We've been a little spoiled this year. Not only did we take a fabulous anniversary trip to Hawaii but we also got to go on a family vacation to Alaska - cruise style!
This trip was pretty spectacular for many reasons but mostly because the company was so great. My mom (Roxie), brother (Brian), sister-in-law (Emily) and lifelong family friend (Debbie Miller) set sail for the last great frontier in early August. However, before boarding the ship we got to spend one magnificent
sunny day in Seattle.
As you can see, we really enjoyed Seattle. From Pike Place Market to the original Starbucks, we hit the must-see sights before boarding the Westerdam and setting sail for Juneau.
 |
| All aboard! |
 |
| Day at Sea |
After a day at sea, we arrived in Juneau. Juneau has such a charming, historic downtown so we spent much of the day exploring by foot. We stopped at the Governor's mansion and then walked through the old streets, passing adorable houses adorn with big, bright, beautiful flowers. We then headed up a trail outside the city to see a big waterfall that was suppose to be pretty magnificent. Once we reached the falls we were high enough to look down into town, and then we saw it...our first bald eagle spotting! So majestic, so beautiful.
 |
| Juneau |
Later that afternoon we met up with Brian and Emily, who had spent the morning at the Mendenhall Glacier - and from what they said, you shouldn't miss this if ever in Juneau! Their pictures were pretty amazing. We all went to lunch at The Hanger and watched the float planes take off while enjoying seafood and cold Alaskan beer. Perfection!
We spent the next day at Glacier Bay National Park. We didn't actually get off the ship but we had the opportunity to see three massive glaciers from the decks. It was a little rainy so you can see we made good use of the blankets! However, regardless of the weather Glacier Bay was simply breathtaking. The ship slowly moved into the bay and came to a stop. Everything was quiet - so very still. At that point we could hear the glaciers calving. It was like thunder. Big pieces of the ice would break off the glacier and fall into the water. Truly unlike anything I've seen before.
 |
| Glacier Bay |
The next day we arrived in Sitka. I was pretty excited about Sitka mainly because of the movie
The Proposal - great movie, right?! Anyway, much to my disappointment the town in the movie is not actually Sitka. However, all those small islands with big fancy homes on them; that's Sitka. So, so pretty. Adam and I explored Sitka by going to the National Historic Park, complete with totem poles and gorgeous wooded walkways. While making our way through the park, we came to a river where a bald eagle sat on the bank eating his salmon dinner that he caught just minutes before. Unbelievable!
 |
| Sitka |
Our next stop was in Ketchikan, which turned out to be one of my favorite days. We walked around the historic town as a family and then took a little tram up the mountain for a better view. After wandering around for a few hours Brian, Emily, Adam and I ended up at Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House. Should you ever go to Ketchikan, do. not. miss. this. It was delicious! I can still taste the crab cakes.
 |
| Ketchikan |
With that, our trip was coming to an end but we had one stop left. Our last port of call was Victoria, British Columbia and it too was a highlight of the trip. We actually docked around 5pm in Victoria so we had the evening to explore the city and eat dinner. We headed down to Victoria's Inner Harbour and ate dinner at a delicious little place that I can't actually remember the name of! Then we walked over to the historic Empress Hotel and explored the resort, including where High Tea is served for guests. It all felt so charming. Victoria will certainly be on our list to visit again.
 |
| Victoria |
Now...there are so many things I'm missing. The delicious dinners on the ship, the wine parties, Pass the Pig, Deb's birthday celebration, reading in the Crow's Nest, chatting over past memories, remembering dad and enjoying unforgettable times as a family. This trip was so special and we are so thankful for the memories. We love you, family (that includes you, Deb)!!
