Today we disembarked with the sun bright in the sky.  There were mountians surrounding the port of Seward in every direction...360 degrees, not a cloud in the bright blue sky.  As we rode our motor coach, the views were spectacular.  The sun made the snow on the mountains sparkle like diamonds.  Around every turn was another gourgeous picture.  The tree line was low on the mountains so they turned from forest green to charcoal gray up to the snow covered tips.  We stopped at an animal shelter that rehabilitates animals that have been wounded or orphaned.  We got to see bears, elk, deer, muskox and buffalo.  It was good to be able to get up close.  When we arrived in Anchorage the sun was out and the temperature was 65 degrees.  Perfect weather.  We went to a Native Alaskan Museum for a while.  They had demonstrations and exhibits and crafters.  It was a great tour...except for the fact we had driven 4 hours and were exhausted.  At our hotel we are going to visit with Andrew Morris, our pastors son.  We are ordering pizza to be delivered so we won't have to walk anywhere or stand in line.  We plan to go to bed early and sleep well.  Tomorrow we leave for Denali at 9:00 am.  It is a seven hour drive...whew another long day.  We are going to go whitewater rafting when we get there.  We are all excited about that!  We are also happy that we will be in Denali for a couple of days so we can settle in and not be so rushed.  Live Fully!!!

This morning I awoke at 5:45 to go on deck.  Temperatures were very cold and the wind on the bow was strong.  Why would I be this crazy you ask?   What kind of wake up call is this?  I assure you that I would only endure such conditions for a good reason.  Our ship went to see Hubbard Glacier this morning.  We cruised into Yakatat Bay at 5:00.  Moving closer, I saw the famous glowing blue white of a massive glacier.  The flow of ice on the water below me was like ice chunks clinking and banging together.  They call them burg bits.  We didn’t see any real ice burgs…they have to be 15 feet above the water to be considered a burg.  I did see some blue glowing burg bits as we got closer.  The mountains surrounding us were covered in dense forests with huge places that were barren.  The barren places are where the glacier ripped through them years ago. The peaks and valleys are dramatic in their distance apart.  Drastic changes in the mountains are a part of the landscape created by a glacier. 

The glacier itself is one of the largest rivers of ice in North America .  Ice calves off of it creating a thunderous noise that can be heard for miles.  Today we only got within about 4 miles of this enormous ice wall because of the ice flow in the water, but I could still hear the thunder.  Visually it is a stunning view…worth the early morning rise from bed.  I think God is the best, most creative person I have ever met.  Who could think of this kind of beauty but him?

After the first couple of gray days, the sun came out and the colors changed in that minute.  The blue sky reflected off the water and at dusk, every shade of blue was in view on the horizon.

The midnight mountains rise into the air with white ice caps on their peaks.  The next rows that lift their faces to the sky are deep purple, and behind that, gray blue shades the cliffs.  Row after row of blue mountains, meet the light blue of the sky.  There are puffs of clouds floating and hovering over the portrait of the mountains. Foggy blue mist shrouds the peaks like a bridal veil. The shading of the Creator blends colors into light and shadow, creating more shades of blue that I had know before.  Monochromatic takes on a completely new meaning in this place.  The sky is powder above and begins to illuminate shades of pink as the sun lowers behind the mountains.  The small pink horizon blends into deep purple where the sky meets the land.  I cannot see the sun, but its affects are a canvas of color, mostly blues, for all to see.

The waters that fall into the sea are mostly white as they carve their way down the ridges.  Blended into the landscape these waterfalls change color, ever so slightly, to compliment the mountains…blue gray.  Ahead I can see the glowing blue of a flowing glacier.  It is the centerpiece of this artist’s landscape.  Jagged black edges contain the brilliant blue ice as if God painted it with neon paint.  It is illuminated like a stained glass window, as if it has its own light source deep within itself.   With the glow it seems all the world is blue…even the water of the sea is a midnight blue tonight.  When I look at this scene I think about what it must have been like when God created the Earth.  The waters receded and there was mist as the mountains rose from the sea.  Tonight I think this is what it must have looked like…awe inspiring. 

Skagway

The day in Skagway was cloudy and cold…no rain.  That was a good thing, nice and dry.  The wind, however, was another story.  It was whipping and trying to pierce through all of our layers.  Fortunately, the bus that took us to the dog sledding camp was heated.  We rode for 30 minutes through some of the most beautiful country we have seen so far.  Once at the camp, we rode a dog sled pulled by 16 dogs for about a mile or so.  It was thrilling to go through the back-country.  Our guide was a musher in training.  We got to pet the dogs and when we got back into the camp we got to pet some puppies.  It was cold but there was a fire.  I cannot imagine living like these guys do.  It was a beautiful ride back to town.  We went to the Red Onion Saloon for a snack.  It used to be a brothel in the gold rush days.  Now they have made it into a restaurant/museum.  We hit all the tourist shops then went back to the ship.  On board, it turned into a beautiful evening.  The wind was still high but the view was incredible as we sailed by glaciers and snow covered mountains.  Beautiful.

Icy Strait

Today we went whale watching at Icy Strait .  The SUN was shining so the temperature was comfortably cool.  This place is not as much of a tourist attraction as the others we have visited.  It was by far our favorite.  The natural beauty was the main focus here.  There was very little development, a few shops all in one building, a restaurant, a zip line that was amazing, and some trails.  We took a whale/wildlife watching tour.  We must have seen 12 or so humpback whales.  They were feeding in groups.  It was like a fireworks show when they began to dive and we watched their tales come up.  You could hear squeals of delight, and oohs and aahs.  There were sea lions, a bear, eagles, otters and all kinds of birds.  We had a wonderful time.  Tonight was our last formal night and during dinner several more whales gave a show outside our window.  It was a beautiful day and the sunset at 11:30 should be gorgeous.  Tomorrow is another day at sea.  I hope to do a little more descriptive writing.  Trying to paint you a picture is turning out to be a great writing exercise for me! 

Our hopes were high after the sun came out for us in Ketchican.  When we arrived in Juno the clouds were low, it was windy and cold…and raining.  We were disappointed because our plans for the day were to be outside for 5 hours this morning.  Bill and the boys braved the rain to salmon fish.  Hannah and I went on a photo safari, which turned out to be fabulous despite the terrible conditions.  I will not lie, it was cold and wet but it was exhilarating to see the natural beauty around us.  Our guide was a professional photographer, and because she had a degree in photography, she was a huge help to us.  She gave photo tips and was also very knowledgeable about everything.  We saw Humpback Whales first.  These amazing animals are awe-inspiring.  It is hard to get a picture of them because they move quickly.  Hannah was the first on our boat to get a tail shot!  Then we saw sea lions.  They were basking in the sun on a buoy.  Next, we went to a glacier and got some great shots of icebergs and waterfalls.  A hike through the rain forest ended our morning.  It was a great trip because our guide was interested in us making great photos.  She took us to all the spot to find wildlife and natural flora. 

The boys only caught one fish…a 5-pound king salmon.  They also saw a whale and some eagles.  Aaron shot a video with his camera of an Eagle coming down and grabbing a fish out of the water right by their boat.  We did some shopping after our tours and then came back to warm up before dinner.  Tomorrow we go to see the Husky dogs and musher camp.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate!

Ketchican

The day in Ketchican started out overcast, windy and cold.  We choose an underwater tour here…on a special boat.  We had considered snorkeling because the kids love it however, we thought through the possible weather conditions and decided against it.  I am soooo glad we did, because we would have been miserable otherwise.  Our boat was a semi-submersible.  That means it had a room below deck that had observation windows in it.  We saw some amazing jelly fish and a kelp forest with Turkish Towel as well as other kinds of plants.  There were many kinds of starfish of all colors.  The Sunflower Star had 25 legs!  The water was murky and, beyond those few items along the bottom, we didn’t see much in the way of fish.  A few halibut, some rock fish and a few salmon were all that were out and swimming.  After awhile, we went up on deck to watch for Bald Eagles.  We were not disappointed.  Our guide threw out some salmon and they came from all around to feed.  There were at least 15 adults and 5 or more juveniles.  It was a sight to see them glide down and grab the fish only to soar again.  Their white heads against the trees made them stand out.  The juveniles are all brown and therefore, a bit harder to see, however they are quicker to come in for the fish and usually eat first. 
After our tour we did a little shopping for hats and gloves…we were not fully equipped for this much cold. Hannah and I went to a museum while the boys went back to the ship. The wind died down and the sun came out…in Ketchican…the rainiest city in North America!  It turned out to be a beautiful day.  We watched the sunset about 10:30 over the ocean with puffy white clouds overhead.

As we are gliding through the water, I can hear the gulls cry out as their white bodies stand out against the green spruce.  It is raining, misty and chilly.  The wispy clouds shroud the valleys creating a surreal canvas of beauty.  Hemlocks stand tall and straight as soldiers in formation.  Behind the pine forest, monstrous peaks covered in snow reach into the mist. Giant rock cliffs are scattered among the mountains, their jagged faces of charcoal stand within the trees.  Waterfalls plummet thousands of feet and drop into the inlet as white fingers.  From the snow-covered peaks, you can watch water falling.  Down the cliffs, into the crevasses between the ridges it tumbles winding its way to the rocky beaches where it jumps to blend with the sea.  In the distance, mountain ridges rise in shades of gray, towering until they become dark shadows against the white sky.  The mist rises like smoke, floating to blend with the clouds.  On the sea, white caps are breaking dotting the cold green water like dancing lace.  All creation testifies…

     The day was sunny.  After successfully navigating through all procedures to board the ship, we made it.  We got unpacked and began to relax.  The ship is huge!  It is the biggest one on which I have ever been.  The kids were thrilled to run all over to find their bearings.  One of the many things they looked for was the ice cream bar and the 24 hour pizza bar. The video arcade was next.  (I wish they didn’t have one.) I found the library…a quiet place to write. Many different musical groups are of interest to Bill.  There is definitely something for everyone here. There is more on the ship than we will ever be able to do.

     Of course, the food is very good and everywhere.  I have determined to eat responsibly.  I am not going crazy here.  Dinner was wonderful, and I had the salmon.  The kids got dressed…it was casual night.  The casual night here is like what they wear to church so it was nice to have them all dressed nicely.  They all used their manners and I was amazed that they remembered them.  It was a wonderful family meal.  Now, if I could just have someone to cook it for me at home!

     To me the best part is the view.  That is why I picked this trip.  The unbelievable landscape can only point to the Creator. What better way to celebrate life than to see his hand everywhere and know that he is much bigger than a little thing like cancer.  He is everywhere all the time, but when you can see him like this….wow!

     White topped mountains created a ring around the harbor.  Clouds floated lazily by creating shadow pictures on the mountains below.  The lush green mountains were in sharp contrast to the city skyscrapers along the shoreline.  Floatplanes buzzed like bees in a hive of activity as they landed all around us.  The sky was clear blue and the sun was bright.  We watched from the back deck…and from our balcony.  This is why I love this trip.  God’s creation never ceases to amaze me.

     Today we are at sea all day.  Right now, the ship is rocking some, so far, Aaron is not sick.  Outside my window, it is misty with no land in sight.  The waves are swelling so that explains the gentle rocking motion that kept me asleep.  As the day progresses, I am hoping the sun will break through.  This afternoon we will be on the inside passage so the rolling of the waves will settle.

Spectacular.  That is the only word I can think of to describe Victoria ’s Burchart Gardens .  The flowers were amazing and many were in full bloom.  This garden was started when a woman had the vision to fill in the hole her husbands quarry made.  It is now one of the most beautiful sunken gardens in the world with over 1 million visitors a year.  The path leads to the edge with an incredible view down into the garden.  There are many steps as you wind into the hole.  The paths then go in several directions each with its own plush grassy area filled with flowers and trees of all colors.  One area had a waterfall tumbling into a pond.  Another had a fountain.  One of the old kilns from the cement factory, is a living garden monument to the days of old.  Spectacular.

Then you enter the Rose Garden.  Thousands of roses from all over the world give off a scent that you smell long before you enter….even though there were only a few in bloom.  All colors, from crimson red, to yellow, to pink with red tips.  I cannot even imagine what it would be like in a few weeks when all of them are blooming.  Spectacular.

The Japenese Garden is next on the map.  The entire thing is covered in moss as a ground cover and canopy trees make you feel as if you are in a secluded, wooded area in Japan .  Water runs around every curve with layers of small waterfalls and ponds all long the way.  There are little Japanese trees, bridges and little huts with private places to sit and rest.  Spectacular.

Next is the Italian Garden with a star pond as its centerpiece.  Flowers bloom and there is sculpture in the pond.  Another reflection pool is filled with Lily pads in full bloom.  Spectacular.  The whole experience was one of wonder and amazement.  The boys, who were complaining about having to visit a garden, were the last to board our bus.  All were complaining that they didn’t have enough time!  It was acres and acres of beauty all in one place.  They have over 50 gardeners!

 If we had it to do over, we would have stayed the entire day and watched the fireworks in the evening.  It was only a short part of our longer tour of the Island of Victoria . The experience of riding a big ferry was new to all of us.  It was a beautiful ride across to the Island , though in the morning it was cold and rainy, by the time we arrived it was overcast and warmer.  Our tour through the gardens was the perfect temperature.  Then when we got to town the sun broke through for our shopping time.  On the way back across the on the ferry, the sun was setting over the ocean.  It was a spectacular day!     

We made it!  I am writing as I sit in my hotel room in Vancouver , B.C. Canada .  We had a remarkably smooth trip this morning.  We awoke at 4:45 to a harsh alarm clock, after barely sleeping.  The grogginess quickly wore off as we realized, this was it…the day we leave.  Loading our 13 bags of luggage proves to be our biggest issue.  We managed somehow, with 4 sleepy children, to make the 6:00 shuttle.  After arriving at the airport, the international desk was a quick 15 minutes.  On to security where we had all of our bags checked, shoes off, laptops removed, and bodies scanned.  We got to our gate a full hour and ½ before our 8:45 flight.  As we were waiting, Peter was watching planes take off from out of the window.  He was fascinated and we enjoyed his enthusiasm. 

We boarded the plane and were off by 9:00.  Both William and Peter were first time flyers and gave the thumbs up as they watched the ground disappear.  On route, we got “cloud updates” from Peter who peaked under his shade to monitor our progress.  First, it was hazy, then a total white fog, and finally we broke through the clouds.  We saw the Rocky mountain peaks beneath us covered in snow.  The 5 ½ hour flight landed on time and we made it through customs without a hitch.  Finding a taxi, or two, that could hold all of us, and our luggage caused a 20-minute delay but eventually we made the 30-minute trip to the hotel. 

Our rooms were ready so we made a dash for the elevator and warmer clothes…it is 50 degrees here!  We had our first food of the day…no meals served on our flight only peanuts…so we were starved!  I just woke up from my nap and I am a much happier camper now.  The dark clouds and wind tell us that it has been stormy here, but now the sun has broken through.  The mountains are visible in the distance over the water.  It is still windy and nippy with the threat of rain however, it is a beautiful city.  Our hotel has a balcony on the 16^th floor with a spectacular view of the area.  We plan to be out this evening and sight see for a brief time before finding a place to eat, then to bed to crash.  Our trip to Victoria begins at 8:45 in the morning!