Icy Strait, Alaska

We've been on two more trips since we got back from the Alaskan cruise. I've got so much to 'post' about , my heads in a spin. So I'll be showing you a lot of pictures over the next few days just trying to catch up because after "I do", I got some REALLY BIG NEWS to share! And ' that' my friends will be the carrot dangling in front of the horse.
After cruising for a day and a half, Seranade of the Seas, made it's first visit to Icy Strait, Alaska. e Once a salmon cannery, the surounding waters are plentiful with marine life...incliuding whales.

Anxious to see the sights we decided to take a little hike. The air was cool and crisp!

Everything was so green...

...and lush!

The underneath of a toppled tree.

Huge logs. Paul Bunyan must live near by.

Native blackberries in bloom.

Old cemetary.

An amazing forest with a carpet of moss.


Laynce and Leslie, went off and left me... to be eaten by bears!

This cute little bus, made a 45 minute trek to the top of a nearby mountain top, so adventurous cruisers could ride a Zip-line back down the mountain. It takes only 2 minutes to get down,

unless you chicken out. Then it would take 45 minutes to ride the bus back. How embarrasing!

Several hours later, we headed back to the boat. Icy Strait was really cool! Our BFF Leslie and Laynce.... one of the nicest things that ever happened to us.

The minute we get back on board, we'll race to our favorite napping chairs!

...and while we're snoozing, vision's of humpback whales will swim in our heads!

This year's vacation hit the bulls eye on summer fun! After arriving on Whidbey island, we spent several enjoyable days with Beth and Carter. It's berry season in Washington State, so we visited a local farm to pick strawberries. The farmer handed us a basket and said eat as many as you like. They were big, beautiful and plentiful. In about 30 minutes we had picked 30 lbs, at a mere $1.17 lb.

When we got back, Carter and I washed, dried and froze most of them, to be used later. Of course we couldn't resist making 'strawberry shortcake' for dessert that night. I am sorry you weren't there...

The next morning, we packed up our bags and bff's Leslie and Laynce and drove to Vancover, but not before stopping in at the Calico Cupboard in Annacortes. Beth and Carter, came too!

After a delicious breakfast, we were off on another adventure!

Upon arrival, we checked into the River Rock Hotel. The rooms were great!...and so was the hotel, but knowing we only had one day to see Vancover, we didn't waste time.

First stop! Historic, colorful and quaint, Gastown.

We watched the steam clock chime 4:00.
As we walked past this sidewalk musician playing Val-de-ri, I chimed in, singing the words, "...my knapsack on my back"

Admired the Harbor,

and enjoyed a delicious dinner at a hip eatery!

Next morning, we woke up early and ready to cruise! We had been looking forward to this day for months. Our first glimpse of the Serenade of the Seas! Anticipating adventure...we were excited! Anchors away! Leaving the harbor! Heading out to sea, it's time to explore out the ship...all 975 feet.

Poolside bronze! On board Coffee Bar....Latte-tudes. mmm.....Central lobby. Glass elevators...rise high above the lobby. An aerial view.

Original art at every turn.

At dinner, we met Wilhelm, a hair dresser from South Africa! A colorful chap, who said 'lovely' a lot! We had fun getting to know Willy! This is Michael, our Head Waiter, who is from the Phillipines. He made excellent recommendations each night and amused us frequently.

We did not order anything from the Vitaility menu.
The food was delicious!
The towel animals were great!

Next stop! .......Icy Straight, Alaska