Author: Peg

Like yesterday, today we have zodiac rides but no landings.

Unlike yesterday I decide that I must go on one of the trips. So, at 9am, I am bouncing along on Geographic Bay, Katmai NP.

Back on the ship, I am grateful to Patagonia because I am dry. Not everyone in the Zodiac was. I decided to pass on the late afternoon zodiac trek. Looking for bears.

But soon, the captain says there’s a tsunami alert and we must get to deeper waters asap.

Any how, apparently no significant tsunami action, so we are underway again. I think it’s Kodiak tomorrow. Maybe we can go ashore.

I decided to take the day off. Even Le Tour takes days off. When I was much younger I insisted on taking every 6th day off from traveling and/or having fun. I have been on this adventure for over 10 days. I need my downtime. And my old spine sure didn’t need an hour in a zodiac.

And, I haven’t a clue what’s on tap for tomorrow. Kodiak maybe. Maybe not. Will find out after dinner. This is vegetarian night. As long as they have beer and dessert it’s all good. Now. Maybe hit the hot tubs?

According to ChatGPT:
Today’s stop: Unga Island, population: moss. Once a bustling Aleut fishing village, now it’s a masterclass in scenic decay. Think “Pinterest-worthy ghost town” meets “Alaskan nature reclaiming her security deposit.” The buildings are tilting, the seabirds are judging, and the wildflowers are having a field day (literally). It felt like walking through a very quiet, very windy history book—with no page numbers, but plenty of personality.

I wasn’t going to go ashore. Rotting buildings and wild cows? But Carlton can still push my buttons. Shut up. Suit up. Show up.

Tomorrow I think we’ll be having zodiac rides. Don’t know if we’ll be going ashore. Doesn’t much matter, it’s all good.

 

And it was 53 degrees. So what’s not to love?

I walked over 6 miles taking in all the goodness. So, I am tired. But grateful that I am able to get out to do easy stuff.

Oh, and before I forget, Dramamine is cheaper Dutch Harbor than in Falls Church.

A totally lazy day. We are charging along at 6 knots. I think that’s about 3 miles per hour. And i can walk faster than that.  Apparently we aren’t in any rush and the fearsome Bering Sea is like a lake. The sea goddess will take her revenge later in the voyage.

My much deserved afternoon nap (not to be confused with the morning nap) was interrupted with an announcement of whales on the port side.  My cabin is  starboard. Since it’s time for coffee and cookies, I come out. Indeed there are orca. Nope, no pictures.

It makes me happy seeing people so excited about whales.

There is also a very fine sauna.

Also from yesterday: flowers.

Tomorrow it will be Dutch Harbor. I suspect we will be able to get ashore on the tenders.

I logged almost 5 miles today. Going to hit the jacuzzi now. Haven’t a clue what is on tap for tomorrow. But nobody is promised tomorrow.

another calm day in the Bering Sea so life is good.

St. Matthew Island is absolutely in the middle of nowhere. Except for a Coast Guard Loran Station during WWII it has never been inhabited. The Island Humans Can’t Conquer . Read about it if you’re curious.

They told us that more people summit Everest than walk on St Matthew Island in any given year.

The reason for coming was to see McKay’s Bunting. I didn’t see one. Or I didn’t recognize it. I saw some gulls and some sand pipers.

This little plant is much loved by trendy chefs. The fuzzy leaves have a vague oyster taste.

When I got back to my cabin I was exhausted and still had to get out of my gear. 

After escaping from my gear, I retired to the bar for an excellent hot dog and a beer.

The captain just said we going to St Paul Island tomorrow. I wonder what’s there. Birds I bet. Maybe a puffin. I think one of the bird people mentioned a red legged kittiwake. Be still my heart. 

Food is great. Weather superb. Bering Sea calm. Life is good. 

I didn’t stay awake long enough to see the midnight sun, but I did see the 11:30pm sun.

Today, I was really tired. But it is sea day. So, it is all good. And so far so good with the Bering Sea. Not more than 2 meter waves.

It takes 14 or 15 laps around the ship to equal 3 laps around The Asylum.

And like on the northwest passage trip, the cake looks better than it tastes. I will be using my calories elsewhere. But, I had to be sure. 

One more required briefing this evening. Dinner at 7:30. Tomorrow we may or may not go ashore at St Matthew Island. To look at birds. Nothing says I have to get off. I really don’t care  about McKay buntings. Puffins would be another story. 

 

The day was spent getting from Seattle to Nome. Seattle’s TSA is among the worst. And I got the extra special security treatment again.

Then I packed up and headed to the Hurtigruten staging hotel. I gave them my luggage and became a homeless person until 4pm. Today and tomorrow are long tiring days for an old person.

I killed some time going to Volunteer Park. It has a fine green house and the Seattle Asian Art museum is there. Didn’t do my homework. The museum and greenhouse are closed on Monday. I got my steps in.

I will soon gain access to my hotel room. Tomorrow…well it will be long…but all I have yo do is be at the right place at the right time.

The only downside to ultralight travel is laundry. I just get in the shower with my laundry. That way we both get washed at the same time.

I have decided to take it easy today. I didn’t even ask ChatGPT’s opinion. I took to light rail to Columbia City. Some years ago I discovered Columbia City when I had a very bad plane connection and a 14 hour layover.

It has interesting shops, cool coffee joints, old book stores and thrift shops. Plus a social conscious.

I brought a sandwich back “home” for dinner and will most likely go for ice cream. Or maybe affogato.

Moving to the hotel that Hurtigruten is paying for tomorrow. I went to find it this morning. About 6 blocks away.

First. Breakfast. ChatGPT had a suggestion. And the damn thing was spot on.

Thus fortified I headed out on a $5.10, round trip, adventure. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island.

I rather liked that.

Don’t think i would knowingly eat a varnish clam anyhow.

I decided to have “linner” at 3pm.

6.49 miles. 15,665 Steps. Thank you legs. Oh and you too lungs and heart. Seriously, I am grateful.