9/18/22 - ALASKA CRUISE - Holland America Westerdam

We arrived in Seattle a few days early for this cruise to spend some time with son Scott and his family in Kingston and Mary K flew to San Francisco at the end of our vacation to visit with her son, Tom and his friend, Di.  We'll talk about our families at the end of our blog on the Alaska Cruise under Family Stuff.  Some of it will be of interest only to our friends and families so feel free to skip it or follow us if you're interested in the Seattle/Kitsap Peninsula area and San Francisco -- there will be plenty of pictures!

ALASKA CRUISE - Day 1 - 9/18/22

The two of us took the Bainbridge ferry to Seattle, got a cab and traveled along the waterfront to the Westerdam.  

If you've never taken a ferry in Seattle, be sure to give it a try.  It's inexpensive, restful and the views are amazing.

During the embarkation process, we (of course) had to present our form showing covid shots and boosters and also our proof of covid testing 2 days prior to the trip.  Embarkation went smoothly and we were quickly on-board,  Our balcony cabin was at the very front of the ship but we were quickly able to change it to a like cabin toward the rear of the ship,  This was one of the last ships to Alaska for the season so there was plenty of room to make changes.

Yes, on this seven day cruise, we only packed one carry-on suitcase each. On an early blog, we demonstrated our technique for traveling lightly.  Normally, we pack for warm weather destinations, so one carry-on is pretty easy.  This trip, we had to scour our closets and dressers for turtlenecks, sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets and fit them all in one small suitcase!  As you can see, we were determined!  

Our first stop was to the top deck for the best view leaving port and, of course, our first drink of the day .... a pina colada!

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Every cruise has it’s “sail away” party, on deck, with singing, dancing, food and refreshments!  

Another cute deck server in her Alaska flannel shirt and suspenders. 

We always enjoy meeting the many fun passengers on our cruise!  Cruisers are the happiest people!

One of our very attentive and friendly deck servers! 

 

Anna

 

Our first dinner in the dining room.

 

And a view from our balcony

Exploring the ship, with a stop at Lincoln Center Stage

The Theater

The Spa

An always mandatory stop at the casino…where we spotted this lucky slots winner!

Topped the night off with our favorite late night entertainment, B.B.King’s All Stars!

Day 2 - 9/19/22 - At  Sea

 

Today is a day At Sea, so, as we often do on cruise sea days, we ordered breakfast in our cabin. Breakfast on our balcony is such a relaxing pleasure. A time to meditate, with the splash of waves and morning sky.

 

Back to the top deck and the beautiful views and meeting more new cruise friends!

Kathi and the girls

Ellen

Sherry

Penny Sue and Tim

                                                                                

Can't miss the ship's deck sale!

 

Met this delightful couple with their “children”!  They take the “kids” everywhere! 

 

Lunch in the Lido Market buffet…

Meeting up with our fellow passengers to plan our Juneau jaunt!  Some of our new friends had taken this cruise before so we appreciated their tips on what to do in Juneau.

 

Dinner with a view!

And off to our nightly entertainment….

 

DAY 3 - 9/20/22 - Scenic Cruising Stephens Passage and Juneau

This cruise sailed up the Inside Passage and we were able to see shoreline on both sides of the water.  (see photo taken in dining room).  What a lovely way to see Alaska.  

Our first stop was Juneau

and we docked right in town.  Met up, for a stroll and a beer, with our new friends, Gary and Tim from Seattle who will be moving soon to Costa Rica.  Good luck, you two!  Their planning for this move was really thorough and we can imagine their wonderful life in the tropics.

We got back to the ship just before the skies opened and the downpour began! (Well, we did get caught in a little rain …check out the hair). 

An early show with comedian, Kirk Smith. 

Turning in early so we can rise and shine!  We’re excited to get the best views of Hubbard Glacier! 

Day 4 - 9/21/22 - Hubbard Glacier 

We were so lucky to be on this smaller ship -- the Captain was able to circle the glacier 3 times and we were close enough to hear the crackling of the ice -- even a couple of ice splashes in the water.

Up to the Crow’s Nest for a bird’s eye view and hot bean soup.

We've taken so many Caribbean cruises and it was amazing to see ice chunks in the water from our balcony.  Time for room service to deliver hot chocolate!

That’s how happy these sisters are to be here!  Haha!

                    Day 5- 9/22/22 - Sitka

Early morning coffee and a light breakfast on the deck for the best view approaching Sitka. 

View from our balcony 

A perfect mocha latte! 

Great chowder at Dangerously Delicious Crab & Chowder! 

                        Day 6 - 9/23/22 - Ketchikan

Early morning approaching Ketchikan …

Creek Street 

Salmon jumping 

A fond farewell to Ketchikan … our favorite Alaskan port!

Back on board….

A stop at one of the ship’s shop featuring these beautiful handbags.

 

A quick look at towel folding demonstration. 

We heard about an activity, on board, we’ve never seen on any other cruise…..a jewelry fashion show!  They were serving champagne, so, we looked at each other and said…Let’s go!  

Our final dinner in the dining room. Always delicious! 

Yikes! Those are stacks of entrées!  These waiters need a raise! 

Back to B. B. Kings for a night of great music! 

Day 7 - 9/24/22 - Victoria, British Columbia

Our last port, on our last night, was Victoria, British Columbia. Unfortunately, we arrived at 8:00 PM and set sail at 11:30 PM. We, and most passengers, decided to stay onboard.  This was a crazy stop at that time of night....we didn't get off the ship and took a couple of night pictures from our balcony.

 

We've already traveled to Victoria so if you'd like to see pictures taken during the day. check out the directory (right side of page).  It's a beautiful city and a shame that the ship had to dock at such a strange time.  We were told if a ship travels to Alaska, the Canadian government insists they must stop at a Canadian port and we all had to fill out Canada's paperwork even though we didn't get off the ship!

Next stop…Seattle! 

 

Next is the section we mentioned at the beginning of our blog -- pictures of our family but also some great pictures of the areas in which our "kids" live.  Feel free to check it out.

FAMILY STUFF - SEATTLE/KINGSTON

Kingston (on the Kitsap Peninsula) is where Peggy and Dick's son Scott lives with his family.  They have a beautiful home overlooking the Puget Sound....we tried to spot their house when we were leaving Seattle on the Westerdam but no luck.  However, Scott face-timed us when we were leaving and saw our black and white cruise ship.

The three of us flew from Florida to Seattle on 9/14 and were driven directly to our "home away from home", the Poulsbo Inn -- a short distance from Scott's house in Kingston.

One September trip was planned to celebrate both of our kids' birthdays....Nicki on the 26th and Scott on the 27th.  Nicki and grandson Lincoln were scheduled to fly from Gainesville, FL to Seattle on 9/28  and a big birthday party was planned,  

Our first glitch occurred when -- halfway through our airline flight to Seattle, Scott called and said he tested positive for Covid,  Oh, oh.....that meant days of sickness and isolation, but we'd all cope with it -- the party wasn't scheduled until the 28th.

Our next glitch happened when Hurricane Ian drove through the Gulf Coast of Florida and directly over Gainesville and Orlando -- no flights going out from the Airport on 9/28!  Poof goes the party,

On the plus side, Mary K and I were able to go on our pre-planned Holland America Alaska cruise, Dick kept himself busy at the Clearwater Casino while Scott was in isolation, Scott got through Covid and Nicki and Lincoln were safe in Gainesville.  We counted our blessings.

When Scott tested negative several times, we all got together at his favorite coffee shop in Poulsbo.

Scott is a regular at this Hot Shots Coffee Shop in Poulsbo -- they even have his picture on a cash register

Our second stop was to Scott and Kristina's beautiful home in Kingston -- up a long, long one lane road with lots of switchbacks through the trees and beautiful growth,  They drive this road like Nascar heroes ... Dick and I have driven it like 2 old people on tricycles!

But that view!!!

We spent lots of time at the Clearwater Casino with Scott and grandson Jack...of course watching the Seahawks game on the big screen.

That shuttle bus is important for us -- they'll pick us up at the Poulsbo Inn and they'll also take us back to the Inn,  The dispatchers and drivers are wonderful and we look forward to seeing them every year.

We were able to get together with Scott's family for a birthday dinner complete with salmon and steak.

 

This silver bowl from Aunt Mary was one of Scott's favorite gifts.  He believes in daily meditation and this bowl will hold his candles.

  

Meditation is important to him and he has a special room in his home....

Scott is now in the process of having a book on meditations published -- and it's absolutely beautiful.  We'll keep you informed on our blog or drop us a note if you'd like more information.  

And I'm popping this gorgeous original painting of Kristina in this spot because she's been an inspiration to him for his book.

More birthday party photos....

It's all about Family....we love you!

FAMILY STUFF - SAN FRANCISCO 

Mary K…..with my son, Tom and his friend Di. 

My final destination on our almost month long vacation was a flight from Seattle to San Francisco to spend a wonderful long weekend with my son, Tom, Di and Amelia! 

Tommy and Di are experienced foodies so I was treated to an array of special restaurants with scrumptious food delights! 

Tom (I often still call him Tommy, so I use both names in this blog), Di and their adorable rag doll kitty, Amelia live in a lovely apartment in San Francisco. This entire San Francisco trip was a very special birthday gift!  

They had some special treats planned for our days together! Tom rented a car (their usual mode of transportation is scooters, as well as Ubers, and lots of walking). After comfortably settling in, we drive to Chinatown and a SF famous restaurant, R & G Lounge. 

That’s a lot of delicious food, especially the whole fried crab!  

Play time with Amelia. She’s a very talented kitty…she high fives and shakes. 

Tom and Di had just returned from a French destination wedding trip and, I was anxious to see the creative video Di put together of their trip!  

Next evening….Mom and Son (our tradition for many years) fancy dinner together. Tom chose The Angler! Marvelous location, food, service, decor. A real culinary treat! 

I remembered to save room for desserts…coconut sorbet and amazing chocolate cream heath bar!

Our servers were top-notch! And the food, of course, amazing! 

One of my favorite short trips to take whenever I visit Tom is the Napa Valley wine country!  So for my last full day of my visit, we drove to Napa!

Tom arranged wine tasting at two beautiful properties.

First up….Pine Ridge Vineyards.

 Delicious wine…and lots of it!….

Time for a late lunch…at Farmstead…

A drive through Napa Valley, and, and an ice cream stop in town…
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Napa Valley

And on to our last wine tasting … actually sparkling wine at Mumm’s Winery. 

A relaxing way to end an awesome day!

  

Back to San Francisco and getting ready to fly back to Seattle to meet Peggy and Dick to fly home.  

One last early morning breakfast. at The Wooden Spoon,  before I Uber to the airport 

An awesome and special  birthday gift!  Thank you!❤️