First Burn in Canada

Yes, that's right a burn. Not one of fire, not one of insult, from the great life bringing fireball above, the sun, but more to that anomaly in just a bit.

Time slips by ridiculously quick, doesn't it? I realized this morning that I've now worked with the same employer for two and a half years!!!! That's a record for me. It's like I'm becoming a big kid or something. There are numerous times here and there when I'll have an "adulty" conversation and be talking about "mortgages," "interest rates," "debt-to-income-ratio," and I realize, hot dang, I'm becoming a pirate ("all grown ups are pirates"), so I return to the ways of Neverland and recall the phrase from Hook, "No growing up. Stop, this very instant." 

.....The soundtrack to Hook may now be on in the background. 

Off from this rant and on to our cruise!

April 29, 2016

Woke up this morning to see Seattle! 

We had such limited cell service during the trip that I was unable to fully communicate with my aunts until this first morning back in the States. It was great being able to call them and speak with them over the phone. We made plans and couldn't wait for them to meet my friends! My travel companions and I had our breakfasts (just one today), then we bundled up for our Seattle adventure!

We took one of the cruise ship shuttles on a rather circuitous and scenic route to Pike's Peak. It took us to the Space Needle first and we were all laughing as we were trusting this driver blindly. In the typical bus fashion, we took the bumpy, steep tight turn roads. At one turn we applauded our driver for her amazing skills at driving the bus.

Eventually we made it to Pike's and who was there awaiting or arrival?

That's right, my aunties!

We were welcomed with smiles, laughter, and hugs. Nothing short of what you'd expect from these two wonderful people. 

They led us to the market, but the shop keepers were still setting up their wares, so Arnie and Jan led us across the street to the first ever permanent Starbucks location. Armed with our favorite coffee drinks, we were now officially Seattle tourists. Felicia was super excited because she is a mocha girl and the one artisan coffee she had aboard was less than satisfactory. These drinks were great (yes, the Seattle Starbucks are pretty good - but no, not the best.)

The man with the banjo started us all singing, "Blue Eyed Gal". So much fun! 

We left the Starbucks only to have Arnie duck into another shop, which none of us expected, so we all followed. Inside were some darn good French pastries. We were all quite pleased to have made the sharp and unexpected detour. With our bellies full, we dove into the bright and eccentric world of Pike Street Market. Our group was greeted by American gypsies. A nice young pair of gypsies with sweet pups and a cat that rode on the shoulders of his dad. And this all was happening beside "the pig" and it was drizzling. We stood by the Pig and watched the Fish Fly. It was an amazing show. It was very Seattle.

Did you know that all of the shop owners in Pike Street make, bake or produce their wares themselves? How fun is that? 

We gawked at the rows and rows of beautiful bouquets. It was tulip season. Eighty dollar bouquets back home were selling for $15. We couldn't believe it. It was so hard not to purchase a batch to take with us. We all left with arms full of goodies. I bought a square knot ring, nitrate free jerky, and a hair-bun tie. The girls bought a variety of goods and once we were through, we walked to Arnie and Jan's Toyota RAV to head on to our next destination.

We drove over to the Space Needle with Arnie and Jan telling us all about the area and the sights. There was a famous glass art designer museum/exhibit that Maggie and Jan went to see while the rest of us made our way up the Needle. Arnie kept us laughing the whole way. Felicia and I did our own tour to let Arnie and Carolyn get to know one another. I knew that those two would become fast friends. It turns out that they have mutual friends via the San Diego chapter of Girl Scouts, interestingly enough, so did Jan and Maggie. So Fun!

Freezing and looking out over the beautiful view!

Eventually, Felicia and I sat inside to hide from the cold. We had some great, deep conversations and then we entertained ourselves by watching the girls (Maggie and Jan now as well) circle round and round the top. 

When we were sufficiently warmed, we rejoined the group, took some fun photos then headed down. The girls wanted to take us to one of their favorite restaurants. Maggie's Bluff. The Restaurant was within stone's throw of our cruise boat! I have fond memories of Maggie's Bluff. When I was thirteen I visited my aunts with my Grandma Faxon. I have a photo of grandma, my aunts and me at Maggie's. It was a very special trip. 

The sun had emerged so we sat outside to look at our ship and enjoy the day. Most of us had fish and chips. Carolyn was able to enjoy an Alaskan beer on behalf of her dear husband.

We treated my aunts to lunch and then, alas, it was time. 

Our goodbyes at the port were quick, but all the girls loved my aunts. I was so happy and glad that we were all able to connect.

Once aboard we ran up to the top decks to watch our departure. Maggie went off to rest, so Felicia, Carolyn and I made it to the top decks where the sun was shining and the weather was beautiful. It was so funny - here we were in long sleeves and long pants out in Seattle, Canada bound, while out tanning in lounge chairs. 

Felicia came up with the best name of this series: "First Burn in Canada." 

After sunning we moved to the starboard side to watch Seattle disappear. I spotted harbor dolphins following us along. They would just pop up then dive back down, keeping an eye on our behemoth vessel. There were a few times when our vessel would honk (in a series of seven), which neither Carolyn or I could understand. We spent some time in the Crow's Nest, sipping hot drinks. While Carolyn went to check on her acupuncture treatments. Felicia and I tried to find ways to both be comfortable and to see out the forward window, but alas, we failed. We laughed a ton trying through. 

Maggie wanted us to reconvene for dinner at 6, so we headed down and spruced up for our last supper. Our final meal was extremely entertaining for us and the people in the tables next to us. A new young crowd had boarded in Seattle and you knew who they were there. We laughed at the judgment  expressions of our older comrades and we "judged" the ages of the youngun's aboard. The best part was when I ordered the left side of the dessert menu. I told the girls, "It's go big or go home and we can't do that." So we had seven. Seven desserts. We had been increasing the number of dessert plates, thanks to my influence, but this was extravagant and it was wonderful. For the looks we received alone, but it was all really tasty. Our fellow crew mates probably thought that we were stoned, but we didn't care, we were livin'.

Before

After

After our enormous meal and with all of our goods from Seattle, Maggie led us out. We wanted to purchase photos, so I took care of that. Carolyn, Felicia and I went on a walk after changing into comfy clothes. In our comfy things, we three walked around, seeing parts of the ship we did not get to see because of the earlier rough seas. It was night, so it was chilly, but it was so refreshing. This was one of my favorite outings.

Eventually we did need to get back to our rooms to finish packing. Our bags were going to be picked up at midnight. I was mostly packed, but I wanted to ensure that everything was ready. 

The Heart of the Sea movie was on, so that was rather interesting to be watching while aboard a vessel. I imagine the white whale could have taken on our boat and may have been during those high seas. 

With dreams of whales and excitement for what our land based adventures would bring I drifted off to sleep just after hearing crew roll our suitcases away. 

14,069 steps. 

Until next time, dear readers, when we will chat about vacation among the CANUCKS! 

Your humble author,

S. Faxon 

Jan, Grandma and Arnie waaay back in 2003