Marc Wambolt's Blog - Posts Tagged "blogs"
MARC'S MEMOS
9-14-12
I took a summer hiatus from my blog due to an apparent lack of readers, but decided it was time to resume posting. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the low number of views considering there is so much out there to read and I understand that my posts are not a high priority with most people. Right. I mean who cares what goes on in my little corner of the world. That said, I think I will try posting again. Maybe every other week and see what pops up as the topic.
For this week, I have another cruise to talk about. It is my favorite way to vacation these days as it is nice to only unpack once and you get to eat all the time. Seriously, one of the highlights of the experience is to see what is on the menu for the evening dinner and afterwards waiting to see what is for dessert. I have eaten many new things that I never would have gotten to try in a true restaurant setting. In many instances it would be much too expensive. On a cruise, it is all included in the price.
Actually the best part of cruising, in my opinion, is getting off the ship and going into port. Even though you are mostly visiting tourist traps, it is still a refreshing change of scenery. Due to time constraints and proximity to the ship, you are limited in where you can go. However, there are excursions that you can go on that might take you to a more remote location and we usually take advantage of that opportunity.
Anyway, this recent cruise was 10-days to Alaska that started in San Francisco. It visited Victoria, British Columbia, and three ports in Alaska. In addition to those three cities, it also explored Tracy Arm, which is a narrow passage of water between two beautiful mountain ranges. The scenery is breathtaking. Especially when we got to South Sawyer Glacier, a vast blue-white frozen mass that seems to beckon you to get closer.
While approaching this gem from Mother Nature, huge chunks of ice go floating by. Cautiously we glide into position to observe and marvel at this wonderful spectacle beside us.
As we leave the glacier, the mirror image of giant mountains and their frozen white patches reflecting on the jade green sea are spellbinding. Alaska is a magical place and I hope you get to experience it one day.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I took a summer hiatus from my blog due to an apparent lack of readers, but decided it was time to resume posting. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the low number of views considering there is so much out there to read and I understand that my posts are not a high priority with most people. Right. I mean who cares what goes on in my little corner of the world. That said, I think I will try posting again. Maybe every other week and see what pops up as the topic.
For this week, I have another cruise to talk about. It is my favorite way to vacation these days as it is nice to only unpack once and you get to eat all the time. Seriously, one of the highlights of the experience is to see what is on the menu for the evening dinner and afterwards waiting to see what is for dessert. I have eaten many new things that I never would have gotten to try in a true restaurant setting. In many instances it would be much too expensive. On a cruise, it is all included in the price.
Actually the best part of cruising, in my opinion, is getting off the ship and going into port. Even though you are mostly visiting tourist traps, it is still a refreshing change of scenery. Due to time constraints and proximity to the ship, you are limited in where you can go. However, there are excursions that you can go on that might take you to a more remote location and we usually take advantage of that opportunity.
Anyway, this recent cruise was 10-days to Alaska that started in San Francisco. It visited Victoria, British Columbia, and three ports in Alaska. In addition to those three cities, it also explored Tracy Arm, which is a narrow passage of water between two beautiful mountain ranges. The scenery is breathtaking. Especially when we got to South Sawyer Glacier, a vast blue-white frozen mass that seems to beckon you to get closer.
While approaching this gem from Mother Nature, huge chunks of ice go floating by. Cautiously we glide into position to observe and marvel at this wonderful spectacle beside us.
As we leave the glacier, the mirror image of giant mountains and their frozen white patches reflecting on the jade green sea are spellbinding. Alaska is a magical place and I hope you get to experience it one day.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
9-28-12
I thought it might be a good idea to start posting some of my poetry as part of my bi-weekly blog. I have done this in the past and at least it gave me a subject to write about. My style of poetry has been criticized as being too much like a “Hallmark” greeting card, but I don’t take offense to it because I never aspired to be a great poet. My poems are just an attempt to convey a thought or emotion in an easy to understand and hopefully amusing way.
Although most of my poems rhyme, I do have a few that I wrote in prose. Here is one I titled “SUNDAY BRUNCH.” I hope you like it.
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Flickering rays of morning sunlight
Sneak briskly through the spotted window
And dance around mimosas glistening on the table
A brilliant shimmery spectrum suddenly reveals itself
Then shyly retreats back through the curtain
In an apparent case of stage fright
That leaves little chance for an encore
As we gently rock from side to side
We seem obliged to follow parallel lines ahead
And a persistent drone lulls us almost to sleep
Sinking into a comfortable trance
But aware of our surroundings enough
To marvel at Mother Nature just outside
A cup of coffee brings us
Out of our dormant condition
And a meal is served soon afterwards
Straining for a glimpse of the scenery
We laugh and rise in unison
Only to be pushed back in our seats
As our weight shifts with the turn
With a little imagination and a lot of concentration
We are transported back in history
While enjoying our Sunday brunch aboard the train
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE!
I thought it might be a good idea to start posting some of my poetry as part of my bi-weekly blog. I have done this in the past and at least it gave me a subject to write about. My style of poetry has been criticized as being too much like a “Hallmark” greeting card, but I don’t take offense to it because I never aspired to be a great poet. My poems are just an attempt to convey a thought or emotion in an easy to understand and hopefully amusing way.
Although most of my poems rhyme, I do have a few that I wrote in prose. Here is one I titled “SUNDAY BRUNCH.” I hope you like it.
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Flickering rays of morning sunlight
Sneak briskly through the spotted window
And dance around mimosas glistening on the table
A brilliant shimmery spectrum suddenly reveals itself
Then shyly retreats back through the curtain
In an apparent case of stage fright
That leaves little chance for an encore
As we gently rock from side to side
We seem obliged to follow parallel lines ahead
And a persistent drone lulls us almost to sleep
Sinking into a comfortable trance
But aware of our surroundings enough
To marvel at Mother Nature just outside
A cup of coffee brings us
Out of our dormant condition
And a meal is served soon afterwards
Straining for a glimpse of the scenery
We laugh and rise in unison
Only to be pushed back in our seats
As our weight shifts with the turn
With a little imagination and a lot of concentration
We are transported back in history
While enjoying our Sunday brunch aboard the train
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE!
MARC'S MEMOS
10-11-12
I was reading some of the “memos” I have written in the past and came across the first serious poem I ever wrote. It was about my daughter graduating from high school. Graduation was a very happy occasion, but someone really close to her was not there. A grandmother that was extremely proud of her had passed away. I wrote this poem as if this grandmother was speaking directly to my daughter. I called it GRADUATION, but in retrospect I think it should have a different title. Anyway, see if you can figure out the lines in “QUOTATIONS.”
GRADUATION
I never meant to leave you
I didn’t have a choice
Someone kept on calling me
In a very loving voice
“WE’LL WATCH OVER HER TOGETHER
SHE’LL TURN OUT JUST FINE
AND YOU WILL HAVE THE GRANDEST VIEW”
When she leads that Greenway line
Keri I’m so proud of you
And all that you have done
I wish that I were there with you
Sharing in your fun
Remember that I love you
And miss you oh so much
I hope you can remember
Grandma’s gentle touch
You think I missed your high school years
Not true precious love
Keri I saw everything
Watching from above
I HOPE YOU LIKED IT. UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I was reading some of the “memos” I have written in the past and came across the first serious poem I ever wrote. It was about my daughter graduating from high school. Graduation was a very happy occasion, but someone really close to her was not there. A grandmother that was extremely proud of her had passed away. I wrote this poem as if this grandmother was speaking directly to my daughter. I called it GRADUATION, but in retrospect I think it should have a different title. Anyway, see if you can figure out the lines in “QUOTATIONS.”
GRADUATION
I never meant to leave you
I didn’t have a choice
Someone kept on calling me
In a very loving voice
“WE’LL WATCH OVER HER TOGETHER
SHE’LL TURN OUT JUST FINE
AND YOU WILL HAVE THE GRANDEST VIEW”
When she leads that Greenway line
Keri I’m so proud of you
And all that you have done
I wish that I were there with you
Sharing in your fun
Remember that I love you
And miss you oh so much
I hope you can remember
Grandma’s gentle touch
You think I missed your high school years
Not true precious love
Keri I saw everything
Watching from above
I HOPE YOU LIKED IT. UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
11-2-12
I just returned from a three-day adventure with my two grandchildren. We decided it was time to visit California and take the kids to Sea World and Lego Land. It was truly a wonderful experience and I am grateful to have them in my life. It is fun to see how they react to new things and to different situations.
Our visit to Sea World was fantastic as we “Dined with Shamu.” You get to see Shamu up close while enjoying a buffet-style meal and the food was surprisingly good. It was totally worth it to see their expressions when they came face to face with this gigantic black and white creature that everyone knows and loves. They were literally within several feet of him and were only separated by a thick pane of Plexiglas. It was priceless.
Then we had a full day at the beach. Even though the water was a little cold for me, my grandson had no problem frolicking in the waves. He was having the time of his life and you could see the real joy in his face and his actions. My little granddaughter on the other hand, did not want to get wet. She was shrieking and laughing as she retreated quickly to avoid the water. It was super fun!
Our next stop was Lego Land and the park was decorated with the Halloween theme for the month of October. On this particular Saturday, in addition to getting to enjoy all the rides, they got to wear their costumes and ‘treat or treat’ there. Although the park is geared towards small children, adults can have fun too. Riding with your grandson and getting totally soaked on a water ride will definitely made you feel like a kid again.
I can’t wait for the next adventure with my two special little ones. They make me look forward to spending time with them again. I am truly blessed and feel fortunate to be enjoying them and my retirement, especially after all that has happened recently on the East Coast. My thoughts are with those affected and hopefully things will get better soon.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a three-day adventure with my two grandchildren. We decided it was time to visit California and take the kids to Sea World and Lego Land. It was truly a wonderful experience and I am grateful to have them in my life. It is fun to see how they react to new things and to different situations.
Our visit to Sea World was fantastic as we “Dined with Shamu.” You get to see Shamu up close while enjoying a buffet-style meal and the food was surprisingly good. It was totally worth it to see their expressions when they came face to face with this gigantic black and white creature that everyone knows and loves. They were literally within several feet of him and were only separated by a thick pane of Plexiglas. It was priceless.
Then we had a full day at the beach. Even though the water was a little cold for me, my grandson had no problem frolicking in the waves. He was having the time of his life and you could see the real joy in his face and his actions. My little granddaughter on the other hand, did not want to get wet. She was shrieking and laughing as she retreated quickly to avoid the water. It was super fun!
Our next stop was Lego Land and the park was decorated with the Halloween theme for the month of October. On this particular Saturday, in addition to getting to enjoy all the rides, they got to wear their costumes and ‘treat or treat’ there. Although the park is geared towards small children, adults can have fun too. Riding with your grandson and getting totally soaked on a water ride will definitely made you feel like a kid again.
I can’t wait for the next adventure with my two special little ones. They make me look forward to spending time with them again. I am truly blessed and feel fortunate to be enjoying them and my retirement, especially after all that has happened recently on the East Coast. My thoughts are with those affected and hopefully things will get better soon.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
12-17-12
With Christmas just around the corner, we should be in good spirits and looking forward to spending quality time with our families. For most of us we will get the chance to do so. Unfortunately, there are far too many people that will never experience the holidays or life together again. It is sad when families lose loved ones, but the recent tragedy in Connecticut is unthinkable and hard to come to terms with. I can’t imagine the pain that those parents, siblings and relatives are going through. It is beyond comprehension and the healing process will take a very long time.
I have a grandson that attends school and is about the same age of the children that were victims. He just spent several hours at my house while his parents were out doing some shopping and I couldn’t stop staring at him. I sat next to him while he ate a snack and found myself studying his every move. I am still amazed at how lucky I am to have this little person in my life. I realize that most people feel this way about their own loved ones and that is why this tragedy is so horrific.
I hope that this is the last time that innocent lives are lost in such a senseless and barbaric act. Unfortunately, there are still individuals out there intent on causing harm to others and we have no way of knowing when or where it might come from next.
Perhaps we might take extra time to appreciate our families and make more of an effort to show how much we love them. I know that this holiday season will have extra meaning for me as I celebrate with my grandchildren.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Until next time, take care! Marc
With Christmas just around the corner, we should be in good spirits and looking forward to spending quality time with our families. For most of us we will get the chance to do so. Unfortunately, there are far too many people that will never experience the holidays or life together again. It is sad when families lose loved ones, but the recent tragedy in Connecticut is unthinkable and hard to come to terms with. I can’t imagine the pain that those parents, siblings and relatives are going through. It is beyond comprehension and the healing process will take a very long time.
I have a grandson that attends school and is about the same age of the children that were victims. He just spent several hours at my house while his parents were out doing some shopping and I couldn’t stop staring at him. I sat next to him while he ate a snack and found myself studying his every move. I am still amazed at how lucky I am to have this little person in my life. I realize that most people feel this way about their own loved ones and that is why this tragedy is so horrific.
I hope that this is the last time that innocent lives are lost in such a senseless and barbaric act. Unfortunately, there are still individuals out there intent on causing harm to others and we have no way of knowing when or where it might come from next.
Perhaps we might take extra time to appreciate our families and make more of an effort to show how much we love them. I know that this holiday season will have extra meaning for me as I celebrate with my grandchildren.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Until next time, take care! Marc
MARC'S MEMOS
3-4-13
I just returned from a trip to the “Strip”, Las Vegas that is. What an exciting destination. The thrill that grips you when you first arrive and the anticipation of adventure is palpable.
It was an interesting three days that went from exhilaration to resignation that you are not going home with the fortune you came here seeking. Even though I didn’t leave with a profit from gambling, I did have a great time and it was a nice departure from my daily routine.
I also just spent the afternoon with my grandson. He is just shy of his sixth birthday and is becoming a wonderful young person. We talk about everything and I ask him questions because I am interested in what he is doing and what he has been up to. Chronologically he is just a little boy, but his mannerisms and expressions of thought sometimes make him seem much older and I am amazed at some of his quips that seem to come out of nowhere.
An example of a recent exchange during one of our discussions had him stating, “My buns are married.”
I said, “Your buns are married?”
“Yeah, they stick together a lot” he says.
I know this may be funny only to his grandpa and just kid talk, but it made my day! I appreciate his company and love to be with him. His little sister is a doll and I love spending time with her too. I consider myself to be a very lucky man.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a trip to the “Strip”, Las Vegas that is. What an exciting destination. The thrill that grips you when you first arrive and the anticipation of adventure is palpable.
It was an interesting three days that went from exhilaration to resignation that you are not going home with the fortune you came here seeking. Even though I didn’t leave with a profit from gambling, I did have a great time and it was a nice departure from my daily routine.
I also just spent the afternoon with my grandson. He is just shy of his sixth birthday and is becoming a wonderful young person. We talk about everything and I ask him questions because I am interested in what he is doing and what he has been up to. Chronologically he is just a little boy, but his mannerisms and expressions of thought sometimes make him seem much older and I am amazed at some of his quips that seem to come out of nowhere.
An example of a recent exchange during one of our discussions had him stating, “My buns are married.”
I said, “Your buns are married?”
“Yeah, they stick together a lot” he says.
I know this may be funny only to his grandpa and just kid talk, but it made my day! I appreciate his company and love to be with him. His little sister is a doll and I love spending time with her too. I consider myself to be a very lucky man.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
5-15-13
I just returned from a cruise called California Coastal from San Francisco to San Diego that included Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Even though I have been to those cities in the past, it was still nice to visit again.
In San Francisco, the ship docked and we went on an excursion to the Muir Redwoods. It is a small National Park, but is quite beautiful. It protects some of the largest trees in nature called sequoias. They are magnificent and so tall that when you look up you can hardly see the tops.
In addition to the beauty of the redwoods, we got to cross over the Golden Gate Bridge (twice.) It is truly an amazing sight to see and a marvel of human engineering. After crossing the bridge we stopped at the little town of Sausalito. It is on the northern side of the bay with a great view looking back at San Francisco and Alcatraz Island.
We hopped on the city shuttle in Santa Barbara. We made our way up and down State Street where all the shops and restaurants are. There is also an old courthouse and a beautiful mission you should see if you are ever there.
Catalina was a blast even though it is very small and the town is only about a mile wide. We rented a golf cart, as cars are limited on the island, and made a loop on a drive that took us high atop a scenic overlook down to the other side of the waterfront. There are lots of little shops to browse through and tours to go on, but we had done them before. So we just enjoyed the rest of our time sitting outside with a cup of coffee on a beautiful day by the water.
In San Diego, we went on a harbor cruise that was relaxing and very interesting. We saw the U.S.S. Midway that you can go on as it is now a museum. We saw lots of military vessels of all sizes and shapes that were being worked on in port. We also passed under the Coronado bridge and saw a lot of beautiful homes and hotels. It was a good way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day from a great vantage point on the upper deck taking in the sights.
We decided to stay onboard in Ensenada as we had been there before with family members on another cruise. We decided to just relax in the hot tub. What a great way to end a vacation.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I just returned from a cruise called California Coastal from San Francisco to San Diego that included Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Even though I have been to those cities in the past, it was still nice to visit again.
In San Francisco, the ship docked and we went on an excursion to the Muir Redwoods. It is a small National Park, but is quite beautiful. It protects some of the largest trees in nature called sequoias. They are magnificent and so tall that when you look up you can hardly see the tops.
In addition to the beauty of the redwoods, we got to cross over the Golden Gate Bridge (twice.) It is truly an amazing sight to see and a marvel of human engineering. After crossing the bridge we stopped at the little town of Sausalito. It is on the northern side of the bay with a great view looking back at San Francisco and Alcatraz Island.
We hopped on the city shuttle in Santa Barbara. We made our way up and down State Street where all the shops and restaurants are. There is also an old courthouse and a beautiful mission you should see if you are ever there.
Catalina was a blast even though it is very small and the town is only about a mile wide. We rented a golf cart, as cars are limited on the island, and made a loop on a drive that took us high atop a scenic overlook down to the other side of the waterfront. There are lots of little shops to browse through and tours to go on, but we had done them before. So we just enjoyed the rest of our time sitting outside with a cup of coffee on a beautiful day by the water.
In San Diego, we went on a harbor cruise that was relaxing and very interesting. We saw the U.S.S. Midway that you can go on as it is now a museum. We saw lots of military vessels of all sizes and shapes that were being worked on in port. We also passed under the Coronado bridge and saw a lot of beautiful homes and hotels. It was a good way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day from a great vantage point on the upper deck taking in the sights.
We decided to stay onboard in Ensenada as we had been there before with family members on another cruise. We decided to just relax in the hot tub. What a great way to end a vacation.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
7-18-13
I have been neglecting my blog once again. Lately, I tend to only write about my travels even though I started out writing about poetry and my book. Fast-forward four years now and the blog seems to be an afterthought as promotion and my interest in the iPOETRY! group has waned. I was very active at first, but it was very apparent that my style of poetry was not accepted within the group. It seemed to be considered non-intellectual. It was below the “standards” of the few members that made most of the comments in the threads that I posted to. I was under the impression that it was just a place to view poems, but there were always critics and people that wanted to help you “improve” what you wrote. Anyway, I have gotten over that and just continue to browse through the finalists’ poems once in a while. It is not like anything I write is outstanding, but I still scratch my head after reading some of the ones that are selected each month for voting.
Moving on, I just returned from California where I spent the 4th of July holiday. My son, daughter-in-law, wife and I shared a cabin in Big Bear on the lake. It was magnificent. We decided to go all in and split the cost of a place we would never stay at if we had to pay for the entire bill. Only paying for half made it more affordable and a little easier to justify. Even though it was expensive, it was well worth spending time together in such a beautiful setting. We were amazed by the view from three different decks that look directly out at the lake. On one deck there was a Jacuzzi and inside there was a pool table on the lower level. On the side of the cabin was a series of steps that lead down to a dock. Fishing wasn’t great, but it was still awesome to sit and take in all the scenery. Lots of people boating, water skiing and just enjoying the lake. It was probably a one-shot deal, but it was a great experience and one that I will always remember!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
I have been neglecting my blog once again. Lately, I tend to only write about my travels even though I started out writing about poetry and my book. Fast-forward four years now and the blog seems to be an afterthought as promotion and my interest in the iPOETRY! group has waned. I was very active at first, but it was very apparent that my style of poetry was not accepted within the group. It seemed to be considered non-intellectual. It was below the “standards” of the few members that made most of the comments in the threads that I posted to. I was under the impression that it was just a place to view poems, but there were always critics and people that wanted to help you “improve” what you wrote. Anyway, I have gotten over that and just continue to browse through the finalists’ poems once in a while. It is not like anything I write is outstanding, but I still scratch my head after reading some of the ones that are selected each month for voting.
Moving on, I just returned from California where I spent the 4th of July holiday. My son, daughter-in-law, wife and I shared a cabin in Big Bear on the lake. It was magnificent. We decided to go all in and split the cost of a place we would never stay at if we had to pay for the entire bill. Only paying for half made it more affordable and a little easier to justify. Even though it was expensive, it was well worth spending time together in such a beautiful setting. We were amazed by the view from three different decks that look directly out at the lake. On one deck there was a Jacuzzi and inside there was a pool table on the lower level. On the side of the cabin was a series of steps that lead down to a dock. Fishing wasn’t great, but it was still awesome to sit and take in all the scenery. Lots of people boating, water skiing and just enjoying the lake. It was probably a one-shot deal, but it was a great experience and one that I will always remember!
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE! MARC
MARC'S MEMOS
I have not posted in a very long time. Due to health problems and other issues, it was unquestionably the worst year of my life. Without going into detail, I am so glad to say good riddance to 2013 and welcome to the new year.
On a positive note, I do have two cruises planned this year. One with my grandchildren to the Caribbean and one to Alaska that includes seven days on a land tour. These exciting adventures may help me forget last year. I certainly hope so.
I realize that my situation does not come close to what many people had to deal with, but I am adopting a new credo from now on.
LIFE IS SHORT
EAT YOUR DESSERT FIRST!!!
Enjoy life and be thankful for what you have. You never know when things may go haywire.
Until next time, take care. Marc
On a positive note, I do have two cruises planned this year. One with my grandchildren to the Caribbean and one to Alaska that includes seven days on a land tour. These exciting adventures may help me forget last year. I certainly hope so.
I realize that my situation does not come close to what many people had to deal with, but I am adopting a new credo from now on.
LIFE IS SHORT
EAT YOUR DESSERT FIRST!!!
Enjoy life and be thankful for what you have. You never know when things may go haywire.
Until next time, take care. Marc
MARC'S MEMOS
6-30-14
I just returned from a 14-day cruise/tour to Alaska. It was seven days on land and then a seven day cruise. We flew into Fairbanks after two connecting flights to Anchorage and then boarded a smaller prop plane for the last leg. It was a long day getting there, but it was worth it. We started with an all-you-can eat salmon bake with plenty of side dishes and my favorite, lots of choices for dessert.
The land tour included staying at lodges that were part of the Princess cruise line properties. Besides Fairbanks, the land tour visited Denali National Park. If you ever get a chance, take the tundra excursion. You will see amazing wildlife and you might get a chance to see the tallest mountain in North America. Lucky for us, we had the good fortune to see it on a glorious sunny day. It is obscured from view on many days due to its height and the weather surrounding it.
The accommodations were very impressive, but the one I liked the most was the lodge on the Kenai peninsula. The room there had a fireplace and an outside deck for a great view of the scenery. It was a magnificent week on land and we still had the cruise to look forward to.
The cruise visited the ports of Skagway, Juneau (the capital) and Ketchikan. Each port has its own unique quality and many interesting things to do. From a train ride in Skagway to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and a lumberjack show in Ketchikan, just to mention a few.
The entire vacation went by way too fast. One of the amusing things to pass along was that we had plenty of daylight in which to do things. In Fairbanks, the sun didn't set until 12:30 a.m. and sunrise was 3:00 a.m. Also, when we arrived the temperature was 66 degrees and it was 106 degrees back in Phoenix.
Speaking of temperature, we were at one venue and they had a room that recreated a winter temperature of 40 below. We were in our regular clothes and it was almost instantly uncomfortable. Obviously, we didn't last long. It is unreal to think that people make their home in places that experience that kind of extreme. Although, people think the same of me living in the extreme heat of the desert. Anyway, I am already thinking of where my next adventure might take me.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
I just returned from a 14-day cruise/tour to Alaska. It was seven days on land and then a seven day cruise. We flew into Fairbanks after two connecting flights to Anchorage and then boarded a smaller prop plane for the last leg. It was a long day getting there, but it was worth it. We started with an all-you-can eat salmon bake with plenty of side dishes and my favorite, lots of choices for dessert.
The land tour included staying at lodges that were part of the Princess cruise line properties. Besides Fairbanks, the land tour visited Denali National Park. If you ever get a chance, take the tundra excursion. You will see amazing wildlife and you might get a chance to see the tallest mountain in North America. Lucky for us, we had the good fortune to see it on a glorious sunny day. It is obscured from view on many days due to its height and the weather surrounding it.
The accommodations were very impressive, but the one I liked the most was the lodge on the Kenai peninsula. The room there had a fireplace and an outside deck for a great view of the scenery. It was a magnificent week on land and we still had the cruise to look forward to.
The cruise visited the ports of Skagway, Juneau (the capital) and Ketchikan. Each port has its own unique quality and many interesting things to do. From a train ride in Skagway to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and a lumberjack show in Ketchikan, just to mention a few.
The entire vacation went by way too fast. One of the amusing things to pass along was that we had plenty of daylight in which to do things. In Fairbanks, the sun didn't set until 12:30 a.m. and sunrise was 3:00 a.m. Also, when we arrived the temperature was 66 degrees and it was 106 degrees back in Phoenix.
Speaking of temperature, we were at one venue and they had a room that recreated a winter temperature of 40 below. We were in our regular clothes and it was almost instantly uncomfortable. Obviously, we didn't last long. It is unreal to think that people make their home in places that experience that kind of extreme. Although, people think the same of me living in the extreme heat of the desert. Anyway, I am already thinking of where my next adventure might take me.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, TAKE CARE. MARC
