(July 1) – It’s Canada Day and we’re cruising the Inside Passage between Canada and Alaska. We’re not sure at this point which country we are in, probably still British Columbia, but we’re sure we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else this glorious morning.
As I write, I’m looking out our balcony door to see the water with logs occasionally floating by and the islands beyond, dotted with clouds like cotton balls scattered across the dark green of the fir trees. In the distance on both sides of the ship we’ve seen snow-covered peaks. Too tired to chronicle yesterday’s travel last night, I’m catching up this morning.
After our long day getting here, Mike and I collapsed after dinner and slept soundly. We woke early and went up to the walking track and enjoyed the glory of walking in the cool mists amidst the fabulous North Country scenery all around us. Birds were skimming across the water, occasional small boats were moored along either side of the passage and we saw a rare home or lodge along the shoreline.
Getting here was as painless as one can hope in these days of air travel fraught with obstacles. Our pickup at home was scheduled for 4:30AM and we hit the front sidewalk just in time to be sprayed by the sprinkler system that kicked on for our departure. Fortunately, I was only wet on one side and not so wet that I needed to change clothes.
Despite the early hour, there were lots of folks at Charlotte-Douglas Airport, all trying to go different places at the same time. With an inefficiency that’s always frustrating, not all of the security gates were staffed, so there were long lines. We got through in time for our flight and made it to O’Hare in Chicago ahead of time.
O’Hare seemed to be humming, but not overcrowded and our layover was just long enough to stretch our legs and get the breakfast we were hungry to find. The flight to Vancouver was uneventful. We were not sleeping soundly much, but dozed between attempts to read or do crosswords.
Vancouver’s airport is big and beautifully designed, perhaps redone for the recent Winter Olympics visitors. The immigration and customs process was handled well and before we knew it, we were greeted by the Regent Seven Seas reps and whisked aboard a bus for the 40-minute drive through Vancouver to the Canada Center where cruise ships depart.
Vancouver is an interesting city. We were here about 15 years ago and enjoyed its combination of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Our coach ride took us through the city, reminding us of Auckland with its neighborhoods dressed in well-kept houses surrounded by flowering gardens and hedges, very English in feel.
There are great old buildings in Vancouver, harking back through its history—the Canadian Pacific Railway building and others, many now repurposed, but still standing proudly. They are part of the panoply of skyscrapers that house Vancouver’s business center and city dwellers, as well as the Olympic venues. The stadium where opening and closing ceremonies were held is a construction site again as workers install a retractable roof. Professional sports teams will use the facility going forward.
We were greeted with champagne as we checked in onboard our ship, the Navigator. We had lunch on the pool deck and were happy to see our friends, the Spells and Bramsons arrive a little while later. They had come in earlier for a couple of days in Vancouver.
Our rooms were ready earlier than promised and we’re really pleased with the accommodations. We share a butler, decked out in tails, and a housekeeper with 11 other cabins. They and others in the crew are both helpful and efficient, all friendly and well-trained. We have plenty of room in a shipboard space designed to get the most out of limited space. Our balcony is small, but big enough for a small table and two chairs. More than anything, it allows us a big view of the beauty to be seen as we cruise.
We participated in the obligatory lifeboat drill yesterday before sailing. It’s always good to know what to do, just in case an emergency arises. It also allowed us to begin to meet other passengers with whom we’ll share the week. We had already met some in Chicago who are part of a three-generation family enjoying something of a reunion on this journey. Our favorite part of the drill was the captain’s commentary which included the instruction: “if someone falls overboard and it’s someone you want to save,” report it to the crew immediately. A droll fellow, this captain is.
As we sat in the harbor before departure, we were fascinated to see float planes taking off and landing in the water nearby. There’s something very different about the idea of taking off from water and landing there again.
The ship makes a celebration of sorts out of leaving the harbor. It is thrilling to feel the engines starting up far below our level, then to feel the movement. The harbor is spectacular with a beautiful blufftop park and a coastline pathway that is used by walkers, runners, bikers and inline skaters. The pathway hugs the shore, curving in and out, separated from the water by only a low stone wall.
Leaving the harbor, we passed under the Lion’s Gate Bridge. As we left, another cruise ship, somewhat larger than ours, followed us out. All through the harbor, we saw sailboats, motorboats, every manner of watercraft venturing about. Along the shore we continued to see houses, even a picturesque lighthouse. And the backdrop for it all is the glorious mountains.
I took a mini-nap on the little sofa/cushioned bench in our cabin while Mike went above to take pictures. Then we dressed for a little get-together in the Spell’s cabin. To complement the complimentary wine and champagne provided by the ship, they had resourcefully brought peanut butter and “Easy Cheese” and Ritz crackers from home for our “hors d’oeuvres” and we enjoyed the time to talk about what everyone is doing in retirement and ooh and aah over the passing scenery. Then off to dinner where we had wonderful food and chatted and laughed before Mike and I headed for bed to catch up on some sleep. We had no trouble falling asleep to the sound of the ship passing through the water.
[No photos today--the ship is moving and apparently that prevents photo uploads]
[Photo added later, taken by Mike Lumpkin]
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