FRIDAY, July 27th, 2007

Arrived Bellingham, WA on the M/V Columbia. Nice "vessel" and the trip was not long enough. We did have a day and a half (Wed - Thurs 7/25 & 26) navigating the inside passage through the Canadian islands south of Alaska. We had land very close on either side of the ship. There were several whale sitings, a large group of dolphins, and a few seals. The ship showed several movies including Groundhog day that Meghan and I enjoyed.

Today we drove to Seattle and toured the Space Needle and then did the "Duck" tour around the city. The "cheese" factor on this was VERY high, and I told the kids to check out all the drivers and their costumes as something not to aspire to. I also asked the girls to imagine introducing one of these fine citizens as their 'boyfriend'.?.?

There were also a few carnival rides under the space needle that are the type run by convicts and predators traveling from city to city one step ahead of the safety code people.

We'll be home tomorrow afternoon, God willing, and in our own beds. 24 days of exclusive family time. Priceless!

Hope you enjoyed the tale.

SATURDAY July 7th, 2007
Mike turns 46 in Banff NP. It turns out God is smiling on us as the day is spectacular all day. We drive NW on Hwy 93 (Icefields Parkway) toward Jasper. First stop, Lake Louise. Awesome views. We did get to see an avalanche as the continues to recede. The greenish tint of the water is due to the ground stone under the glacier being carried by the water running under the ice into the lake.We filled the tank on this RV – ½ a tank that is. We are about 430 miles into our 2,500 mile Alcan journey. Gas cost was a $1.19 / litre or a bit over $4.50 / gallon. $140+ later we determine it is a long way to Anchorage.

I did my obligatory dip in this water - my minor obsessive compulsive disorder, I guess. I at least wade into some waters regardless of their temperature. Just no photo here.