…is always the best place to start, right? We all arrived in Vancouver at different times, but Thursday, August 17, we were there together. The cruise left that afternoon, so we had the morning free. After I wrote a quick blog post, I walked over to Stanley Park with Karen and Ron.
It was a beautiful blue skies day and we had a gorgeous view of the city from the park.
We boarded the ship just in time for lunch.
That was the first of many (many!!) wonderful meals, but the only time I visited the “all you can eat” buffet for lunch. It was also the only lunch I had outside!
It was a beautiful afternoon and evening as we sailed from Vancouver.
After a restful night’s sleep (also the first of many – I love sleeping on a ship!), I was up early to see the sunrise.
This was a day at sea, and we had no plans but to explore the ship and get our sea legs. It took the better part of the morning for me; and by the late afternoon, we were all in good shape. We showed up for Team Trivia (this was a cruise-long tournament; we played every day!) and got off to a great start – second place! We called our team “Famous Grouse” after Daddy’s favorite scotch.
We had dinner that night at The Grill, a poolside restaurant featuring “hot rocks”. Yep, they put a hot rock in front of you; you cook your food yourself! It was fun, but messy (and chilly). That was the only time Mother and I ate there.
The evening was really windy!
But the sunset was glorious.
We all went to bed early, anticipating a full day when we docked in Ketchican the following morning. And so ends the beginning!
A quick Irma update – my mom is bunkered down at her house with my aunt and her friend, who evacuated from North Palm Beach yesterday. The three of them are well-provisioned and prepared for heavy rain and wind. We are getting evacuees here, too (and expecting a few more at Sunday’s luncheon as a result). The lines for gas and groceries are already long.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe weekend!
mere-et-filles 
Thank you for this wonderful beginning! I love seeing the views, all the happy smiling faces, and spotting knitwear; Brights is beautifully bright! I'm looking forward to the next installment and sending good thoughts to your mom, you, and all in Irma's path.
Thanks for sharing such lovely pictures of your cruise…I look forward to more! I bet you were glad to have the warmth of your knitted items! Hoping your mom & her friends remain safe. My cousin and some close family friends (my not-blood-related "aunt & uncle") live in Bradenton and as of yesterday,tell me they are hunkered down with plenty of provisions…no orders to evacuate their area. Hoping & praying for safety for all!
I love this beginning! How fun! But, your mom has been much in my thoughts with Irma. I shall keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending good thoughts to your mom as she rides out the storm! The beginning of the cruise looks picturesque and I'm sure it only got better!
Hm. I think I'd like sleeping on a ship… someday I'll have to find out!!All the best to your mom, aunt & friend!
I'm glad you got most of the group shots. Ah such fond memories.
Some beautiful scenery! And "hot rocks" – interesting. : ) Prayers for safety for your mom, aunt and friend.
Part one…wonderful! And Mary you all stay safe too…sounds like Irma is going to be paying you a little visit too!
I am really going to enjoy your posts about your trip – it makes visible and real a journey I will almost certainly never do. Hoping that your Mum and her friends stay safe …
Am so enjoying your travelogue! Hoping your Mom is ok.
This is a great start to sharing your vacation with us. Our kids are in Port Charlotte, which is just above Ft. Myers. We are concerned but hoping for the best for everyone in Florida.
glad your mom is safe, I love that you had this trip with your family! It looks like a trip of a life time if you ask me.
What a lovely beginning, Mary! Vancouver is one of my favorite cities; I just LOVE Stanley Park. What a great place to start your adventure. Hope your Mom and friends are safe and dry. Erin's husband (so funny to say that. . . ) is from Florida (Ft. Myers). Erin is very concerned . . . although Keith and his family are taking it all in stride — and hunkering down!