Sunny Week...

This last week in Alaska has been the best weather week we've had all summer long. Granted the temperatures have only been in the 50s or so, the sun has been out practically everyday. Glacier Bay was stunning this week as we pulled in. The sun parted the clouds and gave us warmer air to be outside in as we took in all of nature's beauty in this icy park. The blues weren't as apparent since the sun was glaring off the ice, but it did give us wonderful views of the bay and the mountains beyond. Glacier Bay is an interesting viewing dichotomy. The perfect day in Glacier Bay has to be partly sunny. As you pull into the park, ideally a nice opening of sun through the high clouds is optimum to see the vast reaches of the glaciers and their paths into the mountains. Once you reach a face of a glacier, its better to have the clouds cover the sun lightly so you can see the deep blue hues emanating from the cavities throughout the field. A sunny day is still fabulous though and it is rare if you can get such perfect weather up there. Chances are that if you have clouds, you have rain and that makes for a foggy and wet day. What amazes me still is the loud rumble that you hear from the glacier as tiny pieces fall off into the water. These aren't huge chunks, just little fragments. Of course that could be our relative distance as well. The Marjorie Glacier in particular is so huge that my perspective distance from it could be askew. A tiny piece from our stance could be a large piece up close. After all I did hear the rumble several seconds after the pieces fell into the water. You'd almost miss it if you waited to hear the calving instead of looking for it. In Juneau, it started a bit cold, but got pretty warm throughout the day and especially after getting close to it on the summit of Mt. Juneau. Three of us took the challenge that day and started on a 6 mile round trip journey to the peak of this mountain overlooking the Gastineau Channel. Our efforts looked bleak at first since the first part of the climb gains elevation fast and can be hard on your thighs. We all got our second wind though as we breached the canopy and came out on a ledge of this mountain about 1,500 feet up. We crossed over some waterfalls and began our steepest climb up the tip of the mountain. We were facing loose gravel and steep climbs having to use both hands and feet to get up. We reached about 5 false summits before actually reaching the peak just as we were about to give up. It took us roughly 3 hours to get up and time began to concern us. The summit was well worth it though since it gave us 360-degree views of Juneau. Behind us the ice fields, in front Douglas Island and to both sides the Gastineau Channel. It was amazing!! On the way up we even saw a huge mountain goat moving off another summit in the distance. The air was crisp and fresh and we all felt a sense of accomplishment after reaching so high. It was over 3,500 feet from sea level. I could have stayed up there for a few hours, but since our time was short, we had to go. We made it back down in half the time and enjoyed a well-deserved meal at a local favorite called Wild Spice (Mongolian BBQ style). Coming down was actually harder than going up. Especially on the steeper parts and whoa does that work the calves and thighs. The passengers had another unexpectedly gorgeous day in Sitka as the clouds parted for most of the day giving us rays of sunshine. I spent most of the day at a coffee shop looking out over the city. Ahh relaxation. In Ketchikan I was up at the crack of dawn to get off the ship. We're only there until 1:00pm. All aboard was at 12:30pm. You have to make the most of it. I was debating going out since the clouds were kind of thick. I decided to go for it. Destination was Deer Mountain. I was probably the first climber that day to tackle this well manicured trail on this mountain, but ever since my friend introduced me to this trail, I've been waiting for decent weather to take a stab at it again. Last time I ran out of time and this time I wanted to go for it to the summit. Well, weather did come in that day and got the best of me as well as time. I bolted up the mountain to the first summit in quick time. Just under 2 hours. The views were incredible and the clouds were still above me so I got excellent views of the channel and beyond. The clouds were covering the second summit though about another 500 or so feet up and a stiff hike to boot. I decided in the sense of time, weather, and possible wildlife (me being alone and apparently the first hiker up that day) to turn around at the first summit. I still made it to a top, just not the top. I made it down in 1 hour and back to the ship in time to fulfill my raft drill instruction. It was a rocky night that night for shows, which made it interesting. I had IPM in Victoria, but a few of us took advantage at the $20 cover for the Pinnacle Grill. It's the last week for that price since we'll be moving to the Caribbean next cruise. It apparently was the last week for this menu as well and there will be a whole new menu. It just means I'll have to make one more trip to the Pinnacle before I leave.

Money & Politics...

A few days ago something a bit scary happened to me. My bank, Washington Mutual fell to the mortgage crisis. JP Morgan Chase bought them up and issued a letter stating that all customers are still covered under FDIC insurance as well as the strength of JP Morgan Chase. Washington Mutual will keep its label until next year when all files are merged. Of course I would pick the year the economy declines rapidly and dangerously near a depression to invest in my IRA. I'm sort of understanding how the investors felt just before the stock market crash of the previous depression. I'm feeling like I should withdraw all my money and stick it in a mattress so no one can touch it. That's the problem. Its history repeating itself again. Last time the government stepped in and reassured the people that everything was under control and not to worry. Investors started buying on margin (credit) and pumping the market. The economy continued to crumble and everyone pulled out at the same time. There was a selling frenzy and people got stuck. Those who bought on margin really suffered and when everyone pulled out, they exhausted the market of its resources to pay. Hence sending the country into a depression. I'm sort of out of the loop being at sea, but I've been watching the issues lately on our situation. I'm a little nervous. All these citizens are defaulting on their loans and declaring bankruptcy because employers keep cutting jobs. I don't know the main reason, but judging by what I see I think the rise in fuel price has something to do with it. Everyone's making budget cuts. I see it in my own company. I see it in the way people spend out here on vacation. No one's spending anymore to fuel the economy. If no one spends, no businesses make profits, and then they start cutting jobs. This leads to high unemployment rates and then people defaulting on their now high interest loans. All this defaulting puts the lenders in trouble and then they go bankrupt. This is what happened to my bank. I see a repeat of history if we don't stick it out for another few months to see who gets into the presidential seat and what they will do for the economy. If everyone pulls out, the banks will have no more money to pay and we'll be in a depression again. I'm a little nervous about this. Right now I have to have faith in JP Morgan Chase and hope for the best. I have a lot to lose if we hit a depression. I just paid off everything and my whole salary is in my bank as savings. I would hate to have endured this long and depressing summer in Alaska for free.

After watching some of the debate last night (I had a show and recorded it, so I've been watching it in bits) I see why we so desperately need Obama in the presidential seat next year. McCain is talking about MORE tax cuts for the wealthy & wealthy businesses. I see the Republican point of view. It seems they believe that if a tax cut is to be made, then we should all have an equal chance at the tax cut. However, this benefits the rich more than it does the middle class. The United States has always been seen as a land of opportunity from places around the globe. Immigrants come here from poorer countries to get their chance to be a part of our commercialism and capitalism. Throughout time it seems we have given these people a chance to do that and funded it through taxpayer money. It seems only fair that if a business then goes from start-up to major corporation they should give back to the United States in tax money to help its people. However businesses see the bottom line and the green of greed and they withhold that money by finding loopholes in the tax system as Obama stated last night. I really had faith in Obama last night and felt he did well especially on his financial standpoint. Yes he does plan on spending when he gets into office, but I feel his spending is justified. We are so behind on so many things compared to major economies around the globe. We especially need to fund projects to make ourselves self sufficient of fuel and stop backing these oil companies that depend on foreign oil to get us fuel. Not only does this source of fuel harm the environment, but also it destroys our stance in the global economy. We are at the mercy of our enemy right now. This use of fuel is not only draining our economy because we have to purchase it at high prices from foreign powers, but we are at war with these same people. A double blast to the economy. Obama really catered to the middleman last night. He did propose tax cuts, but only for those who can really use them. Yes major corporations and the wealthy will pay more tax next year. Why not? They can afford it. Why hoard all this money that can be used to help our country by making the educational system better, saving our environment, making us independent of foreign oil and giving us an opportunity for healthcare. So many are underinsured or uninsured. I am one of those. McCain promised a $5,000 tax cut for those people to use toward health insurance, but Obama brought up that McCain is going to tax health benefits, which in turn will make companies pull back health benefits and force people to find their own insurance. What good will that do? I can't deal with another 4 years of someone who continually gives preference to oil companies and the wealthy. I knew someone 4 years ago who stated that if we voted against Bush, we'd see a difference in our paycheck. This was someone within the bracket who probably would see a difference in his paycheck since the tax cuts would no longer benefit him if a Democrat got into office. My paycheck wouldn't change and my benefits would only get better until I crossed that threshold. If I ever did. If I were to ever to have a wealthy business or have a salary in the stratosphere, I wouldn't mind paying extra taxes like Obama has proposed since it would be going towards issues that would benefit the country. However if McCain takes the presidency, I too will still continue to find loopholes in our tax system since I wouldn't want my tax money to go toward this pointless war, oil companies, bailing out wealthy institutions to spur economic growth, and so forth. I really hope the next month will bring us not only a historical election event, but also a candidate who will do more for this country and save us from the tyranny of the last 8 years.

F.O.B.

It's the last day of summer. It's been a cold one being up in Alaska the whole time. This week is our last week up in the great Northwest and thank God. Last week went by quicker because I had my San Diegan friends on board. Marianne and Eric came on board last Sunday and with them on board the week went by so much faster and smoother. It was the first time in a while I had friends sailing with me. We spent the afternoon roaming around Seattle seeing the public market, the first ever Starbucks, and the Seattle space needle. I love the public market in Seattle. In all the streetlamps there are potted flowers and along the roof tops of the marketplace are flower boxes. Street performers are lined up as you walk through and there are tons of eclectic and different stores along with your run of the mill tour shops. The main draw of the market is the fish counters. One in particular stands on Pike Street. I guess when you buy a fish here they throw it at you. There are tons of floral markets, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, bakeries, and meat markets. It's got an energy that's so refreshing after being so cooped up throughout the week. We went into the first ever Starbucks down at the Pike Place Market and it is unlike any of the other chains. It looks like the old grocer stores from the turn of the century with the glass jars, bean containers, and the rolling ladder that travels down the shelves of coffees. The original naked logo is still on display there. I've passed this many times on my walks, but today was the first time I ever saw it. How funny. After we headed down to the Seattle space needle via the monorail. It was the first time I've been in the area. I thought it was just a space needle, but apparently it's a whole kiddy amusement park. Pulling in on the monorail reminded me of the old park in Ohio formerly called Geauga Lake. It seemed like this area was built in the 50s or 60s as well. We didn't go up in the needle since the line was too long and it was a bit on the pricey side for just a trip up an elevator. We headed back to the ship shortly after. For the first time I attended the sail away party since they were entered in the raffle and I didn't have rehearsal until later. It was madness. So many people in one area and it got windy too. I had my opening night show that night and we just took it slow the rest of the evening. The next day was my workday since I had a show so it was business all day and a vacation for them. Tuesday we were in Glacier Bay. This was the first time all season I actually went out and viewed the Marjorie Glacier. It was raining and cold of course, but we were out on the front end of the ship looking at this massive piece of ice. The glacier was calving and it was sending off this sound of thunder. In all my seasons of being up in Alaska, I've never been outside and witnessed calving. This summer I saw quite a bit of it, but I was inside watching through a window. I've seen the glaciers pour out waterfalls and drop chunks of ice all from the comfort of the heated area. Being outside and hearing the sound is quite a different story. You can actually hear the glacier rumble as it moves down the mountain and then for such a small piece of ice there is a huge thunder. It's quite spectacular. I was glad I got to hear it for the first time.

We came to Juneau, Alaska. The state capital. I hear that Senator & Vice President elect Pallin said she could see Russia from her post here at the governor's house. Hmmm. I don't recall that view. It started off pretty rainy. For the first time THIS season as well we took the tram up to the viewing station on Mt. Roberts. It started really coming down, but we carried on up the trails to get some elevation. Although at that height with that weather we didn't have much of a view. The fog banks were pretty heavy. After about an hour or so of hiking in the rain, we gave up and took the tram down. We were pretty wet. Marianne wanted to have pizza at Pizza Roma in the Hangar. She remembered this local dive from her days in Alaska on the Prinsendam. They do have fabulous pizza and for a fairly reasonable price. While we were sitting there, the clouds seemed to just part away as the sunshine poured in. The forecast was for rain all day. It turned out to be gorgeous. They were scheduled for a dog sled adventure on the Mendenhall Glacier so I split with them and went on my own hiking adventure up Mt. Juneau. It was still pretty cold outside, but I was geared for it. Yet I started sweating the moment I started gaining elevation and really working my thighs. The trail was kind of rough. After the rain it was wetter, slippery, and muddier than previous and to be expected. What I didn't expect was to be the only hiker that day so far to make the trip. My fresh muddy footprints were the only ones on the trail. This made me a little nervous. After all a well traveled trail keeps the noise up throughout the day and scares off the wild life. Bears. I came across a fresh back footprint of a bear. After all, a trail for humans makes it even easier for bears to follow as well. I kept on thinking maybe the bear would be back resting since prime hunting was in the early morning or later in the afternoon near dusk. I saw a second and third later on in the trail as well as wolf prints. Granted wolves travel mostly in packs and hunt at night I started to get a little weary of moving on. The trail itself is flanked by thick growth on both sides enough to mask anything until the last minute. As I got higher, the fog was still getting thicker. The clouds had not yet moved beyond the mountains. I had to turn around since the locals warned me not to hike into the fog. I made it about half of the way. When I got to the bottom it took a few more hours for the clouds to clear the peak. By that time, it was too late to hike up since the whole trip takes about 5 hours. By the end of the day, the weather was absolutely beautiful for a wonderful sail away. It turns out they couldn't get to the dog camp on the glacier because of the fog as well. They did get to land on the glacier and take in the crevaces and mulans. The next day was Sitka, Alaska formerly occupied by Russia in the 1800s. Maybe this is what Pallin thought was Russia. Hmm. We got on a nature boat and traveled out into the Sitka Sound in search of wildlife. The sail was gorgeous. Again the forecast was for rain, but the sun was blessing us with its rays through the clouds and there wasn't a drop of rain. On the trip we saw some sea lions just basking on some rocks with a bald eagle standing watch, a whole raft of sea otters just sleeping, eating, and playing, a smack of jellyfish just off the stern of our boat (I mean the water was thick with them), nests and loads of bald eagles, and then about 15-20 tails of humpback whales. The whale sighting was unusual since you usually have to be lucky in timing to catch a feeding. Here there were loads of them just surfacing, blowing air out the blowholes, and then diving for the feed showing their tails. One even breached, but I missed that one. It was a fabulous morning of wildlife viewing. One of the guides thought he even saw a bear on the coastline at one point, but I never caught it with my binoculars. After the sea portion we were dropped off at the raptor center where we could get some up close views of bald eagles, owls, ospreys, and the like. This center is where they take injured raptors and rehabilitate them for release into the wild again. It's centers like these that restored the bald eagle population enough to be able to take them off the endangered species list. Some of the birds can't be released into the wild however because of their extensive injuries. The bones are hollow to make them effective flying machines, so when these pieces break severely enough, they can't be healed. There are other reasons for keeping them captive for their safety as with Sitka's case (name of the bald eagle we saw in the classroom that day). Sitka's handler brought her out for us to see in the staging area of the raptor center. She was injured enough that she lost one of her digits (comparable to our thumbs). Without this digit she couldn't catch salmon or other prey and hold on to them. Essentially, she'd starve in the wild. This digit is also useful for balance on branches as well. It was better they'd keep her at the center and train her for educating us. Some birds are restored to health as much as they can to be placed in other rehabilitation centers around the country for us to learn from. After the raptor center I headed back to the ship for some rest. I never woke up so early during the week before. The next day in Ketchikan was a workday as well. Show night and all. In Victoria we just walked around the city. I'd been there several times and so had Marianne, but it was new for Eric. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at a Canadian chain called Milestones. So good!! The weather wasn't all that great at first, but once the sun went down, the clouds cleared a little. There was a prediction for rain, but we managed to refute that prediction as well. Today they left in Seattle. A week sure goes by fast. If I could've had friends on board all summer that would've been amazing, but exhausting. This is the ship's last week in Alaska. I'm excited to say goodbye. There are some hikes I'd still like to conquer before I leave so I hope the weather is nice. The odds are slim though since this is the first week of fall.