Hello everyone. I have been absent for a while, life was just to busy. I also went to Alaska and it was FANTASTIC. Every time I go (this is #3) I fall deeper in love with this magical place. I'm seriously thinking of moving here when I retire. I took about 800 pictures in one week, expected to do more but the weather slowed down my shutter finger. Digital is so much fun!

I'll say there is no better way if possible to go places than a cruise. The hotel room moves with you. No worries about reservations or finding a room as you wander from town to town. No worries about getting gas, catching a flight, reading a map, or packing and repacking. No worries on finding a place to eat. A very nice experience. Could not have been more relaxing.

Alaska though has its share of storms and this trip saw mostly cloudy skies with little rain. The little rain was the photography bonus. We did skip a stop though because of high winds and 25 foot waves.
Normally Alaskan waters especially in the inside passage (that little strip that borders Canada) are almost flat and sea sickness is not much of a problem for the cruise guests. Even 25 foot waves are absorbed by the girth of the huge ship. But it did cause us to miss a port and so a loss of a few photo ops. I'm going back next year with a photo group, 8 people on a 50 foot boat for a week. Close ups with whales, bears, sea otters, dolphins, orcas, and outstanding beauty for 5 days. Anyone interested I'll fill you in.

I'll be adding pictures from my trip for the next few days.