Alaska Cruising

Alaska Cruising

At this moment imagine you’re at your last port, Ketchikan, of the 7 day cruise of the Alaskan Inland Waterway. You’ve felt the rhythm of the water’s movement throughout the trip. Like the beat of your favorite music, time and you seemed to have slowed down, even though it’s been a short trip with a maximum of sights of gorgeous glaciers and forest filled mountains. Your choice of shore excursions was vast, from riding a narrow gauge railroad, hiking into canyons, seeing wildlife and waterfalls and flying over fjords. Each day you chose from a list of activities, from bingo and blackjack, a multitude of musical happenings to relaxing on the fantail watching the wake of the ship. Onboard your ship, the Noordam, soft pumpkin, gold and earth colors framed in black details was your stage on this refined elegant ship of the Holland American Shipping Line.

At this point you’ve realized that the 1900 passengers represented all economic levels of life from the absence of sameness of those you met. Adding to this cultural history lesson were the ship’s crew representing the world globe, all as courteous and helpful as any fine hotel in the world. Your wealth of variety of food has been challenging, five restaurants and cafes from which to choose. Ironically this causes a common fear of those trying to watch their weight!

You’ve first visited Juneau, then Skagway and now Ketchikan. All three towns very small, perched alongside the water and existing almost exclusively from tourism. You watched three other cruise ships also descend on these quaint villages filled with jewelry stores and art from Alaskan artists, and souvenirs from totem poles to videos.

How was it, this trip to a land so different from most? For us, who now have left Ketchikan and are on our way back to the start city, Vancouver Canada, the time was delightful. It has been what seems like weeks of emotional moments seeing some of the 100,000 magnificent glaciers in Alaska, meeting new friends and exploring the hidden treasures of this largest state in the US.

You may ask about cruise ship born illnesses. Be calmed as all were encouraged to use hand sanitizer containers placed around every corner. Also, sense the quiet provided by the lack of loud speaker announcements used only for what you wanted and needed to know. Would you have missed some of the extraordinary views? No, the captains of the Noordam and the small vessel expeditions expertly revolved and lingered their crafts so all on board could get views and photo opportunities.

A way to involve physical travel with travel within for us was to join two seminars…a comprehensive ”Speak, Write and Publish” by Hay House Publishing and fascinating talks and demonstrations of hypnosis by expert psychiatrist Brian Weiss. His book, “Many Lives, Many Mansions” brought scientific proof of reincarnation to the public many years ago…though written in this lifetime! Brilliant life coach Cheryl Richardson and knowledgeable president of Hay House Reid Tracy infused their attendees with all information and encouragement needed for speaking, sharing and publishing their individual projects. Thank you’s to all.

If you never leave your home for Alaska, let these photos offer you the serenity and beauty given to us by our Father of All.