today we face the daunting task of packing. Yuk!! Tomorrow we have to have bags ready by 7am and will disembark at around 9am. All very well organised.
Will post again in Anchorage - unless something of note occurs before then!
Friday, May 16, 2008
All at sea
Hi there. Wow! What a day. Glacier Bay. Guess what, it's full of glaciers. Amazing.
Formal dinner tonight. We all look stunning.
More tomorrow.
Formal dinner tonight. We all look stunning.
More tomorrow.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Skagway - wind capital of Alaska
Woke this morning to wibbles and wobbles. Skagway is windy! Sea is calm though. We have had to take a different berth than expected and subsequently have a shortly time allowed in port. Some of the tours were cancelled, but luckily we had booked on the early run with the White Pass Railway.
We couldn’t have ordered better. This is one of those tourist things that I would recommend to anyone stopping in at Skagway. White Pass is the border between Canada & USA and those crazy pioneers (around 1885) built a railroad from the port of Skagway through to Dawson City in the Yukon. It is estimated that more than 35,000 helped to build it. Some only stayed long enough to pay their way, other longer. Only 35 lives were lost and most of them were through sickness. Two were buried by a granite boulder the size of a house. That’s their grave!
Anyhow, a fabulous journey along passes, over bridges, through tunnels – all with fresh snow. The views were clear and clean – yesterday there weren’t views, just snow.
AND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (drum roll) we saw a bear on the way back down. It was quite large and very near the track. What a buzz. I thought we were going to return home having seen wildlife that consisted of two squirrels in Calgary. We’re told that from here on we should see more wildlife.
Won’t be posting now for a couple of days, as we will be at sea till we arrive in Seward on Sunday morning.
Saturday 9.30am we are all supporting the ‘On deck for the Cure’ walk. It’s a 5k non-competitive walk around the ships deck. At the same time, in London, my nice Janice and her neighbours (Janice lives in France) will be participating a 42k walk in London called Moonwalk. It starts at 12 midnight. Their walk is sponsored by Playtex bras. Check it out on the Internet.
Got to go, just short posts for the next 2 or 3 days.
Keep the comments rolling – unless you’re blacklisted like Debbie
We couldn’t have ordered better. This is one of those tourist things that I would recommend to anyone stopping in at Skagway. White Pass is the border between Canada & USA and those crazy pioneers (around 1885) built a railroad from the port of Skagway through to Dawson City in the Yukon. It is estimated that more than 35,000 helped to build it. Some only stayed long enough to pay their way, other longer. Only 35 lives were lost and most of them were through sickness. Two were buried by a granite boulder the size of a house. That’s their grave!
Anyhow, a fabulous journey along passes, over bridges, through tunnels – all with fresh snow. The views were clear and clean – yesterday there weren’t views, just snow.
AND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (drum roll) we saw a bear on the way back down. It was quite large and very near the track. What a buzz. I thought we were going to return home having seen wildlife that consisted of two squirrels in Calgary. We’re told that from here on we should see more wildlife.
Won’t be posting now for a couple of days, as we will be at sea till we arrive in Seward on Sunday morning.
Saturday 9.30am we are all supporting the ‘On deck for the Cure’ walk. It’s a 5k non-competitive walk around the ships deck. At the same time, in London, my nice Janice and her neighbours (Janice lives in France) will be participating a 42k walk in London called Moonwalk. It starts at 12 midnight. Their walk is sponsored by Playtex bras. Check it out on the Internet.
Got to go, just short posts for the next 2 or 3 days.
Keep the comments rolling – unless you’re blacklisted like Debbie
Juneau - State Capital
Juneau – State Capital.
8.12am and my breakfast tray has just been delivered. Life is getting tougher.
7 degrees, 3.7% air humidity, barometre steady, wind 4.7 kts, sea - smooth wavelets. Weather – light rain.
The rain has kept up all day, but I can’t say that it’s slowed anyone down. 10am meeting place in the Atrium, then off to Changing Tides quilt store. Jan the owner had a goodie bag for each of us and 10% discount. That means we could buy 10% more fabric!
Her store sells needlework, fabrics and gifts. Most of them have a flavour of Alaska about them. Next door was a yarn store. There are heaps of gifty stores in Juneau, but most of us were not keen due to the rain.
Back in board for lunch and time for the Float Plane ride. WRONG! Cancelled because of the rain. Just as well really, as the mist is really low.
Coffee, chat, let’s go shopping again. This time t-shirts and books. Met up with some of the others and here is what they have done;
Tramway (like a gondola up a hill); walk in the bush (yuk, cold & wet); tour of Juneau and shopping.
When we had our get-together at 4 today numbers were a little low, so folk must still be out looking, or resting up ready for the Master Chefs dinner tonight. Our table is booked for 7.45pm. There’s a live show tonight, I guess it’s like a cabaret.
At 10.30pm the stores are open (the on-board stores are always closed when we are in port), so we are having a $15 Madness. Goodness knows what that is, but I guess I’ll be able to tell you later.
We’ll wake up in Skagway tomorrow and at 8.15am several of us are going on the White Pass Rail adventure. It’s an old train that clatters along tracks of old. Sounds like fun, hope it’s not still raining.
More later……….
Well, just getting to dinner was an expedition last night. Got way-laid at the piano bar. There we had to participate in the Chicken Dance & the Macarena (in my case, unaided by alcohol) before being shown to our tables. Very, VERY funny!
Dinner was fab – as usual. Little mushroom brioche, duck a la orange, followed by white chocolate chef hats filled with chocolate moose (I know!).
The waiting staff, mostly young Indonesian men, were part of the show. Very funny as they were mostly really embarrassed about cavorting around waving entrées and salads. Lots of fun.
Then it was back to the piano bar to trip the light fantastic for an hour. On the way back to our rooms we spotted the comedy show and sat in on the end of that. A1.
8.12am and my breakfast tray has just been delivered. Life is getting tougher.
7 degrees, 3.7% air humidity, barometre steady, wind 4.7 kts, sea - smooth wavelets. Weather – light rain.
The rain has kept up all day, but I can’t say that it’s slowed anyone down. 10am meeting place in the Atrium, then off to Changing Tides quilt store. Jan the owner had a goodie bag for each of us and 10% discount. That means we could buy 10% more fabric!
Her store sells needlework, fabrics and gifts. Most of them have a flavour of Alaska about them. Next door was a yarn store. There are heaps of gifty stores in Juneau, but most of us were not keen due to the rain.
Back in board for lunch and time for the Float Plane ride. WRONG! Cancelled because of the rain. Just as well really, as the mist is really low.
Coffee, chat, let’s go shopping again. This time t-shirts and books. Met up with some of the others and here is what they have done;
Tramway (like a gondola up a hill); walk in the bush (yuk, cold & wet); tour of Juneau and shopping.
When we had our get-together at 4 today numbers were a little low, so folk must still be out looking, or resting up ready for the Master Chefs dinner tonight. Our table is booked for 7.45pm. There’s a live show tonight, I guess it’s like a cabaret.
At 10.30pm the stores are open (the on-board stores are always closed when we are in port), so we are having a $15 Madness. Goodness knows what that is, but I guess I’ll be able to tell you later.
We’ll wake up in Skagway tomorrow and at 8.15am several of us are going on the White Pass Rail adventure. It’s an old train that clatters along tracks of old. Sounds like fun, hope it’s not still raining.
More later……….
Well, just getting to dinner was an expedition last night. Got way-laid at the piano bar. There we had to participate in the Chicken Dance & the Macarena (in my case, unaided by alcohol) before being shown to our tables. Very, VERY funny!
Dinner was fab – as usual. Little mushroom brioche, duck a la orange, followed by white chocolate chef hats filled with chocolate moose (I know!).
The waiting staff, mostly young Indonesian men, were part of the show. Very funny as they were mostly really embarrassed about cavorting around waving entrées and salads. Lots of fun.
Then it was back to the piano bar to trip the light fantastic for an hour. On the way back to our rooms we spotted the comedy show and sat in on the end of that. A1.
Juneau - State Capital
Juneau – State Capital.
8.12am and my breakfast tray has just been delivered. Life is getting tougher.
7 degrees, 3.7% air humidity, barometre steady, wind 4.7 kts, sea - smooth wavelets. Weather – light rain.
The rain has kept up all day, but I can’t say that it’s slowed anyone down. 10am meeting place in the Atrium, then off to Changing Tides quilt store. Jan the owner had a goodie bag for each of us and 10% discount. That means we could buy 10% more fabric!
Her store sells needlework, fabrics and gifts. Most of them have a flavour of Alaska about them. Next door was a yarn store. There are heaps of gifty stores in Juneau, but most of us were not keen due to the rain.
Back in board for lunch and time for the Float Plane ride. WRONG! Cancelled because of the rain. Just as well really, as the mist is really low.
Coffee, chat, let’s go shopping again. This time t-shirts and books. Met up with some of the others and here is what they have done;
Tramway (like a gondola up a hill); walk in the bush (yuk, cold & wet); tour of Juneau and shopping.
When we had our get-together at 4 today numbers were a little low, so folk must still be out looking, or resting up ready for the Master Chefs dinner tonight. Our table is booked for 7.45pm. There’s a live show tonight, I guess it’s like a cabaret.
At 10.30pm the stores are open (the on-board stores are always closed when we are in port), so we are having a $15 Madness. Goodness knows what that is, but I guess I’ll be able to tell you later.
We’ll wake up in Skagway tomorrow and at 8.15am several of us are going on the White Pass Rail adventure. It’s an old train that clatters along tracks of old. Sounds like fun, hope it’s not still raining.
More later……….
Well, just getting to dinner was an expedition last night. Got way-laid at the piano bar. There we had to participate in the Chicken Dance & the Macarena (in my case, unaided by alcohol) before being shown to our tables. Very, VERY funny!
Dinner was fab – as usual. Little mushroom brioche, duck a la orange, followed by white chocolate chef hats filled with chocolate moose (I know!).
The waiting staff, mostly young Indonesian men, were part of the show. Very funny as they were mostly really embarrassed about cavorting around waving entrées and salads. Lots of fun.
Then it was back to the piano bar to trip the light fantastic for an hour. On the way back to our rooms we spotted the comedy show and sat in on the end of that. A1.
8.12am and my breakfast tray has just been delivered. Life is getting tougher.
7 degrees, 3.7% air humidity, barometre steady, wind 4.7 kts, sea - smooth wavelets. Weather – light rain.
The rain has kept up all day, but I can’t say that it’s slowed anyone down. 10am meeting place in the Atrium, then off to Changing Tides quilt store. Jan the owner had a goodie bag for each of us and 10% discount. That means we could buy 10% more fabric!
Her store sells needlework, fabrics and gifts. Most of them have a flavour of Alaska about them. Next door was a yarn store. There are heaps of gifty stores in Juneau, but most of us were not keen due to the rain.
Back in board for lunch and time for the Float Plane ride. WRONG! Cancelled because of the rain. Just as well really, as the mist is really low.
Coffee, chat, let’s go shopping again. This time t-shirts and books. Met up with some of the others and here is what they have done;
Tramway (like a gondola up a hill); walk in the bush (yuk, cold & wet); tour of Juneau and shopping.
When we had our get-together at 4 today numbers were a little low, so folk must still be out looking, or resting up ready for the Master Chefs dinner tonight. Our table is booked for 7.45pm. There’s a live show tonight, I guess it’s like a cabaret.
At 10.30pm the stores are open (the on-board stores are always closed when we are in port), so we are having a $15 Madness. Goodness knows what that is, but I guess I’ll be able to tell you later.
We’ll wake up in Skagway tomorrow and at 8.15am several of us are going on the White Pass Rail adventure. It’s an old train that clatters along tracks of old. Sounds like fun, hope it’s not still raining.
More later……….
Well, just getting to dinner was an expedition last night. Got way-laid at the piano bar. There we had to participate in the Chicken Dance & the Macarena (in my case, unaided by alcohol) before being shown to our tables. Very, VERY funny!
Dinner was fab – as usual. Little mushroom brioche, duck a la orange, followed by white chocolate chef hats filled with chocolate moose (I know!).
The waiting staff, mostly young Indonesian men, were part of the show. Very funny as they were mostly really embarrassed about cavorting around waving entrées and salads. Lots of fun.
Then it was back to the piano bar to trip the light fantastic for an hour. On the way back to our rooms we spotted the comedy show and sat in on the end of that. A1.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Not Men in Trees, but Quilters in Alaska
Today, our first ‘port’ day, was in Ketchikan. I looks just like ….., well, it looks just like Alaska. What’s that TV program? Well anyway, it looks like that. Most of the houses and buildings we saw today were wooden, painted blue, pink, green, red/brown, allsorts. There is really only a strip of buildings on each side of one street and then a few tucked up on the hills.
When I woke up this morning I thought things were very calm, opened the curtains and there were buildings, next thing a wharf appeared. But, what’s that up front, three other cruise liners and two of them BIGGER than us. We are on a modest vessel – not too big, not too small. Just like Goldilocks!
I had a view of the bridge and the Captain supervising things. Still took two goes to get the rope over the ‘sticky-uppy-thing’ that they tie up to. My brother the sailor will have a fit when he gets to read this.
Ketchican is bigger than I had expected, with a permanent population of 15,000. Lots & lots of jewellery stores, and I mean lots & lots. There’s the tourist part, then there’s the real part. Guess where we went? Well at least we saw the real bit as we sailed past it on our way out. (Men in trees, that’s what the TV program is called. On a bit late for me).
The weather in Ketchikan was postcard perfect. It didn’t even look like rain.
Some of the things we did today were; Float plane (stood out on pontoons, too); city tour; visited the totems; went to the quilt shop (yep, they’re just like sailors girlfriends, one in every port); road the funicular up to the lodge; shopped and all got back onboard by 2pm.
Lunch was still being served – just needed to top-up a little, then time to get things organized for tomorrow. Lunches can take an hour or more when there’s nothing urgent calling and with everything being done for us, there’s nothing urgent calling!
The Quilters of New Zealand group have the use of the Hudson Room between 4 & 5pm each day. This gives us the opportunity to ‘show & tell’ our purchases and just make sure that there are still 42 of us in the group.
Tonight I was invited to Cocktails with the Captain. La did a! Crow’s Nest, yep, 9th deck, all glass and amazing views. 7.30pm was still very light and there we were plowing our way through the ocean with all these mountains capped in snow around us. Unbelievable!
Entertainment was a string quartet. Champagne flowed. Life is tough.
Then it was downstairs for dinner. Over booking situation, so they took us upstairs. VERY nice! We were last out of the restaurant. Well done girls!
As I write this we are 658 nautical miles from Vancouver, and the Captain’s Log is showing that tomorrow, May 14th 2008, 4.39am sunrise, 9.17pm sunset. That’s a long day.
We arrive in Juneau at 7am and don’t leave till 10pm. Those that don’t have tours planned for tomorrow will meet in the Atrium at 10am and go………, yep, you guessed it, to the quilt store. In the afternoon I’m heading off for a Float Plane ride in the afternoon. Hope the weather holds.
Brenda enjoyed all the birthday wishes today. She must have had Happy Birthday sung to her at least three times, PLUS, she got a birthday card from the Captain. Isn’t that nice?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Higher Seas
Higher Seas!
As you can see, I didn’t get to post this yesterday. Being born in the 1950’s and not the 1960’s I can be somewhat challenged with Computer STUFF.
James, Internet & computer Guru has given me a Wireless card to use. First I had to set-up my very old laptop to do this wonderful activity. SO, last night, after dinner, I came back to my Stateroom (note, not cabin or room – every cabin is a Stateroom), had a shower, got my PJ’s on and settled down to install Wireless. Still can’t do it so am back off to the Explorers Lounge to see James.
Of course, by now I’ve slept – soooooooooooo well, had my breakfast delivered (it’s alright Barney your tea & toast reigns supreme), showered (couldn’t figure out the bath plug, but have conquered that now), am dressed and rearing to go.
The view out the window last night was fab, but this morning to just view ocean, ocean, ocean, but it does make it all a bit more real.
Our current position is 51 21.12’N, 128 51,86’W, seas are ‘gentle’ (this means we are rocking just enough to make the coat hangers in the wardrobe bang against the door). A little weird when you’re standing in the shower, but other than that just ‘rock the baby’ stuff.
Off to have my ‘puter lesson now.
Same day, several hours later –
The Laptop failed the lesson, not the operator. It’s too old to operate wireless properly. On ship you can’t download from a USB. I know that to several of you that’s wigwam talk, but I figure it means Useful Shiny Bit. Just try and prove me wrong.
So, what’s happened today?
Here are just some of the activities that various members of the group have got up to;
How to shop (yes, How to shop – go figure??); Bingo; Morning Tea; Tour of kitchen; Internet lessons; lunch; line dancing (too embarrassed for words on this one, but they said it was a hoot); Trivial Pursuit (lost to a team of Aussies – too embarrassed for words on this one too); pedicure; facial (x2); relaxing wrap in seaweed and foil, then a massage (too good for words); dinner; Broadway Show. I’m sure I’ve missed a few things.
These girls know how to get the best out of every situation.
The weather has ‘increased’. The ship has a less gentle roll. A few tummies have been rearranged. There’s been rain and the temperature was 8 degrees today, probably lower tonight.
Tomorrow when I (may vary for others) wake up we’ll be in Ketchikan. Salmon Capital of Alaska, situated in the Misty Fiords. Story has it that if you’re in Ketchikan for longer than an hour you’ll get rain. 162" is the average annual rainfall.
I’ll post this when we go ashore and add a bit more if I can.
Keep the Comments coming. I print them off and pass them out like telegrams at a 1970’s wedding. Glennys is winning the long distance prize so far. Her son sent greetings from the Swiss Alps.
As you can see, I didn’t get to post this yesterday. Being born in the 1950’s and not the 1960’s I can be somewhat challenged with Computer STUFF.
James, Internet & computer Guru has given me a Wireless card to use. First I had to set-up my very old laptop to do this wonderful activity. SO, last night, after dinner, I came back to my Stateroom (note, not cabin or room – every cabin is a Stateroom), had a shower, got my PJ’s on and settled down to install Wireless. Still can’t do it so am back off to the Explorers Lounge to see James.
Of course, by now I’ve slept – soooooooooooo well, had my breakfast delivered (it’s alright Barney your tea & toast reigns supreme), showered (couldn’t figure out the bath plug, but have conquered that now), am dressed and rearing to go.
The view out the window last night was fab, but this morning to just view ocean, ocean, ocean, but it does make it all a bit more real.
Our current position is 51 21.12’N, 128 51,86’W, seas are ‘gentle’ (this means we are rocking just enough to make the coat hangers in the wardrobe bang against the door). A little weird when you’re standing in the shower, but other than that just ‘rock the baby’ stuff.
Off to have my ‘puter lesson now.
Same day, several hours later –
The Laptop failed the lesson, not the operator. It’s too old to operate wireless properly. On ship you can’t download from a USB. I know that to several of you that’s wigwam talk, but I figure it means Useful Shiny Bit. Just try and prove me wrong.
So, what’s happened today?
Here are just some of the activities that various members of the group have got up to;
How to shop (yes, How to shop – go figure??); Bingo; Morning Tea; Tour of kitchen; Internet lessons; lunch; line dancing (too embarrassed for words on this one, but they said it was a hoot); Trivial Pursuit (lost to a team of Aussies – too embarrassed for words on this one too); pedicure; facial (x2); relaxing wrap in seaweed and foil, then a massage (too good for words); dinner; Broadway Show. I’m sure I’ve missed a few things.
These girls know how to get the best out of every situation.
The weather has ‘increased’. The ship has a less gentle roll. A few tummies have been rearranged. There’s been rain and the temperature was 8 degrees today, probably lower tonight.
Tomorrow when I (may vary for others) wake up we’ll be in Ketchikan. Salmon Capital of Alaska, situated in the Misty Fiords. Story has it that if you’re in Ketchikan for longer than an hour you’ll get rain. 162" is the average annual rainfall.
I’ll post this when we go ashore and add a bit more if I can.
Keep the Comments coming. I print them off and pass them out like telegrams at a 1970’s wedding. Glennys is winning the long distance prize so far. Her son sent greetings from the Swiss Alps.
High Seas
High Seas.
Up bright and early this morning – bags out at 6.30am. The bag count is now up to 75, yes, 75. Your nearest & dearest has either taken the smaller suitcase out of the larger one, OR, bought another one!
This incredible number of pieces of luggage was not a thing of joy and amusement to the bus driver we had this morning. In fact, it seemed to put scales on his liver! Boy, did he ever mump & grump as he loaded the bus. Being the wonderful women that we are, we had whipped around for a tip for his hard work. Got to tell you that after his rude comments we did not give him a penny!
The drive out to Calgary Airport is only ‘aboat’ 20 mins, so just long enough to give everyone the final rundown on bags, tags etc.
Check in at Air Canada was a breeze. Finally a Group check-in desk with an operator, Kim, who knew what she was doing. No silly weighing of bags, just tag ‘em and put them on the conveyor! Several people were slightly nervous of what weight their bags might have been, but no worries.
I made my way down to the Brewster office. They are the Canadian Tour Company that we have been travelling with. I filled in a complaint form about Mr Grump, while one of the Travellers filled in a claim for a broken bag. Joy, joy, joy!
Strapped in, on the plane, ready for the seat belt lecture and what did we get? Well, we got a special welcome. Of course today is Mother’s Day here, so we were all greeted for that, but then the ‘Quilters of New Zealand’ received a special greeting too. The delight was having it in English, then in French.
Smooth flight, easy landing – after all we were just sitting there! Uplifted 75 pieces of luggage, PLUS hand luggage, and outside to meet the coach.
Commentary from Sabina as we drove through to Canada Place and voile` - there’s this BIG white cruise ship in front of us. Very impressive.
We all off loaded and joined the first queue of the cruise. Two cruises are departing today so around 3,000 passengers and all of the hangers-on that go with it. Big long zig-zag of passengers. Then through the first checkpoint to sort out the North Americans from the Rest. The Rest, had to sit for an hour or so and wait to proceed, in groups of about 40, through Immigration. Then the next queue (much more exciting) was Boarding. Here we were issued with our On-board I.D. cards.
(Imagine a fanfare now) Up the gangway and, ta da, we’re on! Mad rush to check out the cabins, unpack and then time for Lifeboat drill at 4.15pm. There we all are standing at our respective lifeboat stations for Roll Call. Damn Photographers everywhere.
With much chiming of bells it was chucks away (or whatever the nautical equivalent is). Sliding gently away from the berth, in no time at all we were going under the Loins Gate Bridge.
As I write this, we are ‘purring’ along just nicely, with mountains & islands out the windows. I have a window, not a porthole. It’s square, not round. There’s still snow up on the tops, but the weather is magnificent. Clear, clean & sunny. We are suffering a bit from the long daylight hours. Oh for an early night!
Tomorrow is an ‘at sea’ day. I’m having a spa treatment in the afternoon, but I’m sure a sleep-in is called for.
Keep the Comments coming. We love them.
Ps, we’ll be keeping an eye out for pirates and mermaids! Might be more likely to see floating logs and seaweed.
Up bright and early this morning – bags out at 6.30am. The bag count is now up to 75, yes, 75. Your nearest & dearest has either taken the smaller suitcase out of the larger one, OR, bought another one!
This incredible number of pieces of luggage was not a thing of joy and amusement to the bus driver we had this morning. In fact, it seemed to put scales on his liver! Boy, did he ever mump & grump as he loaded the bus. Being the wonderful women that we are, we had whipped around for a tip for his hard work. Got to tell you that after his rude comments we did not give him a penny!
The drive out to Calgary Airport is only ‘aboat’ 20 mins, so just long enough to give everyone the final rundown on bags, tags etc.
Check in at Air Canada was a breeze. Finally a Group check-in desk with an operator, Kim, who knew what she was doing. No silly weighing of bags, just tag ‘em and put them on the conveyor! Several people were slightly nervous of what weight their bags might have been, but no worries.
I made my way down to the Brewster office. They are the Canadian Tour Company that we have been travelling with. I filled in a complaint form about Mr Grump, while one of the Travellers filled in a claim for a broken bag. Joy, joy, joy!
Strapped in, on the plane, ready for the seat belt lecture and what did we get? Well, we got a special welcome. Of course today is Mother’s Day here, so we were all greeted for that, but then the ‘Quilters of New Zealand’ received a special greeting too. The delight was having it in English, then in French.
Smooth flight, easy landing – after all we were just sitting there! Uplifted 75 pieces of luggage, PLUS hand luggage, and outside to meet the coach.
Commentary from Sabina as we drove through to Canada Place and voile` - there’s this BIG white cruise ship in front of us. Very impressive.
We all off loaded and joined the first queue of the cruise. Two cruises are departing today so around 3,000 passengers and all of the hangers-on that go with it. Big long zig-zag of passengers. Then through the first checkpoint to sort out the North Americans from the Rest. The Rest, had to sit for an hour or so and wait to proceed, in groups of about 40, through Immigration. Then the next queue (much more exciting) was Boarding. Here we were issued with our On-board I.D. cards.
(Imagine a fanfare now) Up the gangway and, ta da, we’re on! Mad rush to check out the cabins, unpack and then time for Lifeboat drill at 4.15pm. There we all are standing at our respective lifeboat stations for Roll Call. Damn Photographers everywhere.
With much chiming of bells it was chucks away (or whatever the nautical equivalent is). Sliding gently away from the berth, in no time at all we were going under the Loins Gate Bridge.
As I write this, we are ‘purring’ along just nicely, with mountains & islands out the windows. I have a window, not a porthole. It’s square, not round. There’s still snow up on the tops, but the weather is magnificent. Clear, clean & sunny. We are suffering a bit from the long daylight hours. Oh for an early night!
Tomorrow is an ‘at sea’ day. I’m having a spa treatment in the afternoon, but I’m sure a sleep-in is called for.
Keep the Comments coming. We love them.
Ps, we’ll be keeping an eye out for pirates and mermaids! Might be more likely to see floating logs and seaweed.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Calgary Stampede!
There is nothing dignified about 41 women rushing to be first of the bus at a quilt store. There is even less dignity in watching them waddle back to the bus with their purchases. What fun we have had today.
No fire alarms last night – thank goodness – so at our start this morning we were all slightly more alert.
Driving from
As were drove along this morning I read out the messages we have been sent so far. Thinking of home and hearing the Mother’s Days wishes was a bit of a tear jerker. We ALL appreciated the thoughts that were sent.
First stop Freckles quilt store. Janet & Terri welcomed us into their fabulous store. Lots of wonderful designs, fabulous fabrics and a really well laid out store. There were eight ladies trying to participate in a Saturday Sampler class, but I think they were very entertained. Several of us handed friendship squares lot of Kiwiana fabrics and other little token that we had bought with us.
Our lunch stop was fun. Tradition Pastimes is an interesting little shop with a big heart. Ronnie, a New Zealander, had been invited to be at the store today to meet with us. She has lived her for 15 years and returns home often. The crazy thing was that when she had been starting her District Nursing training she had worked with one of our group in Tokoroa. Small, small world. Lunch was catered by the Lazy Loaf & Kettle next-door. Great grub, probably more than we needed, but it was good.
My Sewing Room was our next stop. Listed as
Early start tomorrow as we head back to
More later.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Playing Ladies!
Well, have we got stuff to tell you since yesterday.
At around 1am there was a power cut – the whole village of Banff. We were, of course, asleep! But not for long. Alarms, sirens, flashing lights. The whole works. This lasted for just long enough to throw clothes on and grab the torch.
Then, silence. There was a lot of noise out in the hallway – it was filled with twittering quilters. Back into bed and off it goes again & again & again! This went on for….. well, it felt like an hour, but it probably wasn’t. Maybe 30 minutes. Turns out they couldn’t reset the alarm and had to call out an electrician from 15 min away.
This morning saw many red eyes. BUT the bonus was waking to a clear day in a village covered with snow. Just like a Christmas card.
In the bus and off around town to see the sights. We drove by the Hot Springs; saw the residential part of town then up Sulphur Mountain to ride the gondola. Another jaw-drop event. Sulphur Mountain is 7,486 ft above sea level and has 360 degree views. From the Observation Deck it measured 12,262km to Wellington.
Down the mountain with the sun beaming through. Our next stop was Bow River Falls. These falls are bubbly and broad in contrast to Athebasca being steep.
After a brief stop at the gardens (covered in snow, but beautiful) it was on to the Fairmont Banff Hotel for High Tea. Built in the late 1800’s it dominates the area. Have a look at their website, it’s wonderful. The views from the Rundle Lounge are truly incredible and we really enjoyed our tea, salmon rolls, ginger & carrot sandwiches, petite fois and scones. An occasion to remember. Several ladies (and I say that quite tongue-in-cheek) had their photos taken with Anthony, a kilted African-American gentleman!
From there it was onto Sugar Pine Quilts to flex the credit cards. A wonderful shop with great staff.
We’ve just returned from dinner at the Irish Pub, I have had Guinness Pie. Yum!
Tomorrow the bags have to be out at 8am and it’s onto Calgary.
At around 1am there was a power cut – the whole village of Banff. We were, of course, asleep! But not for long. Alarms, sirens, flashing lights. The whole works. This lasted for just long enough to throw clothes on and grab the torch.
Then, silence. There was a lot of noise out in the hallway – it was filled with twittering quilters. Back into bed and off it goes again & again & again! This went on for….. well, it felt like an hour, but it probably wasn’t. Maybe 30 minutes. Turns out they couldn’t reset the alarm and had to call out an electrician from 15 min away.
This morning saw many red eyes. BUT the bonus was waking to a clear day in a village covered with snow. Just like a Christmas card.
In the bus and off around town to see the sights. We drove by the Hot Springs; saw the residential part of town then up Sulphur Mountain to ride the gondola. Another jaw-drop event. Sulphur Mountain is 7,486 ft above sea level and has 360 degree views. From the Observation Deck it measured 12,262km to Wellington.
Down the mountain with the sun beaming through. Our next stop was Bow River Falls. These falls are bubbly and broad in contrast to Athebasca being steep.
After a brief stop at the gardens (covered in snow, but beautiful) it was on to the Fairmont Banff Hotel for High Tea. Built in the late 1800’s it dominates the area. Have a look at their website, it’s wonderful. The views from the Rundle Lounge are truly incredible and we really enjoyed our tea, salmon rolls, ginger & carrot sandwiches, petite fois and scones. An occasion to remember. Several ladies (and I say that quite tongue-in-cheek) had their photos taken with Anthony, a kilted African-American gentleman!
From there it was onto Sugar Pine Quilts to flex the credit cards. A wonderful shop with great staff.
We’ve just returned from dinner at the Irish Pub, I have had Guinness Pie. Yum!
Tomorrow the bags have to be out at 8am and it’s onto Calgary.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Snow-time in the Rockies
Okay, so I bragged about a tiny amount of snow when we were leaving Lac le Jeune, well today the weather really showed us what snow was.
We woke to light flurries this morning and it has just kept on falling ever since. On roads built to withstand just about anything, we headed through the Canadian Rockies. The snowfall was so heavy ‘up top’ that there was no ‘up top’! Our views were somewhat restricted, but not one complaint. Every kilometer the views just got better.
First stop, Athabasca Falls. Wow! Click, click went the cameras. These falls are spectacular, not because of the volume or height, but their beauty. The water crashes down two levels and then into a pool that must be incredibly deep, because from there it just flows along. The narrow pass is only 20 – 30mt wide. Just fab. It helped too, that the fir trees were just dripping with fresh snow. Time to build a snowman, too.
Our next stop was made at Columbia Icefield. Unfortunately with visibility so low there was little point riding the Ice Explorer up onto the field. Still, an interesting stop and I was lucky enough to purchase a Mosquito Trap. I’m very pleased with my purchase. The setting instruction sheet tells me that if I catch enough I can make a fur coat from them. Super!
Then it was onto Lake Louise – still iced up and likely to stay that way for at least another month. More mountains, rocks, fir trees and snow, but again the peace and tranquility just great.
Of course the Fairmont Hotel at Lake Louise is a wonderful backdrop for photos too. At $400 Canadian per night for a Single room, we all decided to move on.
So here we are in Banff. In fact, we’re here for two nights, so a chance to do some washing and relax a little. The whole village is blanketed in snow and it all looks very ‘postcard’. It’s one of the few times that I’ve seen a hotel post card actually look like the hotel. The snow is still falling, so let’s hope we can still partake in the planned activities tomorrow.
Tomorrow we’ll be exploring the area and heading for a little surprise in the afternoon.
Okay, so I bragged about a tiny amount of snow when we were leaving Lac le Jeune, well today the weather really showed us what snow was.
We woke to light flurries this morning and it has just kept on falling ever since. On roads built to withstand just about anything, we headed through the Canadian Rockies. The snowfall was so heavy ‘up top’ that there was no ‘up top’! Our views were somewhat restricted, but not one complaint. Every kilometer the views just got better.
First stop, Athabasca Falls. Wow! Click, click went the cameras. These falls are spectacular, not because of the volume or height, but their beauty. The water crashes down two levels and then into a pool that must be incredibly deep, because from there it just flows along. The narrow pass is only 20 – 30mt wide. Just fab. It helped too, that the fir trees were just dripping with fresh snow. Time to build a snowman, too.
Our next stop was made at Columbia Icefield. Unfortunately with visibility so low there was little point riding the Ice Explorer up onto the field. Still, an interesting stop and I was lucky enough to purchase a Mosquito Trap. I’m very pleased with my purchase. The setting instruction sheet tells me that if I catch enough I can make a fur coat from them. Super!
Then it was onto Lake Louise – still iced up and likely to stay that way for at least another month. More mountains, rocks, fir trees and snow, but again the peace and tranquility just great.
Of course the Fairmont Hotel at Lake Louise is a wonderful backdrop for photos too. At $400 Canadian per night for a Single room, we all decided to move on.
So here we are in Banff. In fact, we’re here for two nights, so a chance to do some washing and relax a little. The whole village is blanketed in snow and it all looks very ‘postcard’. It’s one of the few times that I’ve seen a hotel post card actually look like the hotel. The snow is still falling, so let’s hope we can still partake in the planned activities tomorrow.
Tomorrow we’ll be exploring the area and heading for a little surprise in the afternoon.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Rockie Mountain High
After leaving Lac Le Jeune this morning we headed into snow. Just a few flurries, but snow!
Through the Cascade Mountains we traveled, stopping Dutch Lake for lunch. This whole region is closed off for the winter months, but is just springing to life now. Dutch Lake was idyllic. Just a few lodges, the cafe and the lake. There's a little paddle steamer that you can take a 30 minute ride on.
Our next mountain range were the Rockies. Snow was falling up at a level from where we were and the outside temperature was falling at a great rate. Down to 2 at one stage.
Mount Robson National Park was our afternoon break stop. No Mt Robson in sight, but still nice to have a break. The cloud was all a bit too low for seeing the top of this majestic mountain.
The next part of our journey, onto Jasper, gave us more iced-over lakes and rivers, PLUS, bears, moose, deer and an owl.
Tonight we have wandered Jasper - a rail town with a population of around 4500 - and not much else. I seem to recall that John Denver once mentioned it in a song, so maybe my expectations were higher.
Walking back from town there are deer walking around the streets, pruning the hedges.
We're told to expect at least 25cm of snow overnight and maybe road closures!
Through the Cascade Mountains we traveled, stopping Dutch Lake for lunch. This whole region is closed off for the winter months, but is just springing to life now. Dutch Lake was idyllic. Just a few lodges, the cafe and the lake. There's a little paddle steamer that you can take a 30 minute ride on.
Our next mountain range were the Rockies. Snow was falling up at a level from where we were and the outside temperature was falling at a great rate. Down to 2 at one stage.
Mount Robson National Park was our afternoon break stop. No Mt Robson in sight, but still nice to have a break. The cloud was all a bit too low for seeing the top of this majestic mountain.
The next part of our journey, onto Jasper, gave us more iced-over lakes and rivers, PLUS, bears, moose, deer and an owl.
Tonight we have wandered Jasper - a rail town with a population of around 4500 - and not much else. I seem to recall that John Denver once mentioned it in a song, so maybe my expectations were higher.
Walking back from town there are deer walking around the streets, pruning the hedges.
We're told to expect at least 25cm of snow overnight and maybe road closures!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
From Vancouver
On the road and loving it! What a fabulous day we’ve had for our first real day on tour.
After driving through Stanley Park we headed out through North Vancouver. A light fog this morning, but it just made the islands look slightly more magical. Condominiums seem to be tucked into all sorts of places and Fred, our driver/guide, told us that Vancouver was second only to New York in population density for North America.
Pine trees, mountains and water were our main view for the first hour, then as we headed up into the mountains the water was replaced by snow. Through the Coastal Mountains and on into the Cascades has been a wonderful drive. Thank goodness for digital pictures – we were just clicking way. I’ve deleted all the blurry tree shots, so have some great pictures to try and post here later.
Whistler was our lunch stop today. Even though the snow in the village has already melted there is still skiing up the mountain.
A few of us took the gondola lift up to the second ski point. Wonderful views. It’s very pretty to have firs and snow together, something we don’t see a lot at home.
From Whistler we spent two hours trailing through the river valleys with snow right down to road level. Again, much clicking of cameras.
After a very brief stop at Lillooet – with a great little Museum that had a 1811 sampler worked by a nine year old – we were back on the road heading for Lac le Jeune, via Kamloops. We have spent a lot of time driving through ‘First Nations’ land, but I can’t believe they live here in the snow, because the housing looks quite basic.
Today has been one of contrast. Mountains covered with fir trees, rocky outcrops with fir trees and snow, mountains – huge great things – with snow and a few trees, then granite cliffs, schist, dry flat valleys that are heavily irrigated to a false green.
And now, we’re at Lac le Jeune where 95%of the lake is ice and the firs are right down to lake-level. No TV, no phones – heaven!
Tonight we've met with Myrna Geisbrecht, wow! Check out her Blog and Website. Her work is free and inspiring - texture, shape & form. Most of us have come away feeling that we want to get home and chop up finished quilts and remake them!
Tomorrow it's on to Jasper, Alberta.
After driving through Stanley Park we headed out through North Vancouver. A light fog this morning, but it just made the islands look slightly more magical. Condominiums seem to be tucked into all sorts of places and Fred, our driver/guide, told us that Vancouver was second only to New York in population density for North America.
Pine trees, mountains and water were our main view for the first hour, then as we headed up into the mountains the water was replaced by snow. Through the Coastal Mountains and on into the Cascades has been a wonderful drive. Thank goodness for digital pictures – we were just clicking way. I’ve deleted all the blurry tree shots, so have some great pictures to try and post here later.
Whistler was our lunch stop today. Even though the snow in the village has already melted there is still skiing up the mountain.
A few of us took the gondola lift up to the second ski point. Wonderful views. It’s very pretty to have firs and snow together, something we don’t see a lot at home.
From Whistler we spent two hours trailing through the river valleys with snow right down to road level. Again, much clicking of cameras.
After a very brief stop at Lillooet – with a great little Museum that had a 1811 sampler worked by a nine year old – we were back on the road heading for Lac le Jeune, via Kamloops. We have spent a lot of time driving through ‘First Nations’ land, but I can’t believe they live here in the snow, because the housing looks quite basic.
Today has been one of contrast. Mountains covered with fir trees, rocky outcrops with fir trees and snow, mountains – huge great things – with snow and a few trees, then granite cliffs, schist, dry flat valleys that are heavily irrigated to a false green.
And now, we’re at Lac le Jeune where 95%of the lake is ice and the firs are right down to lake-level. No TV, no phones – heaven!
Tonight we've met with Myrna Geisbrecht, wow! Check out her Blog and Website. Her work is free and inspiring - texture, shape & form. Most of us have come away feeling that we want to get home and chop up finished quilts and remake them!
Tomorrow it's on to Jasper, Alberta.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Okay, so I've already posted today, but sitting around in the bar, yes, in the bar, the stories have started to flow.
The group that went to Vancouver Island have just returned. One of them, unknowingly, has taken a fabulous, up-close, picture of a bear with a salmon in it's mouth. Only trouble is, she accidentally had the camera pointed at a travel brochure at the time.
Seems like they have had a magnificent time at the Butchart Gardens and have really enjoyed their time exploring Victoria. The Christmas Shop was a big hit.
Best I head for bed before too many more tales are told.
The group that went to Vancouver Island have just returned. One of them, unknowingly, has taken a fabulous, up-close, picture of a bear with a salmon in it's mouth. Only trouble is, she accidentally had the camera pointed at a travel brochure at the time.
Seems like they have had a magnificent time at the Butchart Gardens and have really enjoyed their time exploring Victoria. The Christmas Shop was a big hit.
Best I head for bed before too many more tales are told.
End of another day......
What an eventful time we're having.
One Traveller picked up the wrong suitcase at the airport - a swap occurred at 2.30am; two quilters where lost at a Skytrain station this afternoon - but the sun is shining and all is well.
Today we visited The Cloth Shop and all purchased at least one item; then it was back Downtown. After lunch we rode the trains, ferries, buses all on the one $7.00 pass. What great value these passes are.
Tomorrow we head through Whistler on our way to Lac Le Juene.
More then,
Lesley
One Traveller picked up the wrong suitcase at the airport - a swap occurred at 2.30am; two quilters where lost at a Skytrain station this afternoon - but the sun is shining and all is well.
Today we visited The Cloth Shop and all purchased at least one item; then it was back Downtown. After lunch we rode the trains, ferries, buses all on the one $7.00 pass. What great value these passes are.
Tomorrow we head through Whistler on our way to Lac Le Juene.
More then,
Lesley
Vancouver
Hello again.
Yesterday - Sunday - we arrived in beautiful Vancouver. The mountains are still snow-capped with everything looking lush and springy!
The drive in from the airport, through the suburbs, gives you a feel for the place. Heaps of construction underway as they prepare the city for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The underground rail will then take you from the Airport to Downtown.
Five minutes after we arrived at the Hotel 30 of us headed to the Dr Sen Yat-Sun Classical Chinese Gardens. A lovely tranquil spot after the hum of the plane. Richard our guide was very entertaining as he told the philosophy that encompasses Chinese buildings and life.
The best of the cherry blossoms have gone, but the magnolia and azalea are fabulous.
Today 15 of the group are on tour to the Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. They will be gone all day. Another small group will go to Grouse Mountain and the Capillano Suspension Bridge (not for me).
The rest of us are hitting the shops.
Till next time,
Lesley
Yesterday - Sunday - we arrived in beautiful Vancouver. The mountains are still snow-capped with everything looking lush and springy!
The drive in from the airport, through the suburbs, gives you a feel for the place. Heaps of construction underway as they prepare the city for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The underground rail will then take you from the Airport to Downtown.
Five minutes after we arrived at the Hotel 30 of us headed to the Dr Sen Yat-Sun Classical Chinese Gardens. A lovely tranquil spot after the hum of the plane. Richard our guide was very entertaining as he told the philosophy that encompasses Chinese buildings and life.
The best of the cherry blossoms have gone, but the magnolia and azalea are fabulous.
Today 15 of the group are on tour to the Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. They will be gone all day. Another small group will go to Grouse Mountain and the Capillano Suspension Bridge (not for me).
The rest of us are hitting the shops.
Till next time,
Lesley
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Countdown
The bags are packed, the tickets & passport in the document wallet and it's nearly D-day.
After over 250 hours of research and planning my quilter's tour, North to Alaska, will depart Auckland, for Vancouver, on Sunday May 4th.
There are 41 fabulous women joining me in what we hope will be the journey of a lifetime. This will be my third Quilter's Tour and probably the most exciting yet.
Follow this Blog for a Journal tracking across British Columbia and on into Alberta.
From there you can follow our adventure back to Vancouver and then as we board the Holland America's ms Zaandam, for an eight day cruise up to Seward.
I'll try to keep this as up to date as possible, especially when we visit Anchorage, Fairbanks and North Pole. Mr & Mrs Claus are eagerly awaiting our visit.
After over 250 hours of research and planning my quilter's tour, North to Alaska, will depart Auckland, for Vancouver, on Sunday May 4th.
There are 41 fabulous women joining me in what we hope will be the journey of a lifetime. This will be my third Quilter's Tour and probably the most exciting yet.
Follow this Blog for a Journal tracking across British Columbia and on into Alberta.
From there you can follow our adventure back to Vancouver and then as we board the Holland America's ms Zaandam, for an eight day cruise up to Seward.
I'll try to keep this as up to date as possible, especially when we visit Anchorage, Fairbanks and North Pole. Mr & Mrs Claus are eagerly awaiting our visit.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Quilter's on Tour 2008
Welcome to my Quilter's Tour 2008 Blog.
Travel with my group of 41 Quilter's while we venture to Vancouver and beyond. Hear about our Alaskan cruise too.
Travel with my group of 41 Quilter's while we venture to Vancouver and beyond. Hear about our Alaskan cruise too.
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