Currently back home!
Today we went to lunch with cousin Shirley and then we went for a walk around her old university (University of British Columbia, UBC). We saw some totem poles and then we made panoramic photos. We did it so that we appeared twice in one photo!
We played on the beach and saw a lovely sunset in the evening.
Today we arrived back in Vancouver. We had a final look around on the ship and then left. It was sad to leave because we enjoyed it. My favourite bit was the swimming pool, the buffet and the TV.
We got a train then a bus and walked to a youth hostel and also went to the beach for the rest of the day.
It was my birthday today! I think I can safely say that I’ve never celebrated my birthday on a boat before, let alone one coming back from Alaska. I was surrounded by beautiful scenery all day. I read my birthday messages from family and friends, and opened my cards early. I was sad too that I was not in Whitby with the rest of my family, but they have shared lots of photos, and even had a birthday takeaway for me as usual so I was almost in two places at once!!
Sam and Martha went to all the Club Hal sessions they could- they have really enjoyed this kids club all week and didn’t want to miss a moment there. Mike and I went to one of the many events on board – this one was ‘Meet the Captain’, where we learnt more about how everything works and the history of our captain.
We had games and lunch together with Sam and Martha following this and then they went back to kids club in the afternoon whilst I went to the gym (I know, on my birthday??) – it is situated on Floor 9 right at the front of the boat, and the treadmills are right at the front window, so I actually enjoyed spending time there, whale spotting sometimes or just taking in the views.
Mike sent me to get indulged at the spa so I got my toenails painted – don’t think I’ve had something like that done since we went to Centreparcs when I was pregnant with Martha. They have lasted well, I’m writing this entry a few weeks late and they are as shiny as ever!!
We picked the kids up early from Club Hal as it was their chance to see the illusionist again – Leon Etienne was going to reveal some of his secrets! They learnt how to do a card trick and a mind reading trick and spent the rest of the day practising on everyone, including our lovely waiter Awal at the restaurant.
I received a surprise at teatime – a gorgeous mini birthday cake and a happy birthday song from the waiters. Then 5 minutes later they were serenading someone else, never did see who was my birthday twin on board!
It was the last evening Club Hal pyjama party so we let Sam and Martha go to party and to say goodbye to all their friends there. Mike and I went for a last walk around the boat, lovely scenery all around.
It was a very different birthday to usual, and one that I enjoyed tremendously!
We arrived at Ketchikan and it was raining a lot. We saw a good lumberjack show and my favourite bit was the axe throwing and the tree climbing. After that we saw some totem poles and we also saw lots of salmon swimming up a stream.
Then we collected MORE free jewellery like pendants, necklaces, bracelets and charms.
Today we arrived at Glacier Bay. First we went on the outside deck of the boat and saw a massive glacier. We also saw small icebergs that had broken off the glacier. It was really cold but sunny.
Today we went to Skagway.
First we stroked sled dogs and puppies! They were really cute, fluffy and soft.
Next we went in to a room that was 40 degrees below zero and it was freezing!
Then we went gold panning. I got gold that was worth $14.13. I got it put in to a necklace.
Next we got some more free jewellery.
(Note from Mike – I went on a “Guided Photography Adventure” later on with a small group of like-minded individuals and we managed to explore some areas around Skagway, including driving up the Klondike Highway and crossing the border into Canada and back.)
Today we arrived in Juneau which is the capital of Alaska. We got off the ship and had a walk around and we collected loads of free jewellery gifts from the many jewellery shops. We got bracelets, necklaces and charms from them.
