A-las-ka!

We're back! What a cruise what a cruise! First thing, we would like to thank Ben and Elaine (mom and dad/granna and papa) for taking us on the cruise through the inside passage of Alaska! There are so many memories and things to tell you about the cruise, so, I will go through each day and post pictures that depict that day (CLICK ON PHOTO FOR LARGER VIEW). Should you want to see all of our pictures, check out my facebook page!

Day 1: Travel to Vancouver, Canada

We left very early in the morning (4AM) to be at the airport on time to fly out. We were nervous of how Meredith would do, but she did great! She took a nap, colored, read books, and played with her toys. It also didn't hurt that she had her entire extended family on John's side with her to look to for entertainment! We arrived, were herded around by Carnival staff, got settled in our room, learned about our Muster station, ate dinner, and crashed.

Day 2: Day at Sea

We had a great time sleeping in and then letting Meredith run around on her new "sea legs" on the top decks of the Carnival Spirit. This also allowed for me to learn about this whole cruise culture--WOW! I mean, what a great idea for a vacation! Why did it take me so long? We also enjoyed our first formal night and relaxed on our balcony taking in the beautiful landscapes that surrounded us. The big excitement were our first whale sightings which was soon to become "normal" and expected.

Day 3: Ketchikan, AK

At Ketchikan, it was pouring in the morning which stressed this momma out since we were to head out in the town with Meredith. We had an excursion called the "Semi-Submersion Wildlife Excursion". We got into a semi-submarine where we were able to see the marine life below the ship through windows down below, and the wildlife that lived on land and above the water from the top deck of the ship. It was really neat! We saw lots of jellyfish, starfish, sea urchins, and bald eagles. We enjoyed a restful afternoon letting Meredith again just play. That evening, we were reaching an area that whales were likely to be seen so we congregated in the freezing cold and high winds to whale watch in the front of the ship at sunset. We saw a couple whales and it was all worth it!

Day 4: Juneau, AK

In Juneau, we were able to jump on a bus that took us to Mendenhall Glacier. On the trails around the glacier, we were able to see a momma bear and her two cubs as well as spawning salmon. However, the glacier was enough to visit by itself without being disappointed. It was gorgeous! That afternoon, after Mer's nap, we went up a tram to the top of a mountain where we saw a rehabilitated bald eagle and took a nice hike further up the mountain. We finished up with some great shopping and a great dinner!

Day 5: Skagway, AK

In Skagway, we went on the White Pass and Yukon Railway Excursion which was a 3 hour trainride through the very rugged and gorgeous trails travelled by many in the past during the Alaskan Gold Rush. It was again GORGEOUS and relaxing. We then took in some shopping and relaxed that afternoon followed by another great formal night in the dining room.

Day 6: Sitka, AK

In Sitka, we went on the "Sea Otter and Wildlife Boat Excursion" which had a rough start but by the end was the best excursion of the trip. Meredith and I both got sick on the way out to see but felt much better when we saw tons of sea otters and were able to see 4 whales or so. One humpback whale surfaced and slapped its tail consecutively 5-6 times. It was incredible. Meredith kept yelling "Whale! Whale!"

Day 7: Last day at Sea

On this day, we relaxed and packed anticipating a busy travel day the following day. At dinner, the pilot of the ship stopped at a glacier and allowed the ship to just be anchored there for a couple hours. It provided a great view at dinner!

Day 8: Whittier/Anchorage, AK and Departure for Home

We arrived in Whittier and were bused to Anchorage. The busride was great even if I had been up the whole night before sick in the bathroom and was still feeling and looking quite green. John's parents and Anna Ruth were able to take Meredith to a Science Children's Museum (I can't believe I missed out) while I collapsed and tried to get over the nausea on a couch in the town's convention center. We had a red-eye out and arrived back to NC on Thursday morning at approximately 10AM.

My favorite memories are just the laughs at the kids during dinner, spending lots of time with Anna Ruth and Baylee (we don't get to see them much since they live in FL), reading LOTS on the balcony overlooking the beautiful landscapes, and taking a great break from summer. We are forever indebted to Ben and Elaine for the great opportunity and blessed we were able to travel there as well as take Meredith. I strongly recommend the vacation!