Alaska

I've been working on this post for the better part of 2 - well, going on 3 weeks now. So many pictures and memories to sort through...it's somewhat overwhelming! It's important for me to do this though as I don't want to forget anything! Wonderful vacation, amazing memories.

We left on July 9th out of (surprisingly sunny!) Seattle for a 7-day cruise through Alaskan waters.
Boarding the boat:

Our route gave us the first couple of days at sea, two port days at Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, a couple more sea days and a final port in Victoria, British Columbia before our return to Seattle. I had never been on a cruise prior to this one and am now convinced that this is the only way to travel! Picture a floating luxury hotel that transports you to and from several vacation destinations in one week, all the while surrounded with snow-covered mountains and water as far as you can see? Yes, please. It was so lovely.

We were happy to take this trip with Kyle's parents and his older sister, Rachel and her husband, Kris. We missed little sister, Hayley and husband Brian very much, but found comfort in knowing they would be joining us for the next go around (Right!?).  Here's the clan at dinner one night:

So first off, a few shots of the inside of the boat. Beautiful Rhapsody of the Seas.

On board we enjoyed reading good books in the Solarium, Bingo, loosing money in the casino (such is life), watching musical numbers before dinner each night, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, shopping (yes, the boat does indeed have shops), afternoon movies in the theatre, long afternoon naps, working out in the gym on board to try to combat the extra calorie intake, and of course, eating gourmet food at any and all hours of the day.

Juneau, Alaska:
Saw: The Mendenhall Glacier. Wow. Just wow. It was beautiful even in the pouring rain/51 degree weather we had to brave to get there.
Ate: The best Salmon ever at our Salmon Bake. Complete with clam chowder, cole slaw, beans, corn bread, lemonade, coffee, roasted marshmallows, and two resident Alaskan sled dogs, of course!

Mendenhall Glacier:

Skagway, Alaska:
Saw: A beautiful, unique city with snow-covered mountain tops and water all around.
Ate: Fish and Chips at the Skagway Fish Co. Reminded me of my summers in England during high school.

Victoria, BC:
Saw: The Empress, a lovely hotel that we MUST stay in if we ever go back! This was perhaps the prettiest city I have ever seen. Flowers in full bloom everywhere! The weather was a sunny 72 or so degrees. Perfect day. We did some shopping in this city and stumbled upon one of the coolest things ever. This guy and his daughter made a business out of collecting seaweed from the ocean, drying and pressing it, and making beautiful and original fine art. We were so impressed we bought some and plan on ordering more! Visit the website here.
Ate: At the Sticky Wicket! Cool name, great pub, great pub food. We also enjoyed gelato and cheesecake covered with chocolate and heath bar crumbs. Yum!

Seattle, WA:
Saw: The original Starbucks...and we just happened in by chance. We strolled around Farmer's Market and saw fresh fish, veggies, flowers...even chocolate noodles!?
Ate: Cheese made right in front of our eyes! And of course we drank some coffee from the very first Starbucks!

And finally, because they're so darn fun (and very vacation-esque), a montage of the towel animals that tucked us in every night:

So many photos, so little time, space, etc. Click here to see them in their entirety. Thanks for reading :-)