In 1899 an expedition explored Prince William Sounds and discovered the many tidal glaciers in College Fjord. They named them after the universities they attended or represented! Our weather was overcast but the many glaciers were still spectacular

We were the most fortunate today!  The Marjorie glacier has had a spectacular show,  calving for us several times,  great chucks of glacier falling into the bay with huge splashes and waves.   The skies are brilliant blue and the rugged peaks over the glacier, occasionally sporting puffy clouds,  stand out against the blue.

The stunning view from the back of our ship,  from our suite!  Finally some sun on the beautiful Chilkat mountains

After our morning excursion to Jaime down this gorgeous fjord, we walked a bit around Skagway

On our stop in Skagway, we decided to do an excursion to the Chilkat Eagle Reserve out of Haines Alaska. We went by ferry down to Haines along the Ling Canal, actually the longest fjord in Alaska. Our great guide Russ navigated us down the river where our driver Lindsey picked us up for a nature viewing stop and lunch.

River Rafting was smooth and Beautiful!

Lovely day… fishing for Walker,  Whale watch for me!  Then a delicious Salmon Bake and a walk around town on our way back to the ship

The harbor and Beautiful eagles watching over it

We also checked a crab pot, looking for invasive species, luckily none there

Our first port of call on this northbound sailing is Ketchikan. The guys, Emmett and Walker, headed out at 6:15 for a salmon fishing excursion

I did a sea kayak excursion. Since there were 2 solo paddlers, Paul from Brisbane, and me, we were matched up in the 2 person kayak. We paddled along the sea star covered rocks along Knudsen marina, crossed over the channel to Eagle Island and saw the huge nest built there many years ago. It is still used yearly by a mate pair of Bald Eagles. One was high on a snag on a neighboring island. We also caught glimpses of a couple harbor deals and a couple stellar sea lions.

Leaving Vanvouver Bay, the sail away party. Warm and sunny here!

Our cruise to Alaska is beginning in Vancouber BC. In 2 days we traveled by Planes, Trains, and Automobiles PLUS cruise ship!

Our ship is the Sapphire Princess! And we are splurging on a suite! It is better for 3 when we are traveling with a grand! Walker is with us on this trip!

Perks include specialty dining and even canapés in the room! I could get used to this!

We have spend a very busy, but fun week with the grandsons in Nebraska for Dawson’s Graduation and the end of their track season! Both Dawson and Tucker qualified at the districts for state competition in Omaha next week!

Graduation in small town America is a huge event. The whole community participates. Each classmate has photos projected during the ceremony along with a bio on their plans for the near future! Folks with no graduate in the class will still stop by your reception for some goodies and reconnecting with neighbors and friends.

Party. Party, party!