Sunday, May 29, Snorkeling in Ketchikan by Jessica

As I flipped through the Ketchikan excursions a few days ago, one caught my eye: snorkeling. I was thinking I'd go alone - I didn't think anyone else was crazy enough to want to go snorkeling in Alaska. To my surprise, Ben and Joe were all in. 

They suited us up with a full wetsuit, booties, gloves, hood, fins and snorkel and we were ready to hit the water. Those first few minutes were quite chilly as waiting for the water inside the suit to heat up, but once we got going, it was quite enjoyable. Ben was able to get an underwater camera, but we have to get those films developed (old school) when we get home.

Though his face doesn't show it, Ben LOVED the wetsuit and snorkeling. Who knows, maybe he'll open up his own snorkeling shop in Alaska someday.  

Patty here-  when I asked Joe and Ben what I could write about snorkeling, this is what I got.  

Interesting fact from Joe--sea cucumbers breathe through their butts.  

Interesting fact from Ben--If a red jellyfish stings your lips (the only body part exposed), ship happens.  Ben had two or three swim by him.  

They both would have preferred goggles instead of masks.  

We were only in Ketchikan from 8am to Noon.  And it was the coolest day weather-wise.  It was very pretty though.

More Fun Pictures - Thankful for What We Have

Today I met a man on our bus back to the Seattle Airport.  He was probably 10-15 years older than me.  He was traveling with a friend who lives at the same complex he does.  This man was "full of life."  He was explaining in great detail all the things he had seen.  He had also been to an art gallery and was explaining the artwork to me.  He had so much detail in his explanations, it kind of reminded me to pay much more attention to life.

The most unique thing about this man?  He is blind.  He uses a guide stick and his traveling companion explains in great detail what they are seeing.  This man did not feel sorry for himself.  He was living life to the fullest.  

He talked with Joe at length about the trip.  It was just very cool.  He even made a joke with me, stating that he couldn't believe he hadn't "seen" me on the cruise.

It's a great reminder to be thankful for what we do have in life.

Right now we are at our gate at the Seattle Airport with a 2 hour wait until departure.  The kids set up their Catan game and are playing on the floor by our gate.

We had a wonderful time.  We hope to add posts about Ketchikan and Victoria, BC.  But until then enjoy some more fun photos.

Photos at supper:  I am a picture buff.  My family will tolerate me, and I'm thankful.  But I'm always like, get that out of your pocket, check your teeth, stand up straight.  So the photo of Ben and the pen is a joke on me-- because I was always asking Dave to take the pen out of his pocket.

Elegant Night

Pictorial Post - Glacier Bay, Alaska - May 28, 2016

Field Observations - Part 2 by Jessica

We emerged from the theater after an unsuccessful round of bingo, heads hung in shame, and made our way through the second floor towards the lobby. As we crossed through the casino, we spotted a wild Dave in his natural habitat. 

Umbrella man in the corner was pretty excited too.

The Indy 500, which we hear is a cultural phenomenon in some parts of the United States, is a race where men and women dress up in funny jumpsuits and drive their cars in circles. The Wild Dave is quite invested in this phenomenon known locally as NASCAR. 

Dinner time drew near and we headed for the door. "I'll meet you down there. There's only 40 laps left," the wild Dave remarked. "They won't feed us without you," my mom replied. So, he left his race, a mere 40 laps to go, and walked to dinner with us. 

As we sat at the table, a technological device emerged from his pocket. It showed tables and cars on its screen. Minutes into dinner, he announced that Martin Truex had won.

-Jessica

Cruising Glacier Bay

Friday was a big day for us in Skagway.  Everyone was beginning to get tired.  We agreed to meet for breakfast at 9 on Saturday.  (This was sleeping in.)  This actually allowed me to get a good workout in before breakfast and the beauty of that was we were cruising Glacier Bay all day so the views were spectacular while I worked out.  Can't quite get this view in GJ.

The Park Rangers had boarded the ship and were available to chat with from 7am to noon. From 9 to noon, the Park Rangers provided commentary over the PA system.  After breakfast, we found a place outside to take in the views.  We passed Drake Island and Russell Island and saw Johns Hopkins Glacier and Jaw Point (because your jaw will drop when you see the view.)

There are many more photos, but that gives you a representation.  We were told over and over that we had beautiful weather.  The cruise the previous week had rain.

Jessica snagged a prime spot at the front of the ship and was able to get some of those awesome pictures. It was very windy, but worth it.

This next photo is just for fun.  If you've been reading the blog you might get a laugh out of this.