We rented a van and drove up into Canada:
The Yukon is so pretty:
We made it up to a lake called Emerald Lake. We were lucky to have such a beautiful day:
The color of the water was just unbelievably beautiful:
We passed lots of lakes and super cool mountains and waterfalls.
We just admired the waterfalls from the car:
We had to take a welcome to Alaska picture too:
Next we decided to try to find the Chilkhoot trail. It was not an easy task. We found a cool bridge, crossed it and admired the trail on the other side of the river. Fish, you were terrified that a bear would jump out and get you for some reason:
We decided we had gone too far up the dirt road and went back towards the old town site of Dyea. We found the town, which has totally disappeared now. It was a pretty area:
Finally we went back to the first sign we had seen, and it was the start of the trail. I'm not sure why I thought it would be a different sign. Alas, we made it but only had a few minute to hike the steep trail:
It was then time to head back to the boat. We went to hear the comedian before dinner:
We ended up eating dinner right by the window as we pulled out of port. It was really fun:
A new towel animal:
Thursday was Glacier Bay day. Here is the turn around point and the big glacier behind us:
It was actually cloudy and cold this day, like you would envision Alaska to be!
After you saw the glacier it was time for kids club again while the grown ups just admired the scenery. You were all able to attend a ranger talk and earn your Junior Ranger badge and you took a walk around the deck once too while we were standing out there:
The color of the water in Glacier bay was pretty spectacular when the sun peaked out:
We saw one big chunk of glacier fall and roar into the ocean. That was pretty cool:
I thought there would be more ice in the water around the ship. There were lots of little pieces of ice floating around that looked cool too:
We then retreated to Grammie's deck as we floated by another glacier. It was nice to sit there and visit with a mostly unobstructed view of the scenery:
Guess what everyone's favorite part of the buffet was? Ice cream!
All the boys gathered around cousin Jason as he played a game on his phone in the buffet dining room:
The next morning we were in Ketchikan. We went to a fun lumberjack show. The audience is divided into two teams and you cheer on your lumberjacks as they compete in different events:
We were on the USA side and pulled out a win in the end!
We got a picture with the guys after it was all over. Stretchy, the ostrich stuff animal, got to come along:
After the show we explored the city. It was my favorite city we visited:
The kids club had fun activities after dinner too. They always got you excited for it and we ended up sending you because you had your heart set on it, especially Fish. This night was a glow in the dark party. You're still wearing your glow bands in this picture. When we came back to the room after kids club we often watched part of whichever movie was on tv while you took turns bathing. They had a set of movies that cycled through in the same order the whole week. Your favorite was Peter Rabbit. And look, another towel animal. Looks like a monkey!:
See what I mean? Ice cream!:
On Friday the kids all practiced in the kids club for their upcoming circus show that would be performed on the big stage. At 4:00 it was finally time! We cheered you on as you did your tricks. Hammer did scarf juggling:
Lulu and TJ did a trick with sticks:
And Fish was a baby tiger that shook his tail and jumped through a ring of fire:
The finale. They turned on the black light and the face paint glowed:
Then it was time for a snack and some cousin games in the card room:
and more ice cream:
At 6:00 we docked at our last stop, Victoria BC. We walked the breakwater out to the tiny lighthouse:
As we walked into the town we passed a lady walking her dachshund. TJ asked if he could pet Leo, as he always does, and the lady also told us about some fairy houses on the next street over. There were about 4 or 5 trees with the cutest little fairy villages, complete with doors you can open and bells to ring:
We then booked it over to the downtown area. We liked the totem pole:
and the pretty legislature building:
It's all by the inner harbor:
We didn't have a lot of time in Victoria but enjoyed what we saw! It was a really pretty city too.
Back to the boat for one last dinner and sleep and then it was time to disembark.
You guys had so much fun with your cousins and seeing pretty Alaska. TJ, you cried when we were home because you were so sad that it was over. All of you have asked when we can go back on another cruise. Honestly, Dad and I are kinda cruised out for a while. We got tired of the food and the crowds everywhere. Cruising just gives you a taste of a place so you know where you will want to come back and explore more! So we may not cruise again soon, but we definitely want to get out and see more!
Glad you loved the trip my travel bugs,
Mom
