Celebrity Cruise - Sept. 3 - 10

     With our cramped CaRV conditions, we decided it might be nice to take a
vacation from our vacation.  What a splendid idea!  We had a wonderful
time and even got to make some new friends. 
   We boarded the ship in Seattle, Wash. in 75 degree weather and have been
having a smooth as silk trip.  We had one very rainy day in Ketchican, our
40th anniversary, but all others have been sunny and beautiful.  Our captain
took us up the Tracy Arm Fjord further than he’s ever taken any ship and we
knew we were seeing something special when we saw all the ships
employees out taking pictures!  It was amazing watching him maneuver our
965 foot long ship in such a narrow passageway. We took a tram ride about
half way up Mt. Roberts and then hiked the rest of the way.  Met a local
who was practicing to hike the AT. We told her that she will be well trained
hiking these mts.
   In Skagway we hiked to Lower Dewey Lake and also did the Skagway to
White Pass train ride.  Jack you would have loved it.  It was pretty scary,
with drop offs of 2,000 feet along the way plus many bridges and tunnels.     
    There is a naturalist on board, Brent Nixon, who is blowing us away
with his wildlife presentations:  Alaska, Humpback Whales, Bears, Eagles,
Etc.  This guy has the enthusiasm of an eight year old!!
   Of course, the food is wonderful and Richard can’t get his pants shut. But
we will just give him all the weight in the backpacks from here on out.  A
typical day for Ann in the cafe:  Eggs Benedict with herring, fresh
pineapple, a danish and coffee for breakfast.  A loaded salad for lunch.
Sushi for my mid afternoon snack and then a 5 - 6 course supper in the
dining room:  Escargot (every night except one)  Soup (I love the chilled
fruit soups)  Salad, and then the main course, which of course is usually a
wonderful and creative fish dish.  Chocolate anything for dessert with decaf.
Chitradev,  our waiter, has taken a liking to me and if I tell him that I am
torn between two entrees, he will always bring me both.  I’ve stopped being
torn:)
   Believe it or not, we are actually a bit tired of being spoiled and are ready
for some more CaRV adventures.