maureencruiser Posted September 5, 2016 Author #101 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Eventually, Steve asked if we wanted to see sea lions. A bevy of sea lions. I have a great video, you can hear how much noise they make. When I get home, I'll post that. I loved them so much. They started jumping in the water, putting on a show for us. Sea lion races. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 5, 2016 Author #102 Share Posted September 5, 2016 On our way back to the ship, stopping to enjoy the view. Again, the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. We have been so lucky in that regard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 5, 2016 Author #103 Share Posted September 5, 2016 So, let me tell you about dog sledding. One of, if not THE main draw of an Alaskan cruise for me is the opportunity to go dog sledding on a glacier. Once I had the trip booked, I quickly made arrangements through an outside company to go dog sledding . It was expensive, but, it was worth it. Three days before I left town, they called me to cancel. There wasn't enough snow left on the glacier, due to heavy rain. I was very sad, but, wasn't going to let it spoil my trip. At the shore excursion talk, they were still selling dog sledding trips! They used a different glacier than the other company. Yes, it was back on! Until I went to book it and it conflicted with my Harv and Marv outing. The ship wasn't offering it in the afternoon. More disappointment. The morning I arrived in Juneau, I was out on the dock waiting for Harv and Marv and got talking to a man selling tours. He said Temsco was doing dog sleds in the afternoon and quickly signed me up. It was back on and it was less expensive! So, at the appointed time, I met my shuttle at the dock. Also on the shuttle was a father/daughter pair from Australia off the Volendam. They, too, had booked through another company, but, since they had been traveling for weeks, they had just found out on the dock that their tour had been cancelled. Also on our shuttle was another couple from Australia, also off the Volendam. They had just wandered off the ship with no plans and decided to go dog sledding. They worried if they had enough clothes since they hadn't dressed for the glacier. They ended up being just fine. So, at the office, the first thing they do is give you a dog stamp and show you a safety video. I loved my doggy stamp, but, I needed help getting my glacier boots on. One advantage of being heavy is that you get to fly in the front of the helicopter with the pilot. The view of Juneau as we took off. Gorgeous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 5, 2016 Author #104 Share Posted September 5, 2016 First glimpse of the dog camp. I claim this glacier on behalf of the USA! Notice the beautiful blue sky. So, this is how it works, 4 people go out with one musher. 2 people sit in the front, then the musher stands, 1 person sits behind him and 1 person stands on the rails. We had 3 helicopters that needed to break into groups of 4. I stepped aside to let Team Oz go together and ended up being put with a different couple off the Volendam. I think our sled went faster because we had less people. My team, getting ready. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 5, 2016 Author #105 Share Posted September 5, 2016 We were lucky to get this in, tomorrow will be their last day. You can't really see, but, this copter was taking away equipment. This team just returned, they lay in the snow to cool off. My team, this is Motorhead, she seemed a little skittish. Zeppelin and Pantera, are you starting to notice a theme? The lead dog was a female, Scary. Matt, my musher said Scary was the smartest dog he'd ever worked with. I got to sit in the very first seat. I was happy about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 5, 2016 Author #106 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Wer'd run for a bit then stop to rest and switch seats. I was the second sitter on the next leg (sitter, not sister, Lisa-Ann!) Matt, the musher. Beautiful dogs. Sled selfie. The glacier was beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 5, 2016 Author #107 Share Posted September 5, 2016 I got to stand on the rails for the final leg. Giving love to the pups. And, getting love back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 5, 2016 Author #108 Share Posted September 5, 2016 They had 2 week old puppies back at the camp. Awww The ride home was equally glorious. I stopped to do some shopping on the way back to the ship and I could barely move, I was so tired. I was so thirsty, I headed directly to the bar for a Tropical Cable Car. A woman walking by said that must have been some shopping, if you're that exhausted. The drink so nice I ordered it twice. That was Juneau for me, I was in bed by 8:30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnydaze Posted September 5, 2016 #109 Share Posted September 5, 2016 I'm really enjoying your fabulous review and beautiful pictures. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nat9511 Posted September 5, 2016 #110 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Maureen, I am loving your review. Your pictures are fantastic. I went to Alaska about five years ago and this is bringing back so many wonderful memories. Another trip to Alaska is on my bucket list. I have to start saving my pennies!!!!!! Natalie (from the Allure cruise in 2013) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setting sail for fun Posted September 5, 2016 #111 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Amazing! Just amazing! I think I will have to try an Alaskan cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mare10 Posted September 5, 2016 #112 Share Posted September 5, 2016 What wonderful pictures and review!!! You have me all the more excited for my 4th Alaska cruise coming up in May! I especially loved seeing your photos and comments about your Ketchikan tour since we signed up for the same one. I would love to meet up with you on a cruise.... I can tell you are a lot of fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 5, 2016 #113 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Your pictures are wonderful -- whales, eagles, sea lions, dog sledding, puppies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelliebiz Posted September 5, 2016 #114 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Wow! I am loving your reporting style and wit, and scrolling through your pictures is sublime. I can't wait to go! I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip as much as I am 😄 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare A&L_Ont Posted September 5, 2016 #115 Share Posted September 5, 2016 (edited) Awww I wonder what Nutmeg will say? I'm enjoying your pics and prose Maureen. This really makes me want to return to Alaska, like today. Edited September 5, 2016 by A&L_Ont Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caribbean Chris Posted September 6, 2016 #116 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Your dog-sledding photos are the BEST!!! Feel like we were there with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtlantaCruiser72 Posted September 6, 2016 #117 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Eventually, Steve asked if we wanted to see sea lions. This picture reminds me of the NCL Escape pool deck on a sea day for some reason ..... Bodies on top of one another fighting for space :eek: Keep the amazing photos coming!!!!!! Your review is truly wonderful to follow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimAOk1945 Posted September 6, 2016 #118 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I am really enjoying your review. The pictures give me ideas of what to do on our next Alaska cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterfly0822 Posted September 6, 2016 #119 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I have been very entertained by your review! Hope you are having a wonderful journey - thank you for sharing it with all of us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynt Posted September 6, 2016 #120 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Definitely adding dog sledding to my next Alaskan cruise. Loving your pics Maureen!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chocolate Rose Posted September 6, 2016 #121 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Totally loving your photos and comments!! I want to grow up and be just like you when I leave for Alaska next May! Would you be willing to share what camera you use? I'm still trying to figure out which camera to get before my cruise. TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted September 8, 2016 #122 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Really nice photos. I know now what I missed in my previous trip. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 8, 2016 Author #123 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Thanks for the kind words, everybody. Alaska is beautiful. If you've always wanted to go, just do it. It's lovely. My camera is a simple point and shoot. Canon SX600 HS. I just need a camera I can put in my pocket and go. I just use the auto function, don't know anything about shutter speed, etc. I just see things I like, point the camera at them and hope for the best. Occasionally, it actually works out and I get a decent shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 8, 2016 Author #124 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Saturday Saturday was Icy Strait Point and I was grateful to have a quiet day. Wow, HAL is like NCL, they have a ropes course. Or, this man has misbehaved and is being punished. I ordered the cottage cheese with blueberries again and received them a 3rd way, kind of odd, you would think that would be consistent. The benny was delicious, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted September 8, 2016 Author #125 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Finally, the rainy weather we had been warned about had caught up with us. I lied, it is the same window washer from before, raining down upon the lower decks. :p It was a beautiful day in ISP. It just couldn't be more gorgeous. They had a welcome committee out to greet us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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