Von & John

The Rose Garden may be the old Patio... I'm not sure that was the official name or rather one Dad & Cronies made up... Location sounds fairly accurate & there were flowers everywhere! I don't recall the name of the restaurant we used to love... It was also on the left side of the street - I am thinking first block or so - I know it was b/4 The Patio. This was the first place I had "true" Queso Flameado - topped w/ brandy & served flambe table side. We always walked across - one time I was hauling lots of tequila (it was still inexpensive then & much cheaper than I would find in Shreveport-Bossier). I had a GREAT bag I brought along for just this purpose 🙂 Wow - left Shreveport in 1998 - so just a year or 2 ago... My visits to them in Mission, w/ day trips to Progresso or Reynosa, lasted until a few years before they sold their place. I haven't been back since.

Yes... Straws & Whataburger Ketchup make an appearance - I was starting to lose hope!

The water slides were removed on the renovation end of 2018/2019. Our TransPacific was the 2nd to last cruise b/4 renovation - if I remember correctly. On our final night we made use of the slides - just b/4 they closed the pools for the evening w/ one of our Peeps we met on the ship... The slides were old & worn - many expressed frustration w/ the equipment. As a life-long water rat... I didn't have any troubles w/ keeping the momentum going by accelerating w/ my hands. Terry had some challenges on the first couple of runs (including stopping) - but then I showed him the solution... Our spur of the moment obstacle course of slides, pools & hot tubs was quite fun & a great memory... Happy we did it 🙃 The Pool Crew & our Fave Bar Teams joined in the laughter & fun - I will neither deny nor confirm if there are pic's & video's of us

We played Gaelic Football on the Ice... First Official Gaelic Football on the Ice Since the guys didn't allow the women to play Rugby - we didn't let the men play Gaelic Football... Played w/ the Kiwis - McMurdo & Scott Base 🙂 I had never played previously - but Jean registered everything to make it official.

OK - I Have to ask... I've caught up 29 pages in the past 2 days - up to page 50 & no Whataburger packets... First no monkey - now no Whataburger - what's happening to this world?

LOL -- Dad & his wife had a winter place in Mission, when I lived in Corpus - actually for many more years than I lived in Corpus... Anywho... We'd cross over to Progresso & have $0.25 beers at "The Patio"... Which was simply a dirt courtyard & you'd buy the beer out a back door & sit on a folding chair. These visits/trips lasted much longer than I lived in Corpus Eventually "The Patio" started upgrading - the courtyard had tables & chairs - beer went up to $0.50 They added paving stones - beer went up to $0.75 They added an outdoor bar - beer went up to $1.00 I don't recall in my visits the beer going over the $1.00 mark - however I am sure it went up in time. It's been years since I've been there - I wonder if "The Patio" still exists...

7 Drinks or 7 Double Drinks?

I have to admit - we live in Alaska & we loved the 2 Alaskan Cruises we've been on! First - Southbound (Diamond Princess) - Whittier to Vancouver 2nd - TransPacific (NCL Jewel) - Vancouver thru AK to Petropavlovsk, Russia onto Japan & disembark Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan Hoping to do the TransPacific next Spring Yokohama (Tokyo) back to Seward...

MMMM... What - no slice of the Cheese Block 🙂

LOL - Ice Worms are Real... However, here's a little Cheechako Humor for you... Ballad of the Ice-Worm Cocktail: https://www.yukon-news.com/opinion/origin-of-the-ballad-of-the-ice-worm-cocktail-uncovered/

Not bad for Alaska... Of course it costs less to get to the product to Anchorage than many other areas / regions...

Greg -- Knik Glacier (kuh-nick)

Greg -- we only wish there were more local than chain... The chains have been pushing the locals out - just like everywhere. I forgot to mention we also have Sportsman's Warehouse... The Locals vs. Chains also goes for the Restaurants... Almost all new restaurants are chain restaurants.

Have a Great Flight - Enjoy the day in ANC & the train ride tomorrow!! The Jewel will be waiting for you w/ plenty of cocktails & food @ O'Sheehan's. There should be food & beverage available on the train to purchase, as well. Cheers -- Von

Hahaha... Bass Pro & Cabela's - lot's of Fishing & Hunting up here 🙂

Greg - The rooftop of 49th State Brewery is also a great place to see Denali on a Clear Day

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2022/07/23/curious-alaska-whats-the-deal-with-anchorages-airport-train-station/

4980 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502

Hey Greg - Check your info for the Train Station... If you purchased ticket independently you are most likely catching the train @ the downtown depot. If you purchased from NCL & are headed down on their special train - you are most likely departing from the Airport Train Station.

Glacier Brew is good... Both Beer & Food -- Enjoy! Always packed - year round... The Bar seating is always the best bet

Nice job on the inside of the Air BNB... I'll have to remember this place as a potential recommendation for peeps visiting ANC. Thanks

Fabulous Price - If I wasn't heading to the Lower 48 for work tomorrow for the week - we'd jump on that price...

What... I need to read the list now...

These look cool for a single cup coffee maker -- I don't think I'd pack them for a cruise, but certainly for home 🙂

I hear you on the money savings... But think of all the enjoyment you found collecting along the way 🙂 Best of both worlds - collect as you eat on the way & purchase to stock up & take home at the Airport Duty free