Notes From the Cave

Notes From Prince Rupert

We are now docked in Prince Rupert, a small coastal town in British Columbia, Canada. There was not much here to see, unless we had taken one of the shore excursions. However, none of them excited us. So, we opted to do a "walkabout" around town.

We were able to do a little shopping, though. We bought a cute Canadian Mountie bear ornament for our Christmas tree, as a memory of the cruise. I also got a really great looking eagle sweatshirt.

The highlight of the walkabout was that there was a Royal Canadian Mounted Police "Mounty" in full dress uniform who met the ship and was walking around. He was very friendly and allowed us to take a photo. So, I got a great photo of MTD with the Mounty. A real keeper!

Notes From Skagway

We are here in Skagway, Alaska. We have finally gotten our first day of lousy weather. The temperature here is about 52. However, the skies are overcast and there is a wind blowing in excess of 20mph. So, I'm glad we will not be doing any "walkabouts" today.

We are scheduled for the White Pass and Yukon train ride this afternoon. The sightseeing is supposedly dramatic and beautiful. However, with the overcast skies, I'm not sure how much we will be able to see. In any event, taking a train ride on this historic route will be fun.

Yesterday afternoon, after we left Juneau, we traveled up the channel to visit the Sawyer Glacier. It was a very dramatic site. This was the first glacier I had ever seen up close; so, I was very attentive. Mrs. Tuna Dave (MTD) and I sat up in the Observation Lounge to watch the show. The Observation Lounge is a big room on the top deck of the ship, with floor to ceiling plate glass windows designed specifically for this kind of sightseeing. Unfortunately, everybody else on the ship had the same idea. So, we were fighting for viewing space and seats.

Notes From Juneau

It is now about 12:30 P.M., in Juneau, Alaska. Mrs. Tuna Dave and I just got back from a whale-watching shore excursion, and I have a few moments before lunch. So, I am taking the opportunity to fill you in on the latest events.

First, I'd like to finish off Monday's events. As I mentioned in my previous posting, we scheduled dinner last night at Maxim's, the ship's signature steakhouse. We arrived at about 8:45 P.M., and were seated by a picture window. We had a great view of the mountains, as well as the fog and clouds rolling in. And, both the winds and seas had picked up dramatically since we had left Ketchikan. The winds were whipping through at about 40MPH; so it was pretty cold. Fortunately, we were inside.

Looking at the mountains, I commented to Mrs. Tuna Dave that since the cloulds were below the level of the mountaintops, it looked like some of the mountains were floating in the air. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me; it would have made a great photo. Anyway, the scenery was simply marvelous, and added greatly to the ambiance of the dinner.

Notes From Ketchikan

We spent the day today in Ketchikan, Alaska. It is a small mining town and tourist port in Southern Alaska.

We originally had a kayaking excursion planned. However, Mrs. Tuna Dave and I decided to cut back some on the excursions and simply relax more. So, we cancelled the kayaking and settled for a "walkabout" around the town.

It turned out to be a lot of fun. We saw some interesting stuff - lots of jewelry, watches and such - as well as lots of great sculpture with Alaskan themes - Eskimos, North American Indians, eagles, wolves and other wildlife. Great quality and good prices. But, we are not in the market for such things at the moment. So, we just enjoyed looking.

NCL Alaskan Cruise - First Impressions

Ms. "Tuna Dave" and I are on a 7-day Alaskan cruise for our 23rd anniversary. We booked on the NCL Norwegian Spirit, formerly the Superstar Leo. We found out that this ship had until recently been stationed in Hong Kong. It was used as an overnight gambling ship. So, the casino is much larger than normal for a cruise ship.

It is now Sunday afternoon; so I only have first impressions from Saturday afternoon and evening to evaluate the cruise. However, if the remainder of the cruise is as wonderful as the first day has been, this will be a total winner.

The ship is absolutely beautiful. It is new, shiny, clean and cheerful. The best part about NCL is "freestyle cruising." This means that we can choose from multiple restaurants, set our own meal times, and dress as casually or formally as we choose.

Once In a Lifetime Vacation

Your author, Tuna Dave, is taking a once-in-lifetime cruise to Alaska with "Mrs. Tuna Dave" to celebrate our 23rd anniversary. I will do my best to relax and not think about politics, current affairs, or anything of substance for at least a week.

However, if I get inspired, I may post a message or two from the frontier.

I'll get back into the swing when I get back.

In the meantime, I will posting on my blackjack diary, since I will be playing blackjack both on the cruise and in Las Vegas when we finish the cruise. So, check it out when you get a chance.