Out for a Cruise

The plane trip was most interesting to say the least. While we went through security to board our plane, for some stupid reason, Duane and I were singled out and brought into a special area where we were told to stand on painted footprints on the floor. We were then physically searched, a wand swept over our bodies, and our carry-ons gone through. Finding nothing, they told us we could put our shoes back on and hurry and catch our plane. As we left the area, the one dude tells us to have a nice flight. (eye roll) Of course I wanted a window seat as I like to look at what we are flying over. Needless to say..the view that I got was the engine itself Every rivet, chipped pieces of paint, and a lot of grease stains you can imagine on an engine. If you tilted your head just right…you would catch a glimpse of the sky. That is the fist and last time I will sit in the tail section.

We get to Sea-Tac airport, and if you haven’t ever walked it…wear comfy shoes. It’s long. After gathering our luggage, and getting it to cruise line’s area, we are set to go. We board the bus that will take us to the ship, and believe me, I have seen better vehicles than that. We make it safely…and we embark the ship.

Ok…so far so good. Well, with one exception. We are standing on the side deck of the ship, when we notice 3 Washington Deputy Sheriffs board. Ut oh…What did Duane do now, I thought. We have only been in the state for about an hour, I didn’t think he could do anything THAT BAD, THAT QUICK. We stood there watching the ships security escort an individual with all of his possessions to the boarding ramp where the deputies promptly read him his rights, cuffed him, patted him down, handcuffed him to a deputy on each side of him, and escort him off. I guess he did something wrong.

We have a great view of the Space Needle, the dock front, and the Edgewater Hotel, where by the way, The Beatles stayed when they played back then in Washington. Did you know that they were at one time considering tearing down the Space Needle after the World’s Fair? Glad they didn’t…it sure is interesting to look at.

Before the ship can set sail….they do a life boat drill…where everyone is REQUIRED to attend. You even had to bring your life vest from your room and wear it. I’m telling you…they are not flattering to any figure. But they do come with a nipple beacon and a whistle. Duane was highly amused.

We now set sail…and that feeling is just awesome. The view alone of Seattle’s skyline was breathtaking. The weather, the temperature, everything…was just what God had recommended for us. PERFECTION. There we were, on deck, Duane adorned with 2 camera bags and the laptop, waiting for our room which wouldn’t be ready until 5:00pm. Those things sure do get heavy fast when toting them around all day.

We went ahead and made the time count, as we traveled around the ship not once, but twice. Did you know that if you start out at one end…and go completely around the ship…you have traveled apprx. 1.3 miles? And that was just to find out room. We kinda got lost, well, not we, Duane did. But then again….he wouldn’t stop for directions. Does this sound like a typical man? So after 2.6 miles, 8 trips in an elevator, 2 flights of steps, a trip to the bar, we finally found out that our room was 50 feet from the elevator, and the 10th level, which was 6 elevator trips ago. Last time I let him have the ships map. He couldn’t find his port from his starboard if it bit him in the aft.

We get to our room…and it’s nice. We have a balcony off our room, so we can sit out there and just enjoy while listening to the sounds of the ocean. There was a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us. Duane had ordered them when he booked our cruise…as an early anniversary gift to me. And for everyone that knows him…he does enjoy spoiling me, like I love to spoil him. (He’s so awesome, I just love that man.)

Since we both like the fresh air at night, we left the door open just a tad, and let me tell you…IT GOT COLD!!!

Below are some more pictures that I hope all will enjoy. UPDATE..couldn't upload pics, will later.)

Today is now Sunday, and not much happening as we are at sea all day again. We will be arriving in Ketchican, Alaska. We are going on the Lighthouse, Eagles & Totems Excursion. I’m hoping to get a few great pictures of eagles for my brother.

Awesome sunset just over British Columbia.