We just returned to Seattle from an Alaskan cruise aboard the MSC Poesia.  It was wonderful; the experience far exceeding our expectations.  The crew on the ship was amazing.  

We were treated to stunning views of the Alaskan coast and the many islands that make up the inside passage.  The waters were smooth and full of opportunities to see humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and more.  We don't know what we were thinking but we didn't even expect to see wildlife! 😆  But we saw so much!  And we didn't even go on one organized excursion!  As we exited the ship at Icy Strait we were greeted by a beautiful bald eagle sitting in a tree as if welcoming us to his home.  Located in the Tongas National Forest, Icy Strait is true, raw Alaska. Several cruise passengers saw bear, but we did not.

Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world and we enjoyed walking seven miles exploring the area.  We explored the famous Creek street and watched the Silver salmon in full run up the Ketchikan Creek to their spawning ground.  There were so many that one could walk across the creek on the backs of the salmon and not get their feet wet.  Although you would probably fall into the icy cold water!

Our day in Juneau was a wet one.  We walked to the Alaskan state capital and did the self-guided tour of the building.  We learned about Alaska's days before statehood and the process leading up to Alaska becoming our 49th state.  

The most unexpected but truly remarkable experience, was the diversity of cultures on the cruise ship.  We met so many amazing people from around the world.  Our dinner table companion from the Ukraine told us first hand stories about life in that country and the current events impacting her family.  We also shared a dinner with our new friends from Cuba, now US citizens.  Google translate to the rescue.  We learned of their life in Cuba and the oppression of the people.  Truly amazing.  Yuri and Bibian came to the US with nothing.  Through hard work and frugality, they have succeeded in realizing their American dream.

More to come from our next stop....

Arrived in Seattle a couple of days before our Alaskan cruise to enjoy some of the sights. The combo ticket at the Space Needle includes the trip up the needle, the Chihuly exhibition, and two IMAX movies.  Dale Chihuly is from Tacoma, WA and his glass studio is in Seattle.  Wow!  He is incredibly talented and can blow and shape some amazing glass.  We enjoyed the views from the needle and spent time just sitting, sharing a peach pie in the sky, and looking at the views.  The day is what you might expect in Seattle, rain and clouds, but that didn't spoil the day.  Beautiful art, gorgeous views, and educational movies (we didn't understand half of the IMAX movie Deep Sky 😂).  After a complimentary wine social hour at the hotel, the Kimpton Palladian, we ended the day with a delicious seafood dinner at Elliott's Oyster House at Pier 56 right along the waterfront.  Yum! 

 

Labor Day, September 7, 2026 begins the next chapter in our life.  We have sold our RV, our home, to a very lovely couple and the whole process was so easy, it can only be described as God led.  It seemed unlikely that we would sell privately, our window of time to sell was very short.  But the Lord provided the perfect buyers; a couple very excited to start a new phase in their own lives.  They gained a great camper and we gained new friends.  

The new owners pulling away with our house for the last 6 years.

In this next chapter of our life together Ruthi and I are going to travel the world.  We are going minimal, traveling as light as possible, hoping to avoid those pesky baggage fees and finger wagging gate agents.  

22 pounds carry-on, 7 pounds personal item.  

No house, no camper, just each other and friends and family.  We are so excited to share our journey with ya'll!