A Floridian in Alaska--June 3rd-10th, 2013 (COMPLETE)

[EeyoreIsMyName]

Our trainer was just as surprised as we were, and urgently called to the lead dogs with "GI GI GI GI GI!!!" (which was her unique command she had trained the lead dogs to turn right--to go left, the command was "hot. QUOTE]

The command for dogs (or horses for that matter) to go left or right is "gee" or "haw." Although the dogs were probably "hot" from running!

 

[zweihund]

Awesome whale pics - I am so jealous of your little playful humpback calf!

We had seen orcas back in 2011 (those suckers are hard to catch on film, they were hunting) but we did not see any this year...we did however get to see a few "lunge feeds" where the whale hoists its whole mouth out of the water, which was AWESOME. And we got to see a pectoral fin. Nothing like that little whale though, how cool!

Being so close to them was amazing. I was so jealous of the people who work on those boats every day and get to see this all the time! Whale boat captain may have to be my retirement gig.

 

[diznefan76]

Loved reading your TR! I sailed to Alaska last year and loved it! Such a beautiful cruise! Can't wait to read about the rest your trip!

 

[Chilly]

Great whale sightings.

 

[OrcaPotter]

One more thing, which you may have mentioned earlier, what camera were you using for your whale/eagles pics? I'm hoping my 70-300 lens will have enough reach!

I used my Nikon Coolpix S8200. It's an amazing point n' shoot.

Your pictures of the eagles are absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to go to Alaska next year. How far in advance did you book with Rum Runners and Captain Chris

I booked back in early March and at the time, I got the first time slot for the day. Right before we left home, Capt. Chris called me and asked if I wouldn't mind bumping it back because of a conflict with another tour.

Are you guys already back in school? In Michigan we do not start back until after Labor day. Heck, back when I was a kid we started school the week after Labor day and finished the week before Memorial day.

Yup! Most schools in Florida are out by the last week of May and we're back in session by mid-August. Students are in session 180 days a year.

Our trainer was just as surprised as we were, and urgently called to the lead dogs with "GI GI GI GI GI!!!" (which was her unique command she had trained the lead dogs to turn right--to go left, the command was "hot. QUOTE]

The command for dogs (or horses for that matter) to go left or right is "gee" or "haw." Although the dogs were probably "hot" from running!

That's probably what she was saying, and I heard "hot." LOL Thanks for the clarification!

Awesome whale pics - I am so jealous of your little playful humpback calf!

We had seen orcas back in 2011 (those suckers are hard to catch on film, they were hunting) but we did not see any this year...we did however get to see a few "lunge feeds" where the whale hoists its whole mouth out of the water, which was AWESOME. And we got to see a pectoral fin. Nothing like that little whale though, how cool!

Being so close to them was amazing. I was so jealous of the people who work on those boats every day and get to see this all the time! Whale boat captain may have to be my retirement gig.

It was definitely a lifelong dream to do this and it will continue to be, because it's so amazing and I still have to see my wild orcas!

Hey everyone,

I will do my best to get this report wrapped up within the next few weeks. School starts tomorrow and I'm already incredibly busy! Thanks for your patience!

 

[chris31997]

Thanks for the effort to finish up the report I really appreciate

 

[luvmy2kids]

Fellow Central Floridian here... My children started school on the 12th. Hmmm must be Seminole Co. Anyway, we are to set sail June 2, 2014. Thank you for taking the time to recount your Wonderful vacation.... No pun intended. I will check back here and re-visit just in case I forget things before we set sail""""

 

[kimjenn]

"Dan" was our beverage server at dinner each night. He was an absolute blast! He did really great magic tricks for the kids, he interacted with the adults each night and we were soooo sad to leave the ship. He and Balwan, our server, we awesome. My kids loved meal time!

 

[OrcaPotter]

Greetings--

I would like to apologize for my long absence and lack of updates. August is a rough month between getting school started and then my annual pilgrimage to Atlanta for Dragon*con. What I didn't count on was getting horribly sick while in Atlanta, too. I had been feeling run down leading up to the trip, which I chalked up to the stress of the new school year. I've been stuck in bed for the past week. I know the last Alaska sailings are in full swing, but I do intend to finish this report for posterity and to help folks plan for 2014. I hope to be back into sorts very soon and back into my usual routine, so look for an update sometime this month!

 

[jedijill]

No worries! Get better soon!

Jill in CO

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Just letting you know that when are able and up to it, you still have fans here following along. Thanks for all you have posted so far, it has been a "most excellent" report.

 

[twindaddy]

Loving your trip report, but WONDERing, how will it end? Did you make it off the ship safe? Did the talking bear puppet take over the ship, and you had to be rescued like Captain Phillips?

 

[chris31997]

Get better.

Hope you were able to enjoy your trip to Atlanta.

 

[Sonja99]

Great report and beautiful pictures!

Thanks for sharing

.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Orca, hope you are back to good health and in the classroom.

 

[OrcaPotter]

SO SO SO so so so sorry to everyone about my falling off the face of the earth.

Just to let you know, when that happens, you land amongst 134 pre-teens who are obsessed with violence and can't remember to write down their names. And then family medical emergencies.

The good news is: I'm caught up with my endorsement classes. The overwhelming stress of having a full time job and 2 graduate level courses to do all at once is now slightly less.

I will finish this report. I promise! I can't promise when. But it will happen. IT WILL HAPPEN! --shakes fist--

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I've always wanted to visit Alaska and I'm loving your trip report. One day I hope to get there.

 

[ukintheus]

Looking forward to hearing the rest. Hope that your world has become a calmer place recently.

 

[chris31997]

SO SO SO so so so sorry to everyone about my falling off the face of the earth.

Just to let you know, when that happens, you land amongst 134 pre-teens who are obsessed with violence and can't remember to write down their names. And then family medical emergencies.

The good news is: I'm caught up with my endorsement classes. The overwhelming stress of having a full time job and 2 graduate level courses to do all at once is now slightly less.

I will finish this report. I promise! I can't promise when. But it will happen. IT WILL HAPPEN! --shakes fist--

134 preteens: would be very scarey and a very good reason to go back to relive your cruise

Glad the classes are caught up and the family emergancies worked out.

I look forward till when you can get it done, as long as it is before May:

 

[donaldjessie]

Minnie is adorable!!! I really like her coat!!!So cute!!!!Thanks for your pictures!