Travels

A week in Vancouver, then a boat ride to Alaska. I had to call it a boat ride because I couldn't face the thought of a "cruise" after the "Cruise from Hell" in 2006.

5-29, Sunday, Fly to Seattle; take a bus to Vancouver.

5-30, Monday, Rainy. Tour Stanley Park and Vancouver by Hyundai Accent (nice car).

5-31, Tuesday, Car trip to Whistler ski area.

Vancouver was a good "jumping off" point.	For a trip toShannon Falls.	Pretty falls,	and very scenic spot
on our way to Whistler.	Lots of young bears.	Hungry bears	on our way to
Whistler Olympic Park,	which was closed.	We weren't upset.	We came for the scenery.
Saw another bear.	Saw more awesome views.	Explored as we like.	And finally arrived.
Whistler, just a ski village.		Fabulous views coming back.

6-1, Wednesday, UBC Botanical Garden / Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden

The Japanese Garden at The Universisty of British Columbia was small and not so impressive as ones we have seen in Japan. But the UBC Botanicall Garden was so enjoyable and relaxing that we failed to take pictures.
The chineese garden was very well done, and had an excellent tour lead by a man who pointed out the many subtle Ying and Yang features in the garden.

Every positon

Has a good view.

Looking down.

Or looking up with modern
buildings in the background.

6-3, Friday, Grouse Mountain / Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge / Steamworks

Only one way up.	And on a foggy day	probably the best view.	Peak Chalet at the top
is a ski center.	The view wasn't spectacular.	This is as good as it got.	So we enjoyed the carvings.
With a local guide.	Truly beautiful.	Saw some bears close up	Just out of hybernation.
A lumber jack competion	complete with pole climbing	and log rolling.	Still this much snow in June.
Which is why the view was so dismal.	So on to the next spot.	Lynn Canyon.	Over this gourge
is a long suspension bridge.	After a slow decline from the bridge there was a suprising 100ft. climb back up.	But the view is spectacular.	The day ended at the steamworks where we saw a steam powered clock and I enjoyed some local-brewed beer.
A stroll along the water		ended a pleasant day.

6-4, Saturday, VanDusen Botanical Garden

One of the most beautiful gardens.	55 acres of spectacular flora and a 200 meter	Rhododendron Walk	Perfect weather on our last day in Vancouver..
Just a pine tree?.	Look closer. There are bald eagles here.	A little trouble coming back.	The Kanucks just won the first Stanley Cup game..

6-5, Sunday, Sail on the Celebrity Century.

Left from Canada Place.	Excitement was high.	Tip of Stanley Park.	Port exit ahead.
Under the bridge and we're off..	Everybody wants to be on deck..	We are off.	Into the passage.
Last look of Vancouver.	Deck cleared fast.	They missed some pretty spots.	Looking forward to an adventure..

6-7, Tuesday, Icy Point Straits - Bears and Whales

From Celebrity Cruises' excursion description, "Imagine being in the midst of humpback whales as they feed and frolic in the bountiful waters of Icy Strait. Then imagine overlooking a wild salmon stream, winding its way out amidst sedges and berry bushes, and suddenly, a bear's head pops out of the grass".
This is Century.	Our only tendered port.	Quaint village.	Closest thing to a bear we saw.
Whale as we saw them.	Small even enlarged.	Yes that is a tail.	See, its a tail.

6-8,Wednesday, Hubbard Glacier

Crowded on the bow deck,

to see Hubbard Glacier.

We saw ice flows,

but no glacier.

6-9, Thursday, Juneau / Mendenhall Glacier / Zipline

Sandy finally gets to hang on a Moose like our Moose hung on her.	Off to downtown Juneau.	31,000 residents.	No roads in or out.
In and out only by boat or plane.	We went to the Mendenhall Glacier.	And actually saw it. No fog.	Didn't have time nor clothes to get closer.
Blue ice.	Next stop, the Zipline.	Climb the gallows folks.	Its like 3 stories up.
Logical brain: Its OK.	Emotional brain: Are we nuts? .	Who is first.	Not a big deal.
Its been nice knowing you.	Ready.	Get set.	Go.
And go.	Feet up.	Wait for the brake.	Whew, I'm alive.
Next.	Seems to last forever.	Nice view.	Lay back and relax.
Final bridge back.	A little bouncy.	But kind of tame.	End of the adventure..

6-10, Friday, Ketchican

Cruise ships docking spaces are full. One has to pull out before another one can pull in,	Quaint village.	A slice of gold-rush Alaska, frozen in time. .	A great place to walk and talk.
We are too early,	but when the salmon are running	they go up these falls	to spawn in this clear pool.
It this the Ketchican can catcher?	We think not.	Totems are ever present.	Was land expensive?
Or was building over water easier? .	Maybe they liked catching salmon off the front porch.	Downtown Ketchican overooks the docks..	Cruise ships and tourists are the main industry,.