What started as a questionable day in Haines turned all good by the end, so this was, in hindsight, a fantastic day. First, the natural beauty that surrounds us makes us ever more certain that we did the right thing by re-booking this cruise when we did. It really has been everything I’d hoped it would be, with hours of daylight allowing us to see the countless islands we are sailing by. I’m sitting in the Princess Theater right now, keeping my bottom in a seat for a show starting 30 minutes from now but truly wishing I was somewhere- Skywalkers, the Promenade Deck, a large window- where I could just sit for hours and gaze at the beauty passing by. When I said my favorite cruises allow us to stay on the ship and the scenery comes to us…well, this itinerary at this time of year offers that in spades.
I was up early today because we were asleep early last night. I tried to be quiet from 5am to 7am, but I finally gave up and started making noise. I got us a table in Botticelli and G joined me fairly quickly. It was already a beautiful day, and the scenery we could see from the dining room windows was incredible.
Another amazing weather day
I had to take a photo of this “orange” juice.
I had to take a photo of this “orange” juice.
It’s gotten so weak that it matches the tablecloths.
I prefer to get my orange juice this way.
Probably my single favorite breakfast item
And my second favorite (blueberry pancake day!!)
Our arrival in Haines was scheduled for 9am, and an announcement was made that there would be a single gangway with steps until around 10am. Still, it wasn’t as backed up as as I heard it was two days ago in Ketchikan. By 9:20am we were walking down the pier, with this gorgeous view in front of us.
About a month ago, a group of us from our Cruise Critic roll call had booked an excursion to what is kinda-sorta a wildlife sanctuary or rehab about 28 miles from Haines. I thought it would give us a good chance to see some of the area and have a unique experience. We all made a $75 payment and received a confirming email to meet at the end of the pier for a pick up. But a couple of days before the cruise, word started circulating that this excursion might not happen.
Our tablemate the first night of the cruise had done this excursion a couple of years ago and raved about it, but I was able to see his pics and I realized this was a reputable operation that hit some bad luck. Well, the guide never showed up, I’ve already disputed the charge and received a credit; things happen in travel. But we got very lucky and ran into two ladies from Alberta who were looking for someone to share a taxi tour to Chilkoot Lake. Sounded great to us.
While we were waiting for a pick up, I walked right up the road to a gift shop/art gallery called the Wild Iris. We had been in Haines 25 years ago this month and I purchased every hand painted wild iris note card the Wild Iris had in stock. They are long gone, and I was hoping to purchase more. I have a special affinity for wild irises. Well, the gift shop is still there, still owned by the same person, but I learned it was his wife who did all the wild iris art, and she has passed away. The store is still called The Wild Iris but they carry Alaska art, not flower art (though the garden is still nice).
So, not exactly batting 1.000 here, but our luck quickly changed. Driver Jax picked us up and gave us a tour of Haines and stopped at several overlooks on the way north to beautiful Chilkoot Lake State Recreation District. The salmon season starts June 15, so they aren’t really running yet, and, as a result we didn’t see any bears (but we sure saw evidence of them). They are ready and waiting for dinner to arrive.
The backside of these mountains is actually Glacier Bay National Park
Alaska Fish and Game was on this bridge counting the salmon flow.
The salmon run really hasn’t started yet. The season starts June 15.
Eagles everywhere
My childhood vacation memories in a single pic
Vacation meant camping, and camping meant drinking ice cold sulphur water on a hot afternoon.
We returned to the ship in time for a late lunch in the buffet, and then enjoyed the gorgeous view from a hot tub on Deck 17 until it was time to get cleaned up for the evening. Our first stop was the PES Lounge, and then- joy!- it was Italian night with penne arrabbiata in the dining room.
Brazino (sea bass)
Tonight’s Princess Theater performance was Trenyce, back again doing disco songs. G gets the seats, I get the MUTS blankets, and we are ready for a great show.
Trenyce does disco
Speaking of blankets, the lower level of the Princess Theater where we sit is frozen. I remember this from when we were on the ship in the South Pacific, as toasty a climate as exists. We all brought MUTS blankets to the Princess Theater then, too. In fact, I have never not worn a fleece on the ship. It’s pretty chilly everywhere. Luckily, this is a very casual cruise and we dress like this at home so I had the right things to bring.
Saying that, Haines today was the warmest day we’ve had. Still fleece weather, but with no wind I didn’t need a jacket or headband. Our weather is forecasted to change for the next two days, and we’re going to be getting rain which will make it feel colder.
After a great show, we went up to Skywalkers for more scenic cruising and sunset. This really is my favorite part of the day.
