Chateau Ste Michelle

Chris and I 
Chateau Ste Michelle, WA
August 27, 2023

 One of the really fun things we did while on our trip to the PNW and Alaska was to visit a winery. Yup. Wine!

We visited Chateau Ste Michelle right outside of Seattle on a glorious Sunday afternoon. It was the last day of nice weather for the entire trip. 

The Tasting Area with Fran and Chris
Chateau Ste Michelle
August 27, 2023

We thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the winery and decided on a high end tasting served outdoors in the bright sunshine and heat of the day. The wines were tasting great and the tasting came with a small charcuterie tray to help understand the nature of the wines better. 

I remain, however, convinced that handing wines and munchies to visitors and allowing them to do their own thing is not the best way to tell the story of the winery. But, Chateau Ste Michelle is HUGE! It may be the largest winery operation that we have visited. 

once we were finished with the tasting, which was $50 per person, and we decided to join one of the top end wine clubs we were invited to the members only lounge for more tastings and some relaxation. I had forgotten how expensive West coast Wine Tastings are. 

Our first wine club shipment should arrive next week and I am excited. The wines we tasted were very good with a nice price point. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And it's Friday

Finnegan at the new Starbucks
Tequesta, FL
August 30, 2023

 I'm not even sure why I know today is Friday, except that it is on my watch. 

I've been aware of the excruciatingly uncomfortable weather in the Northeast. While we are seeing 90 degree days here, the humidity is finally down and we once again enjoy being outside. I am happy to be away from the 50-something degree days of the PNW and Alaska and back into the warmth of South Florida. 

I hope that things begin to settle a bit now that we are back and have addressed the elephant in the room, that being Riordin's failing health.

And then there was one
Finnegan, Makayla, Riordin
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

In an anthropomorphic moment yesterday, I felt as if Finnegan knew something serious was afoot as we carried Riordin, in his carrier, out of the house for the trip to the vet. He made an unusually extraordinary effort to accompany us. Chris had to physically restrain him from charging out the door. I believe he knew something was happening. 

Even after we returned home, Finnegan was strange. He examined the empty cat carrier and immediately began searching for Riordin. It was sad to watch this small dog look in all of the usual places for his pack-mate. He continued looking through bedtime and even made some small noises trying to get Riordin to respond as if they were playing a game of hide-n-seek. I wish there was a way to help him understand. I guess it was easier with Makayla, since she died in my arms at home and both Finnegan and Riordin were there at the moment she passed.

I guess it is the circle of life!

Will there be another cat or dog added to the household? Right now the answer is a solid no. I have the memories of two great friends to sustain me and I always felt bad leaving Riordin alone when we traveled. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A sad Good-bye to Riordin

Riordin
Elkridge, MD
May 12, 2014

 Riordin, my roughly 16-year old cat, crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. He was at peace and free of the debilitating asthma which had destroyed his body and quality of life by making each breath a struggle.  

We knew he was not well when we departed on our cruise vacation, but we had worked with the vet to try one last treatment which showed some promise. However, he quit eating shortly after we left and was waiting for time to run out. 

Riordin
Tequesta, FL
March 9, 2023

Riordin was the most unique cat I have ever had the pleasure of being associated with. He was loving and liked to crawl into bed at night and curl up with me and just purr until we both went to sleep. 

He was a man's cat. He loved men. We were told this when we adopted him at the age of about 2 years old. He was not a cat that shied away from people, but he instead he loved to interact with our guests--sometimes a bit too much and we had to lock him in a bedroom. 

People sometimes ask me about his unusual name, but that was the name he had when we adopted him and I did not want to turn his world upside down any more than losing his first home by changing his name. In reality, in addition to Riordin, he also answered to Puss--it was my special name for him.

Me with Makayla and Riordin
Elkridge, MD
August 12, 2013

Upon arriving home from our cruise Tuesday evening, we could see that he was not doing well with the new treatment regime. He had lost a lot of weight and it was clear that he was near the end and struggling for each breath. As much as it was so very hard, we gave him the honor of a dignified departure from this world instead of gasping for his final breath. He was at peace and loved as both Chris and I were stroking him as he passed. 

I will miss him very much. He is not the kind of four-footed friend that can be replaced. 

I note since moving full-time to Florida just a year ago, our pack of two dogs and one cat have been reduced to one dog. It has been a tough year with the loss of Makayla, during October, and Riordin, today. 

It is just hard. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The River

The White River
Mount Rainier National Park
August 25, 2023

 Garth Brooks, one of my favorite musicians, sings a song titled, The River. 

The chorus goes:

And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry

I am not sure of my destination, but I know that I am still sailing the waters of the river. 

Sometimes the things we have to do are hard, but they are right. There really is a right and a wrong even though sometimes cloaked in shades of gray. 

Occasionally, we lose friends as the river changes course and they run aground or their time on this planet is done. The water can be rough and we can get wet. Sometimes the dunking is from our own mistakes but lately, all too often the dousing is with tears. 

But--we sail on down the river of life. The final verse of the song cautions us about resigning and giving up:

So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide

I'm sailing rough waters today and my tears because I believe that today I will be saying a final goodbye to a faithful, furry, four-footed companion. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Traveling Home

Mountains Above the Clouds
Leaving SeaTac, WA
September 5, 2023

 It is finished!

Chris and I arrived home last evening about 6:45 PM, completing a 12-day travel adventure in the PNW (Pacific North West) and the southern coast of Alaska. 

The trip ended with gray overcast skies, pretty much the same as the whole cruise. I need to remember that the three days we spent in Seattle were mostly blue skies and sunshine. It is easy to forget since the last nine days were gray. Yesterday, once we got above the clouds, the mountains were finally visible.  I managed the image shooting out the airplane window from an aisle seat. 

At the Entrance to Endicott Arm
Quantum of the Seas
September 1, 2023

And speaking of SeaTac. Ugh. What a mess yesterday. We flew on a 7:55 AM Delta flight. The first mess was baggage check-in. We had two bags, at $30 each. The process for checking bags took a good 20 minutes, possibly more and required painful line waiting. Now this is what really gets me, we paid extra to have our bags and were subjected to substandard service. Why would I do that again?

But wait, there is more. Chris and I are both TSA Pre. There was only one TSA Pre line for the entire airport. And it was a long way from the terminal we needed. We stood in line for another good 10-15 minutes to clear TSA only to have them discover a cork screw that we missed in Chris's backpack. It had a one inch blade and was confiscated. Now here is the weird thing--3 inch succors are allowed, but a small blade designed to cut the foil from a wine bottle is dangerous? Really? 

Chinatown Alley
Victoria, BC, Canada
September 3, 2023

Don't get me wrong. We enjoyed the trip, it is just that air travel in America has become very tedious. I calculated our departure time from the hotel based on my experience elsewhere and added a pad. Thankfully, I added a pad. By the time we got to our gate we were able to walk right onto the plane. We did manage a quick stop for breakfast once we cleared security. 

But, we made it to Ft Lauderdale and to the place where we parked our car. The flight was pleasant and I have to admit, Delta has the best in-seat entertainment and free WiFi (for mileage members). The almost 6-hour flight seemed to pass quickly. 

And now, it is all a memory.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And So it Ends

Float Planes in Ketchikan
Ketchikan, AK
August 30, 2023

 It has been 12 days since we departed Florida for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.  Wow! What a rush!

The days in Seattle before the cruise were fantastic. We really appreciated the city and the opportunities. Chris and I also joined another winery: Chateau St. Michelle! I will write more about that later. 

Ice Flow
Endicott Arm, AK
September 1, 2023

And then the cruise. Sadly the cruise was gray and overcast most of the time with rain. But, We enjoyed Alaska and the wildlife.

What a trip this has been from the heights of Mt Rainier to the Sitka Bay. And then walking Victoria. 

I am putting together a video of some of the sights--especially the whales. 

We have enjoyed so much--I was amazed by the float planes--theyt are everywhere and fly everywhere. I almost wish I were a float plane pilot. 

I wish the weather had been better. Gray was the color of the cruise skies with a few limited exceptions. 

Well, tomorrow it is back to the regular grind, I guess. 

-- Bob Doan, Seattle, WA

The First and Final Sunset

Final and Only Sunset
Victoria, BC, Canada
September 3, 2023

 How weird was it that the last night of the cruise provided us a view of the the first and only sunset? The gray skies broke for a few hours last evening as we enjoyed Victoria, British Columbia. That was a relief. 

Fisherman's Wharf
Victoria, BC, Canada
September 3, 2023

For our evening enjoyment we chose a walking tour of Victoria, which also included a water taxi and a shuttle back to the ship. It was an enjoyable evening. Fortunately, we chose to enjoy dinner before getting off the ship and so we were ready to see the city. 

We began right at the pier and proceeded to walk down into the city to Fisherman's Wharf where we boarded a water taxi and proceeded across the harbor to the main part of Victoria. We continued walking through Chinatown and were provided with history and stories of the gold rush years. It was fascinating. And I got my steps in for the day. 

I enjoyed learning about Victoria, but more importantly the gloomy weather parted, just for a few hours. 

The Legislature Building, where the provincial parliament meets, is lit with a multitude of lights and provides a Disney-esque sight. 

The tour we took, BC Bites & Sights, was fun. We enjoyed a small dessert, a small beer and fish dip, and chocolate along the way. 

We were provided only a few hours in Victoria, but it is a city that deserves more time. WE made it back to the shop just 15 minutes before all aboard, which was 9:30 PM. That is the closest we have ever come to an all aboard time. 

This morning we woke in Seattle. Chris and I are planning on spending the day exploring a bit more--but are surprised how many things, like wineries, are closed for the holiday. And of course, it is gloomy and raining again.

-- Bob Doan, SEATAC, WA

Enjoying a Sea Day

Heading out of the Harbor
Sitka, AK
August 31, 2023

 I enjoy Sea Days. We needed the down day to recover from three straight adventure filled days. 

It was strange in that I did not take any pictures during the day and that we spend most of the day just chilling.

Sea Lions on Channel Marker
Sitka Bay, AK
August 31, 2023

I attended a raffle for jewelry and an art auction. I did not win jewelry nor did I purchase any overpriced art. I was disappointed with the art displayed as there was only one piece that even mildly interested either Chris or myself. 

So I have reviewed some of the multitude of images that I have snapped. I found a few from Sitka that I want to share. First, Heading out of the Harbor, was taken in Sitka. It also captures the rare blue sky that gave us the best morning of the entire cruise. 

Quantum of the Seas
Sitka, AK
August 31, 2023

While on the wildlife cruise around Sitka Bay we came upon a group of sea lions enjoying life and sunning themselves, although there was no sun, on a channel marker. They were fun to watch and did not seem to mind the boat getting close to them. 

And writing of boats, or maritime vessels, I did enjoy snapping an image of Quantum of the Seas from our boat while cruising Sitka Bay. It was a picturesque scene with the ship tied-up at the base of the mountains. 

Today we port in Victoria, British Columbia, for the evening. Tomorrow we begin the two-day journey home to Florida, sun, and warmth. 

-- Bob Doan, Quantum of the Seas in the North Pacific

Juneau in the Rain and Cold

Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau, AK
September 1, 2023

 Yesterday, Chris and I walked in a driving rainstorm to look at . . . 

(Wait for it)

Water and Ice.

The big event of the day was visiting the Mendenhall Glacier. Wee had an afternoon tour and that was a bit of a mistake as the rains began in earnest during the afternoon. With the temperature approaching 56 degrees (the high), it was a cold hike to see the glacier. 

Looking across the Morning
Entrance to Endicott Arm
September 1, 2023

Fortunately, I took this image of the glacier before the hard rains began. By the time we got closer and were at the base of the waterfall, the rain made the images very gray--like both the day and my mood!

Upon arriving, we hiked about a mile into this portion of the Tongass National Forest to bat at the base of Nugget Falls, the waterfall near the glacier and which feeds Mendenhall Glacier Lake. The cold, raw, wet day really sapped our enthusiasm for the adventure. The day actually began with disappointment as the ship was unable to enter Endicott Arm (a fjord) for a view of the Dawes Glacier. The fog made navigating the area too dangerous given the multitude of ice flows. We got up early to view the glacier, but that just meant we had more time to enjoy the day. 

Departing Juneau
Juneau, AK
September 1, 2023

The cancellation allowed us to arrive about two hours early into Juneau. We enjoyed walking around the capital city of Alaska. 

The interesting part, however, was that as the ship pulled away from the pier last evening, I was able to get a good-bye image of Juneau and Alaska. 

And we are on a sea day today with arrival in Victoria, BC, Canada, tomorrow evening. 

Sadly, our cruise is coming to an end. Here's hoping for fair winds and following seas. 

-- Bob Doan, Quantum of the Seas, somewhere off Alaska (5536N 13425W)

Conquering Sitka

Chris in Sitka
Sitka, AK
August 31, 2023

 Day four of the cruise was Sitka!

We came, we saw, and we were amazed!

The city itself is modern and very welcoming to cruisers. But, if you are searching for that idyllic scene from the movie The Proposal--give up. The outdoor scenes were not filmed in the city and it looks nothing like what was portrayed in the movie. 

Humpback Whale Spout
Sitka Bay, AK
August 31, 2023

Sitka is a hard working fishing city where, I was told, the number of registered boats outnumbers the residents. It is easy for the cruise ships to deposit more visitors for the day than residents.

We enjoyed spending time in the city proper, but the highlight of the day was our over three-hour tour of Sitka Gulf and the wildlife we saw and appreciated. 

Humpback Whale Flukes
Sitka Bay, AK
August 31, 2023

The day was filled with otters, sea lions, and humpback whales! That she blows! Literally. As we mooted out in the bay we were looking for the spouts to find the whales--and we did! We stopped for at least an hour to watch probably at least six humpbacks feed in the area. None broached--but we were told they rarely broach in Alaska. They are in Alaska to feed and get prepared for their southern transit.

The boat experience on the bay was the best excursion EVER on a cruise. It was cold and windy, but the wildlife was unbelievable.

-- Bob Doan, aboard Quantum of the Seas heading for Juneau, AK