Boarding the Nieuw Amsterdam

 July 6th, Sunday


We woke up bright and early to a crisp, clear morning in Denali.  This is what we thought Alaska summer would feel like, about 50 degrees.  Beautiful!  It was a whirlwind tour of Denali, but big fun and so beautiful!  Our bus today will take us back to Anchorage and then on to Whittier where our ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam awaits. 



Our driver is from Ukraine, and he is more knowledgeable about the US than I am.  He told us things I should have known but didn’t or had forgotten it.  On our way we passed the town of Talkeetna which is what the show Northern Exposure is based on.  Seems like the political atmosphere is a little dicey there.  A couple of years back the people didn’t like their choices of mayoral candidates, so they chose to use a write in ballot and elected a cat for mayor.  It stuck, and three cats later, Aurora is now the sitting Mayor.  Seems purrfectly good to me.  From what I have seen of our politics, I don’t think a cat can do any worse!


Aurora, the Mayor of Talkeetna


Igloo Condos?


We finally stopped off for lunch at a pretty lodge in Wasilla where we saw some bears!  They were stuffed but huge!!! 



We made a pitstop at the Iditarod Headquarters, also in Wasilla.  We got to see some mushers and pet the mush dogs!  We looked for Balto everywhere, but Melba Jean had already packed him in her suitcase!







As we were making our way to the port, the clouds came in and it began to rain.  We stopped off at a glacier lake which was beautiful … and cold, and Vi took off her shoes and waded in!  You can take the girl out of the country, but … well, you know ….


Our Ukranian bus driver!



bare-footed country girl spotted!

After passing through the Whittier Tunnel, the longest land vehicle tunnel in North America (2.5 miles long), we arrived at the port in Whittier.  It is a beautiful little place, in the Prince William Sound, nestled among the mountains, and it was here that we embarked!  So exciting!  The embarkation was easy, and we boarded our “home away from home” for the next seven days! 






Getting to our rooms and finding all our luggage was a nice plus, and taking a walk about the ship to acclimate ourselves was wonderful.  A drink in the Crow’s Nest, and a delicious dinner in the dining room were our rewards after a long day of travel.  The evening was capped off by a nightcap in the Rolling Stone Lounge, where the ship’s band had everyone singing and dancing until bedtime …. And yes, the sun has not yet set.  

 







We are looking forward to a sea day tomorrow which includes cruising Hubbard Glacier.  Stay tuned for more as we sail on!




 






Vi and LeRoy

Location: Whittier, AK 99693, USA

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