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!

Today is the day of hope and planning…the day we leave for our trip to Alaska .  When I was at chemo one day, I had an idea.  I needed something to look forward to because cancer imprisons you in the now.  I knew that Jeremiah 29:11 was true.   “I know the plans I have for you.  Plans not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future.”  That is our family verse. 

The second part of that verse…give you hope and a future…stood out to me.  I knew to beat cancer I had to look ahead to the positive to the future.  So, I began to plan this trip for a time that I knew I would be better.  It gave me something to do on my bad days that took my mind off of the yuck. It was my hope.

Cancer also realigned my priorities.  I desire to build memories with my family. That is important to me.  This trip will build memories. Someday when I am gone (I plan that to be when I am 100) the memories will remain. This is my future.

Hope and a future are so much more than a trip…but in this moment it is an accomplishment and a dream realized.

Off we go!  Check in here and I will try to paint a picture for you as we go...

The leaves are rushing, sounding like a quiet roar as they blow in the wind.  In between the roars, you can hear the birds chirping.  I wonder what they say to one another. One sings and then there is a shrill reply.  I think they are talking about the beautiful day.  The cool air is moving over my skin refreshing and crisp. I think I can understand why the birds are singing joyfully.  Trees surround me in all shades of green.  They seem to dance with one another, just as the birds are singing.  Wooden arms raised to the sky as the dance continues with abandon.  Is it my imagination or is this forest alive?  Does it have something to teach?

  Trying to answer my question, another gusty roar silences everyone but the leaves.  I listen to the wind.  It is speaking.  The birds hear.  The trees hear.  The leaves hear.  Can I hear?  Do I know the words of the wind? 

Now all is still.  The birds take the stage for a concert.  There are many different parts, but one song.  Beautifully they sing it and in the chorus, the leaves join in.  Swishing, chirping, and blowing are the instruments in this peaceful Sunday symphony.  It is as if they are playing for an audience.  Each plays their part perfectly and with each measure, the sun brightens with dusty rays flowing to the ground.  Shining through the dancing leaves creates a light show to highlight the sounds of the symphony.  I could think that this concert is for me but I know better.  I know that the creator, director, and conductor is the Holy Spirit.  He is the voice of the wind.  I hear his words, “All creation testifies to the Glory of God.”  Today the creation is testifying as I watch and learn.  They are singing their praises to their audience of one.  While God is their only audience, I am a benefactor of their worship of him.  I hear their words…“live fully to worship him.”

I am counting down the days to Alaska!  Only 7 more to go.  The kids are starting to catch the vision.  We have been shopping this week for new clothes.  I haven't bought the little boys much in a couple of years...a pair of pants here or there.  They were both deparately in need of everything.  They will be sharp now though! 

I am stressed at all I have to do and how little time to do it.  We are making a run to Charlotte this weekend.  Just up and back to see the doctor because this is the Saturday he is working.  The timing is very bad, but we haven't been in a long time because of my illness.  I am also trying to work ahead by three weeks for my graduate class so that I won't have to do assignments while I am gone.  That is proving to be difficult but I have two of my papers done already.  Only two more to go...I have a paper each week.  The great thing about online classes is that you can do them anywhere...even Alaska...if you have the internet.  I write everything for the next three weeks ahead so that all I have to do it post it on the correct day. Now you can see why I haven't been writing as much on the blog the past few days!

 Our post planning at school lasts until Friday!  Ugh!  It is so frustrating when I have so much I need to do at home. It is unusually long this year.

Bill is taking a Maymester...an entire semester crammed into one month.  He goes all day, every day and the homework is killing him.  It is a Jazz history and improvosation class.  He finishes the day before we leave.  Whew!  It is a whirlwind here...living fully...