Despite dreading getting up at a quarter to oh-my-god Sunday morning we were both awake just before the alarm rang at 6am, sparing Emma the trauma of having to kick me out of bed.
This was a good omen; I don’t think I’ve ever had a smoother trip OS. No queues at Qantas check-in or customs on the way out, and the easiest processing ever at LA International. Even the Homeland Security guy was downright charming, which was complete turnaround from the obnxious clown Emma had to deal with last time. He would have been thrown out of the Nazi Party for being too being too rude to foreigners - but that’s another story.
All of our connections fell into place and we made the ship in plenty of time, sailing out around 4.20pm. Seattle put on it’s best weather for us (the rain stopped), and we hit the decks on level 7 for a quick bit of sunbathing:
I think the easiest job in the world would be running an observatory in Seattle:
“Did you see any stars last night?”
“Nope.”
“The night before that?”
“Nope.”
“Uh - any this week?”
“Uh-uh.”
“This month?”
“Nah.”
“When did you last see any stars?”
“What year is it again…?”
We did our best to stay awake until 8pm local time, and managed to get back to our stateroom just as total catatonic shock set in .
Day 1:
Twelve hours later we woke-up, jet-lag free (have I mentioned how much I hate jet-lag yet?)
I was fine, but as Emma didn’t quite have her sea legs, I went for a 20 min walk. I came back to find she’d had a navigational intestinal adjustment (ie spectacularly chucked her guts), which served to re-set her brain to “sea” mode. She’s been fine since, and even managed to hit the decks in time for the 15 min of sunshine we had today (yes, they do have sun; photographic evidence below):
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Today was a sea day, which meant we were able to do pretty much nothing. The highlight was at lunch. I mentioned to the couple at our table we were hoping to see orcas on this trip, and Terry pointed out the window and said “there’s one”.
He was wrong. There were two. I made a quick dive for the binoculars (great impulse purchase on the docks that proved to be) and got a few good looks.
Emma dragged my lethargic butt to the gym, which I figure means I earned dinner tonight. As tonight was our first formal night at sea we decided to hit one of the flashier restaurants (the Marquis Room). Just outstanding. Emma did the Alaskan gravlax and Louisian crayfish, I did a shrimp salad and cornish hen, and a chocolate dessert that will need another two hours in the gym - but worth it.
Almost bed time. We’re up tomorrow at 6am for sunrise and to watch the ship arrive in Ketchikan, then we’re doing the Back Country Jetboat Adventure train trip. Next inciting installment tomorrow. If we don’t drown. Or get eaten by orcas.
3 comments:
Your cover story is ingenious. Just north of Ketchikan a steward named Wherry will make himself known to you. He will provide you with a package, containing the Pellets of Skegness. These are to be left with Jake, who runs the fishing tackle shop in the main street of Juneau. You will not see Wherry again.
Beware the assistant purser: he works for the enemy and is desirous of the Pellets.
If there are any problems, please call.
Blatberg
PS This medium is superior --and cheaper -- than postcards. B.
Emma my heart goes out to you and I am IMPRESSED you got over your funny tummy so quickly. I kissed 'terra firma' when I hit land after 10 days in a 20 odd foot Swan boat thing. Talk about having sea legs... I still had them on dry land. Someone kept moving the ground as I walked.
Great writing Brian - awaiting the next installment :) and I am so with you with regards jet lag.
PS Watch out for Wherry he might might be buttering his bread on both sides
Wherry wasn't where he was when we was where he was when he wore Wherret's worn waistcoat, which means that while Wherry won't wear-out his welcome he also won't wield the whip which he wore when he wished Wherret wanted to wander westward where Wherry was waiting Wednesday.
Hope this is clear.
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