The life and times of Libby Withnall

Finally got around to putting together a bit of video from our whalewatching trip in Alaska. If you’d like to see more videos from the trip let me know and I’ll make some more.

This was a 4oth Birthday trip for Kevin & I, without the kids.

Day 1- Arriving at Disneyland

Day 2 – Disneyland & California Adventure & World of Colour

Day 3 – Disneyland

Day 4 -California Adventure & Disneyland

Day 5 – Onwards to Alaska, Anchorage to Seward

Day 6 – Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward

Day 7 – Sled dogs and raft ride, Seward

Day 8 – Bears , Homer

Day 9 – Homer to Talkeetna

Day 10 – Denali

Day 11 – Kantishna Experience, Denali

Day 12 – Back to Anchorage

Day 13 – Segways & Sled Dogs in Anchorage

Day 14 – Alaskan railroad to Seward & onboard Radiance of the Seas

Day 15 -Hubbard Glacier

Day 16 – Juneau

Day 17 – Skagway – White pass railway

Day 18 – Icy Point Strait – Humpback whales

Day 19 – Ketchican

Day 20 – At Sea

Day 21 – Vanvouver

Day 22 – Journey home

Can’t believe it’s the end of our holiday and time to start heading home. We had a relaxed morning in our VERY comfy bed. It was miserable and wet out so we weren’t going to go to the suspension bridges as we’d planned.

Finally hunger drove us to get ready and head out for breakfast. We went to Tim Horton’s again.

I had tea and a yummy cheddar cheese bagel and we got some more Timbits for later (probably lucky we don’t have Tim’s at home as we really like these).

We spent the rest of the morning with me watching some youtube videos and Kevin watching TV & having a nap. Then just before 1pm we gathered our suitcases, checked out and got a cab to Vancouver Airport.

We got checked in, then surprisingly went through USA customs and immigration (which will certainly save time when we get to LAX). We checked out some shops and got some lunch. I had a yummy veggie burger (I think only the second one I’ve had all trip – the first being the day we arrived).

We then had a about a wait of an hour till it was time to board our plane.

I used the 2.5 hour flight to catch up all my blog reading. We also enjoyed a yummy cheese platter.

We saw Mount Rainier poking out of the clouds (and I waved hello to my online friend Ingunn, who lives nearby)

And some other pretty impressive mountains.

And finally  flew over LA

arriving at LAX.

We collected our luggage and walked over to the United terminal. A bit of fun and games here trying to find where we were supposed to check our luggage.

Finally we found the priority area (totally different terminal to one we first went to!!!!) Here we had a first and only real problem with United (besides the whole no screen in the seat in front) where they complained about luggage being too heavy. Yes, the very same luggage that the small West Jet airline had no problem with! We had to reorganise our bags – made easy by the fact I just whipped out the onboard bag that was in fact packed in one of suitcase and we just took that on board with us. So glad there was no one around.

Then through security – which is ALWAYS a hassle no matter how organised you feel. Travelling through airports in the USA is not much fun – I don’t how frequent travellers cope with it all. We did a last bit of shopping and got some dinner. Yep, Mexican again .

2 (huge) delicious veggie tacos.

We then hung out in United Red Carpet Club for an hour or so where I actually wrote up this whole post, only to have problems when I hit publish – and lost the bulk of it. So not happy .

Kevin and I didn’t sit together on the way home. He wanted a window and I wanted an isle.  After being stuck in the middle for the 5 hour flight from LA to Anchorage I decided to move my seat. I missed being able to chat with him but being able to go the toilet whenever I wanted was much more important . I managed to sleep for around 6 hours on the flight and them watched a few episodes of Glee. The flight seemed to go quite quick and then we were touching down in Sydney. Kevin had some beef jerky to declare so the sniffer dogs checked out bags. The staff were really glad we had it as the pups were just on their l-plates. It was funny though because they didn’t find until they stabbed open the bags – and even I could smell it then . So fun to watch them working though and the staff kept thanking us. I was glad to leave the jerky behind as I can’t stand the smell of it – and I hope they let the dogs eat it later.

We had a driver pick us up (due to the early arrival time) and were lucky enough to see Christy before she left for school.

After a shower Kevin headed into work – hoping to come back and spend some time with the girls after school. I showered and started with the unpacking. Also took the dogs on a walk, did some washing and got some groceries. Kevin, who had only about 1 hrs sleep on the plane last till about 6.30pm, I lasted till 8pm.

Our last cruise day and a day at sea. We had a VERY lazy day as you will see, starting with room service.

We had planned to eat on our balcony  but it was a bit wet .

At 10am we went to the movie theatre to see You Again which we really enjoyed.

Then back our room for some more reading – I’m reading the latest Janet Evanovich – Smokin’ Seventeen. Later we headed out for a spa in the Solarium and then got some lunch from the Park Cafe – any guesses what I had? Yep, another veggie quesadilla. When then went the thermal suites for some more relaxing on the heat bed.

We’ve been disappointed here for the second time as the steam rooms haven’t been warm enough to bother using, except for the one that drips boiling hot water from the ceiling – and that’s just rather painful. Back to the room again for more reading. I finished my book (that I only started yesterday) and started packing our suitcases. We then headed out for our last dinner. We decided to go back to Rita’s as we enjoyed our meal there and the atmosphere is very nice. We ordered the same as last time.

Kevin really wanted dessert but we were both full so we got them to go. And he really wanted to try both of them. Banana enchiladas (Kevin is a real sucker for any desert with banana) and churros. He said they were both great. I ate some of the ice cream .

So sad that it’s almost over.

Tomorrow : Seeing the sights in Vancouver.

The usual morning routine. In spite of not having to rush or be anywhere at a certain time we were both awake by 7am. As we arrived into Ketchican we were greeted with this amazing rainbow.

Around 9am we headed up to breakfast at Windjammers. After nearly 3 weeks away I’m not feeling much like anything fancy. I didn’t even want a bagel today and had cereal – something I very rarely choose to have!

Ketchican is a lovely looking town.

We got off the ship and visited the Visitors Information. Kevin decided he wanted to do the ziplines. It doesn’t appeal to me. We got him booked in and went to make a booking for the lumberjack show. Unfortunately there was no show after Kevin got back so he’d have to miss out.

We wandered through the shops and did finally got some nice gifts to take home. Went back on board and had an early lunch from the Park Cafe in the Solarium- quesidialla for me, roast roll for Kevin – which we again bought back to our deck.

Kevin went off for his zipline tour at 11.45pm. He enjoyed it but felt it could have been made better. I think he wanted less controls on what he could do .

At 12.30pm I headed off to the Lumberjack show. I was bit early so wandered through some more shops.

I got some popcorn to enjoy in the show and it was so good, much better than our “movie” popcorn. It was hard to get a good photo I was balancing the popcorn, a can of drink, my bag and my camera .

I really enjoyed the show. It was funny, entertaining and the men’s strength and skill impressive. It was done as a contest between USA and Canadian lumberjacks.

The guys getting ready to race to the top of these poles – boy, they seemed to run up them – amazing.

Log roll.

And the winner was not Canada, the side I was sitting on .

After the show I went for a walk around the town.

And up to Creek Street, which is where they moved the red light district way back when, across the street and out of the town.

Back to the ship and I went to get another quesidilla for afternoon tea…..I think I’m addicted . Kevin arrived back shortly afterwards. He tried to have a nap and I lay outside reading (and finishing) my book. It was another gorgeous afternoon on the balcony.

The ship set sail at 5.3pm and we sadly said our farewells to Alaska and Ketchican. Can’t believe next time we’re ashore we’ll be in Canada.

We went to the 7pm show of Piano Man – which we discovered we’d seen before an another cruise but still thoroughly enjoyed again.

And then went to dinner at Windjammers at 8pm – which is late dining for us indeed. Then back to our room where we actually got to see a lovely sunset. So nice to have the sun actually setting BEFORE we go to sleep.

We also got another towel animal – a swan.

Tomorrow : A lazy day at sea.

Hope I didn’t scare you too much with my last post. That wasn’t really my internet bill. I have no idea what was going on but thought it was so funny when that flashed up at the end of my 15min internet sessions .

—————————————————–

Another early morning for us. After breakfast at Windjammers we went ashore in the tender boat to meet our whale watching guide Flyod from F.I.S.H.E.S. A short drive later and we arrived at the lovely harbour. Unfortunately my memory card mucked up so I have no photos to share from this morning – only what Kevin took – but we’re hoping to get the photos off the card when we get home. So you’ll just have to believe me when I tell you it was very beautiful. The whole area was stunning (as most of Alaska has been) but we also had sunshine .

Almost as soon as left the harbour we started seeing humpback whales. Flyod only stops in there is more than one!!! We stopped by a 3 youngen’s who were playing in the kelp for a while. And then headed out to where there were whales wherever you looked. It was AMAZING!!!! The soundsof the blows is so loud plus Floyd has a microphone in drops in the water so we could listen to them talking to each other. I will definitely have share some video later on.

Love that you can see all the barnacles on the tail

There were actually 3 tail flukes but Kevin only caught two on camera.

They are SOOO huge. At one point we had about 6 of them come right towards us…..and dive under the boat. A moment we’ll never forget.

In addition to the whales there were lots of sea lions playing around and checking us out.

So cute.

This was one fantastic tour. Absolutely unbelievable. I’d heard it was good but did not expect it to be this amazing. So glad we were on the small boat. Oh,if you’re wondering about the whale soup title – that’s what it’s called when the ocean is full of whales . And that’s definitely what it was today.

By 11am we were back on board and I sat out on the deck to work on blog posts (and discover that my memory card had died ). Luckily I had all Kevin’s wonderful photos (and hopefully we recover the ones I took).

It was such a beautiful day that when we got lunch from the Solarium (originally went to Windjammers but there wasn’t anything exciting vegetarian & the place was packed) we took it back to our balcony to enjoy. I had another of the delicious vegetarian quesidillas and bowl of salad.

I spent much of the afternoon lying out on the deck and reading – until, you won’t believe it, I actually got much to hot and had to move back inside. Later it cooled off and I went back out as we left Icy Strait Point.

At 5pm we headed down to the Centrum to meet up with Brenda (my online/facebook friend) and her husband Cary. We had a lovely time chatting over drinks. Until a band started up and it got too loud.

So we headed up to the Colony Club where we chatted until tonights special event – a Mystery Murder Dinner Theatre. We were having such a fun time chatting that we managed to change our dinner table numbers so we could sit together.

Our night started with champagne (we gave ours to Brenda & Cary) and an appetizer.

The characters were introduced and the storyline established.

It was very funny and well done – with most (if not all) of the actors coming from the dancers/singers onboard. We recognised quite a few from the show the other night. After the murder we were taken next door to Giovanni’s. Such a gorgeous restaurant – loved the full height windows and ambience.

We were seated opposite Brenda & Cory so got to enjoy the lovely view outside while dined.

But it did make it a little bit awkward to see the actors, and what was going on, behind us. After they took our orders the body was wheeled out. Poor man was shot in the groin.

Dinner was 4 courses – antipasta (which I don’t really care for), cesear salad and then a vegetarian main – which was delicious.

In between each course a bit more of the storyline was played out and we had the opportunity to question each suspect.

In the end we submitted our murderer guess and enjoyed the best Tiramisu I’ve ever had.

And it was presented so beautifully it deserves two photos. The chocolate was particularly divine.

Then the murderer was announced. I didn’t guess it right. I don’t think too many people did. But it sure was a fun night. Made even better because we got to spend it with Brenda & Cary. Such a fun and interesting couple. I hope we get to see them again before with disembark – in just 2 days .

They invited us to join them to watch their favourite entertainer but it was past 10am and we getting rather tired after our early start so we said goodnight, had a quick look through the shops and headed back to our room for a bit of reading before lights out. We have no actual plans for tomorrow in Ketchican so we’re just going to go at our own pace in the morning.

Up around 6am. Showered and dressed and headed to breakfast at 6.30am. We decided to go to the dining room today.

We then got of the ship and went to meet today’s tour with Chilkoot Tours.

Our had a brief tour around the rather small, but very cute, town then headed to a view point where we could see the 4 ships that are in Skagway today. Rhapsody and Radiance are the two kissing ships.

We made a number of stops

and we were thrilled to see 2 black bears by the side of the road. Luckily, being in a small bus/van, meant we turn around and go back to see them more closely.

So cute. Even though one was brown in colour they were both black bears – probably 2-3 yr old siblings.

We went over the border in Canada and finally we made it to the Yukon. Many years ago Kevin & I watched a reality show about the trip the stampeders took on their way up to the Klondike and I’ve wanted to visit here every since.

We also visited the very beautiful Emerald Lake.

Before heading to Carcross to catch the train back down to Skagway, on the track laid during the gold rush of 1898-1900.

Before boarding we visited the general store, the 2 story part of it was actually towed along the ice from Bennett where it had been a hotel before the train line was complete.

The first half of the trip was more gorgeous scenery – I have tried really hard to not bombard you with too many photos (we took a lot).

However, the rocking of the train, caused me to have a little nap . Don’t worry Kevin had one too.

After about an hour and a half we stopped at Bennett – which was the end of the  Chilkoot Trail. And where the stampeders built their boots to complete their journey to the gold fields.

Here we were served lunch. Unfortunately it was a meat stew which meant I had coleslaw and bread. Luckily the delicious apple pie made up for it.

Bennett is in such a beautiful spot.

These days it’s so peaceful it’s hard to imagine it was once a bustling town of over 35,000. The crazy thing is EVERYTHING had to be carried in, including 3 steam boats in parts and pianos (for the pubs). Crazy. We were also told of the supplies (one years worth) each person had to have before leaving Bennett – which could involve over 50 trips to Skagway and back, taking up to three months.

After lunch we joined one of the train guides for a walk around the old town and actually stood on the end of the Chilkoot trail.

At 2pm it was back on board for the remainder of our journey.

No naps this time as the scenery was just too stunning.

Snow beside the train.

The railway bridge I’m thankful we didn’t have to cross today.

Finally we made it back to Skagway and cleared customs again. All they do is check your passport – no stamps or anything. Our bus driver picked us up and we got dropped off at the end of main street and did a bit of shopping on the way back to the ship. We really loved todays tour and learnt so much about the gold rush and the building of the railway. Plus saw more stunning scenery.

We walked back to the dock and arrived just in time to get the little golf cart ride to the ship – which was good as the bottom on my feet were starting to rub and get sore. Windjammers didn’t open till 6pm so I had time to phone Brenda and organise a time for us to meet up tomorrow.

Dinner was most certainly a carb feast. Only thing I always miss on the cruises in my protein. Sometimes in the dining room I can get tofu or beans. Luckily I had an egg for breakfast. The stuffed pasta shells were really yummy.

I must have been craving some protein because instead of desert I wanted cheese and crackers. I actually got some and took it back to the room to eat later.

The evening was spent updating the blog, enjoying my cheese & crackers, painting my nails and reading some of my book.

Tomorrow : Hoping seeing LOTS of whales at Icy Strait Point

We woke around 7am, showered, dressed and headed up to Windjammers for breakfast. We then sat in one of the bars as we came into Juneau. As you can see there was lots of low clouds so we were feeling doubtful that our dog sled ride on the glacier would be on (we already know it’s the most cancelled excursion).

We were able to depart just after 9am we learned that yes, indeed, the weather was not suitable and the excursion was cancelled. We were able to rebook on a 3.30pm flight (if the weather has improved). We were disappointed but luckily knew to expect this. We went for a walk around the town and visited a few shops. We didn’t really like how many cruise ship shops (ie. jewellery shops) there were. But there were quite a few nice shops around and we bought a few things.

We saw this cute puppy but he wouldn’t look at us.

The back of our ship where are cabin is located.

Even though the cloud was still low we decided to go up the Mount Roberts Tramway (as we could ride it again later if the weather improved). Half way went through the clouds and could see nothing below.

First stop was a coffee for Kevin and I yummy cupcake for both of us.

We then checked out the store and watched a great short film on the native people of Juneau. Then it was back down the tramway. We were lucky that once we came out the clouds we had a nice view of the ship.

Back on board I sat outside and read for a bit before we decided to go have some lunch at Windjammers. Today I had some soup, salad and a roll (love the rolls onboard).

Just before 3.30pm we got off the ship again in the hopes that our dog sled tour was going to run. Unfortunately it didn’t .

So we went back onboard, got changed into our swimmers and went and had a spa in the Solarium (indoor pool area). That was nice and relaxing. We then had some afternoon tea of quesidillas (so yummy) and went to the thermal suites where we read for a bit on the hot stone beds. We had been going to use the sauna but it wasn’t very hot so we didn’t bother.

We went back our cabin and Kevin had a nap while I read (I’ve already gotten right into the latest Suzanne Brockman). We were thinking about getting ready for dinner when someone knocked on our door. Thinking it might be our laundry I opened the door (in my pjs since I hadn’t bothered getting dressed after our spa). I was so surprised to find Brenda – whom I’d befriended first on the cruise critic forum for our cruise and then through facebook. And she had a birthday present for me. How sweet was that? I was a bit flustered being in my jammies but promised I’ll call her later and organise a time to get-to-gether. Look what she bought me? These wonderful scrapbooking goodies.

So thoughtful. You just meet the best people on the internet. And I can’t wait to spend time with her and her husband.

We did in fact get dressed and head out for dinner.

We decided to go to the dining room again. But unfortunately there weren’t a lot of options for me tonight so I just had a bowl of Minestrone Soup and some Tiramusa (which I only ate half of). 35mins later we were out of there. We really do miss having company for dinner and a slower paced meal.

We went and sat in the same seats we’d sat this morning to kill some time before going to tonights show.

Kevin and I both ordered a  Mudslide and it didn’t have a lot of alcohol so I really enjoyed it.

The show was really good. Great singing & dancing, spectacular costumes, and great set. There much of a storyline but it didn’t really matter.

Then it was back to our room to type up this post and do a bit more reading. Another early start – 6am – and a long day ahead in Skagway.

Believe it or not we slept in till 8am today! Just shows what happens when you’ve got a nice comfy bed and block out curtains. Once we got up and dressed we headed to Windjammers for breakfast. I got a nice selection but was too full to each of my favourite chocolate donut .

After breakfast we checked out the shops. We thought about going to see a movie but it had already started.

Instead we went back to the room, and with the internet package that Kevin bought, was able to upload a blog post for yesterday. I sat outside and boy was I frozen when I was finished.

I did a bit of reading till it was time to head for our 2pm lunch at Rita’s – the new Mexican restaurant onboard. It’s one that costs – but at $10 for our meal we weren’t too worried. Once seated we were served the most delicious corn chips – I don’t think I’ve ever had any this good before.

We ordered Vegetable Burritos for 2 which were so yummy.

All enjoyed as we cruised up to the Hubbard Glacier. We loved watching all the ice float pass – some of the pieces were HUGE!

After lunch we bundled up and went outside for some more viewing and photo taking.

It was cold but pretty awesome.

We decided to get changed and go hang out in the Thermal Suites in their heated seats. We thought it would be packed but we were the only ones there. So we had a million dollar view, were nice and warm and had lovely relaxing music.

Finally we were right up beside the glacier and we able to see a bit of carving.

We the ship turned to head back out we headed back to our room since we had our very on balcony to hang out on.

Hear we could the thunderous noise the ice makes with it carves. Just amazing.

Eventually we went back inside and I read for a bit before getting sleepy enough to actually want/need an afternoon snooze – something I very rarely do. I think I napped for 2 hours so I must have really need it. When I woke up it was 6.30pm and I no way felt like getting all dressed up for formal night in the dining. Instead we decided to just to Windjammers – no makeup need for that .

Another nice meal which we ate watching the water go by. And Kevin even spotted a humpback whale which was quite exciting.

A scoop of ice cream for desert and we headed back to the room to find our first towel animal – a penguin – so cute!

Now that I’ve blogged today it’s time to read some of the latest Snookie Stackhouse.

Our phone rang at 5am, luckily as we were both fast asleep. We got up, got dressed, packed up and headed downstairs where our 5.30am taxi driver had just arrived. A quick $3 cab fare later (we gave him $10 because we could see the station from our room but had 5 cases to deal with) we were at the station. We were pleased to be able to check in our luggage with RCCL so it would delivered right to our cabin on board Radiance of the Seas. We got checked in and were able to collect the $40 in vochures we had leftover from our booking, and received our gold class pins.

It was then a short wait till the train arrived and we were able to board.

At 6.45am the train departed. About half the trip was alongside the road we had driven just over a week ago on our way to Seward. We had the perfect blue sky day for it and didn’t even need big bulky jackets – which was nice for a change. Before we had even left the station we were taken downstairs to the dining cart (since we were seated in the second row). We had a lovely breakfast and a nice chat with another couple who are also going on the cruise.

We spent most of the 4 hour trip looking out the window enjoying the view. We did spot a black bear right close to the train. I was able to get some video but the photos didn’t turn out due to glare on the glass.

There is also an outdoor viewing area but it was a bit windy out there.

Midmorning Kevin went in search of some snacks to share. Drink were complimentary. That cookie was delicious.

Our train was actually running late so we didn’t arrive in Seward until 11.30pm. We thought about going into town (since we hadn’t visited the actual town on our previous visit) and got onboard the free shuttle. But when the shuttle went to the ship first we decided just to get off and get onboard.

Check in was quick and painless as it was very early.

I forgot to take a photo of the ship with my camera – only my i-phone – but it’s a sister ship to the one we went on last year.

Unfortunately there was a big mix up with our dinner booking. We were supposed to have main seating at 6pm – it said so on our sea pass. But we had no table allocated and there were no more left. We weren’t the only ones this happened to (around 200 I was told) and no one was very impressed. After a good 30 mins of seeing different people they finally made another traditional dining time of 7pm. Not ideal but it was okay. We then headed up to Windjammers for some lunch. We kind of dined in 3 stages. We had a small plate of food here. I was pleasantly surprised with the vegetarian options – much more than I often have.

More exploring. Finally at 1pm we were able to get into our cabin. I’m so happy. I didn’t realize we’d have such a big balcony and being at the back it seems to have good wind protection.

We went back out to do some more exploring. I had to laugh when I saw this picture of the pool….with the snow capped mountains in the background. It seems so wrong .

Kevin & I hung out for a while trying to get facebook photos to load (unsuccessfully).

Then it was time for part 2 of lunch. I had a bowl of salad and Kevin had a hotdog.

We wondered around a little more and we had tea and plate of dessert to share. Yum.

Back to our room and luggage had finally arrived. Kevin was quick to settle down for a nap while I unpacked. I then lay in the sun on the balcony – it was so nice to bask in the sun and be warm. I managed to upload some photos and read some of my book. Just before 7pm we headed down to dinner.

Only to discover the saga was not over. We were seated at a table for 2, which was not what we’d wanted, we like to meet new people on the cruise and linger over dinner. Also we were near the entrance which was busy with people waiting and moving around for their any time reservations. I ended up having a bit of a panic attack. Stupid, crazy I know but it was totally spinning me out to see crowds of people while I was trying to relax and enjoy my dinner. It was just such a wrong picture and I couldn’t cope. I ended up switching with Kevin so I was facing the relaxed dining room and I was okay. With only the 2 of us being served dinner was very quick and even though I only had a roll and half my delicious enchillas – I was too full for desert. I did order one though and only ate half.

Dinner was so quick we were finished in 45mins and that was with me playing around trying to make a meal last longer . Oh, well, only another 6 nights to go. After dinner we had to do the muster liferaft drill – which meant we had to stand outside in the cold for 20mins – not fun and hardly anyone had thought to take a jacket – we didn’t as we’d come straight from dinner. We went right to get coffee and tea (but ugh, the tea was horrible).

The ship had already set sail while we were doing so. Back in the room the surprise I had ordered for Kevin had turned up – choc covered strawberries.

We took them, and our teas, onto our verandah to enjoy while we left port. I didn’t have my traditional virgin pina colada at sail away as I was too cold after the muster drill. But the strawberries might be a new tradition .

It seemed sad, like we were leaving Alaska and I’m not ready to leave yet. Luckily we’re not really. We headed back indoors when it got cold and read for a bit before going to sleep.