Ketchikan

Aloha Everyone,

Ketchikan is our first port of call. Based on the 2010 census, Ketchikan has a population of 8,050 making it the fifth-most populous city in Alaska.

This morning, our older son had pre-arranged to meet one of his colleagues who also happened to be visiting Ketchikan. I accompanied him, our daughter-in-law and granddaughter on their hike. Less than a mile out of town, we began our climb into a temperate rainforest. Rainbow Trail is an improvement project by UAS (University of Alaska) Southeast Ketchikan. The day was unusually hot for Alaska and I was over bundled with my Alaskan jacket which ended up being wrapped around my waist.

We had a wonderful bird’s eye view of the port with our cruise ship. My granddaughter also was delighted in spotting bald eagles.

Back on Emerald Princess and reunited with J.J., the two of us headed to downtown Ketchikan. The city is beautiful, photogenic but very touristic. Many shops were selling Native Culture inspired works of art. J.J. and I are not traditional tourists but we met fellow passengers back on the ship who confided in us that they have no idea why they bought so many souvenirs and this is only the first of our four ports of calls.

The ship’s clocks were set one hour back to match the local time in Ketchikan. I needed to make sure that I was not too early when I called my Mother in California.

Aloha -- Cathi

Sea Day/Interesting Information on Alaska

Aloha Everyone,

Alaska is the largest state by area. But it is the 3rd least populous out of 50.

Alaska has a land border with Canada and a maritime border with Russia

Alaska has more than 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes. More than half the world’s glaciers are in Alaska.

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. Alaska also has more inland waters than any other state.

Alaska's economy is dominated by fishing, natural gas, oil and mineral resources. Most of America’s salmon, crab, halibut and herring come from Alaska.

Alaska’s Iditarod Trail known as the Seward-to-Nome Trail covers a thousand plus miles. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race commemorates the role dog sleds played in the development of Alaska, and the delivery of vaccine to Nome during an epidemic.

Aloha -- Cathi

Seattle/Emerald Princess

Aloha Everyone,

Emerald Princess is a Bermuda registered ship built in 2007 and refurbished in 2015. It is has a gross tonnage of 113,561 and an overall length of 946.8 feet. The ship’s maximum capacity is 3,573 passengers.  

After departure at 4:38 pm, we cruised through Elliot Bay into Puget Sound. Then Point by Wilson where we sailed into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and proceeded north to Alaska.

Our family is occupying 3 staterooms located on the same floor. After we attended the mandatory muster station drill, J.J. and I walked around to familiarize ourselves with the vessel. This will be our “home” for one week.  

As we watched the Seattle skyline disappear, our family settled down to enjoy the pampered lifestyle offered to cruise guests.

Aloha -- Cathi

Family Vacation to Alaska

Aloha Everyone,

Our family is taking a one week cruise on Emerald Princess to Alaska. Departing tomorrow from Seattle, the ports of calls include Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau in Alaska and Victoria in British Columbia, Canada.

This is the first time that all seven of us will be spending one week together. We are looking forward to making some beautiful memories together.

Aloha -- Cathi

KOA Olympic Port Angeles

Aloha Everyone,

Whether it is cold or hot depends on one’s perspective. This morning it was 50 degrees Fahrenheit and I was comfortable being outdoors as today was our laundry day.

But now at 7:00 pm, I am bundled up in double layers of top and bottom and still felt chill to my core. Was it because I saw the snow-capped mountain range?

KOA Port Angeles caters to family vacationers. Earlier I saw a tractor with about 10 children all piled up going around the camp ground. Tonight they will show a movie and have ice cream floats to please young guests.

Following photos of our dining out and in are for my Mother who always shows her concern about if we are eating well.

Aloha -- Cathi