July 4 is our special day

 Yes, we know it is the birthday of the USA, but more importantly, it is Jim's and my wedding anniversary! We like to think those fireworks are for us! We try to do something memorable every July 4, (see last year's post, including Jim's speech) but this year takes the cake. We were in Ketchikan, Alaska. In the morning we went on a kayaking tour and had the special experience of seeing a bald eagle close up with it's salmon catch.

We got back to the ship early afternoon and went back out a bit later. The ship was docked right at the center of Ketchican, so getting off and walking around was so easy! We were able to experience some of the July 4 parade, find a bar and have a chance meeting with our beer-loving fellow Odyssean, Joe Rhodes. 

And, when we got hungry we ended up at Ketchikan Crab and Go, where we splurged on King Crab Legs. And, I DO mean splurged! Take a look at these prices!

We each had one leg - and, I have to say I think it was actually worth the money!

Fireworks!

On our ship was the place to be for the Ketchican Fireworks! The ship had pre-arranged with the Port of Ketchikan to be able to anchor out a little was and get into the best viewing position. The fireworks show started at 11pm - yes, we stayed up for it! Other cruise ships (there were 4 others in port this day!) were long gone. It felt like the show was just for us - and by 'us' I mean Jim and me! 😊🤓🎇🎆

Odysseans waiting for the fireworks to start!

The novelty is wearing off

Where I once set the alarm to get up and outside to see when we pulled in to a new port. I now roll over and think, I wish those engines were not so noisy while docking, I still want to sleep.

Where I once thrilled at the thought that I had a stretch class to go to at 8 every morning, it's been more than a week since I've attended.

Where I once thought it was so cool that we have this whole beautiful ship as our home, I am now spending more and more time in our room, sitting at my computer and, maybe I'm even missing our couch a little. I used to love movies - multiple times each week I would watch a movie to relax. Since we've been on board (over 2 months,) I've only watched one movie (Amelia Earhardt - it was good) and I wonder how Jeopardy is going these days. That was our norm back home, to watch Jeopardy every night.

Where I once reveled in the buffet full of fruits and veggies, I've recently taken to special-ordering from the pasta bar, and I've also succumbed to the always-available ice cream. 

In my defense - we have been busy in port after port lately: San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver. The travel is fantastic! And, I guess that's the main reason we're doing this right? 

Some people develop routines and then stick to those routines, making sure they get the exercise class in and eat the same breakfast, for example. I've always been anti-routine, but maybe it's time. 

This certainly is a completely new life style - I'm still learning how to adjust. 

I love the challenge! Taking it one day at a time.

Bridges of San Francisco

What a great experience, to arrive in San Francisco by sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. 

From 1975-80 I lived in the San Francisco Bay area. I lived in Berkeley and Oakland and either worked or went to school in San Francisco, so I traveled over the Bay Bridge. So, when we were docked so that the Bay Bridge was right out our window I felt right at home!

The Bay Bridge at night from the bow of the ship.

A day exploring and walking on the Golden Gate Bridge

It was originally planned that we would only be one day in San Francisco, no overnight. We had arranged for 3 friends to visit us on that day, so we didn't expect to even get off the ship. As it turned out, the weather forced us in to port a day early, so we had an afternoon to explore. 

First, we took a Waymo self driving car to the Palace of Fine Arts. What an experience! We loved it. It works just like Uber in that you get an app - Waymo 1 - you enter where you want to go, it sees where you are and come picks you up. It's a bit of a freaky feeling to ride in a car with no one in the driver's seat, but it felt solid in it's driving skills. We took video and played it during our Episode 302 of our YouTube podcast. Here is a link that takes you right to where we start talking about Waymo and showing the video.

I remember from living here in the 70s that the Palace of Fine Arts was magnificent, and it did not disappoint.

Mind Blown

Oh, the universe just keeps weaving these incredible threads for us on this journey! You know, having cruised through the Panama Canal three times now, I've really steeped myself in its monumental history. I mean, what an absolute marvel of engineering and human will! And then, just when I thought I had a handle on that particular piece of the past, Jim and I found ourselves at the gorgeous Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. There I was, admiring its stunning architecture, only to discover it was a centerpiece of the 1914 Panama Pacific World Expo. And guess what one of the main reasons for that whole grand exposition was? To celebrate the mind-blowing accomplishment of the Panama Canal! My jaw practically dropped. It's moments like these, where my travels connect dots across continents and centuries, that just blow my mind. Learning about the world and its history, not from a textbook, but by living it and stumbling upon these profound connections – that's the real magic, isn't it?

Then we just walked towards the Golden Gate Bridge - about 2 miles away. The path took us through Chrissy Field which includes a beach where hundreds of people were enjoying the gorgeous day.

Then we climbed up to bridge level and actually walked out on the Bridge a ways. In all my years when I lived here, I don't think I ever did that. It was cool to look down on ships sailing under the bridge.

After our bridge walk, it was time for dinner. We decided to go to Pier 39, a top tourist destination which is just a few blocks from where our ship was docked at Pier 27. Here is one of the reasons Pier 39 is such a top attraction - there is almost always some sea lions on the docks in the Marina next door. This guy was quite a poser. Jim says, "nice stache."

Visitors!

Then, the next day we had our visitors. Melinda, Arynne, and Blake. I've known Arynne since high school, Melinda since law school in San Francisco, and Blake also from my San Francisco days. It was so nice to be able to share with them my new home. Both Melinda and Arynne had tried to arrange a week or two aboard, but it didn't work out. Melinda hoped to board in San Diego and get off in San Francisco, but that violates 'cabotage' laws. Those laws were originally meant to protect American shipping companies from foreign competition. They prohibit foreign-flagged ships from transporting goods or people from any port in the US to another port in the US - thus San Diego to San Francisco was out. Arynne wanted to get on in Vancouver an off in Juneau. That didn't violate any law, but even though I put in the request at least 2 moths before, that stretch was fully booked with guests. ☹️

On the bow with our visiting friends. Melinda from Reno, Arynne from Pacific Grove, and Blake from Oakland.

Arynne made the weaving that graces the wall behind our bed - I asked for something with mountains and ocean to represent my life. She made that long ago - even before I met Jim! It goes with me everywhere - house, RV, Ship.

Melinda's Dad was a cruise ship captain, so it was a special treat for her to get to meet our Captain Val - and on the bridge no less. He's such a cool guy! As was Melinda's Dad.

Last but not least, we met up with our friend Judy who came on board for a week "try before you buy." She is seriously considering following us into this nautical lifestyle. Welcome aboard Judy!

It was a wonderful time in San Francisco, but alas, we had to say good-bye.

And sail one more time under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Architecture Cruise Around Manhattan

Our friend Dee told us about this New York City Architecture Cruise. 
We had a day between teaching gigs at Senior Planet in the city and this was a great way to relax and learn more ourselves.

It was a perfect September afternoon for a boat ride.

We were welcomed aboard the gorgeous 1920's themed yacht Manhattan II and cast off for our nearly three-hour tour. 

Our captain gave us the required Coast Guard safety briefing and turned us over to our fantastically knowledgeable guide, Joseph Lengeling, a member of the American Institute of Architects. He kept up an entertaining narration for the entire circumnavigation of the island of Manhattan. 

We were amazed at his expertise about old and new skyscrapers, architects names and dates, residential architecture, bridges, Art Deco and Beaux Arts styles as well as waterfront parks and infrastructure through the years. He told stories of history, biography, design and current events with an enthusiasm that showed his love of the subject. All without notes!

We had great views the entire tour. We took lots of pictures and met some nice folks.

We circumnavigated Manhattan!

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge (George Washington Bridge)

We were treated to a complimentary beer, wine, or champagne and enjoyed some tasty snacks provided by the fine crew of two. 

You can't beat this tour for value. 5-Stars! Highly recommended. We'll be back.

Here is a link to more of our pictures. Enjoy!

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