“Live” – Alaska – Radiance of the Seas August 19, 2016 – Indecision Cruise

[PCWalton1]

We had lunch at Annebelle's, King crab legs and coconut shrimp with beer (for me) and salmon bloody Mary (for Marie) to wash it down. After that we headed back to the ship to drop off what we had bought before heading out on our excursion.

 

 

 

We had the privilege of taking a float plane ride with Michelle of Island Wings Air Service. The was an amazing way to cap off out last port in this Alaskan cruise. The weather was perfect for picture taking, not so perfect for the flight as the warmth made it a little rocky at times. But with the breath taking scenery you just didn't notice the bumps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

You would head this way if you wanted to head to the ocean.

 

 

 

 

There were so many little mountain lakes throughout the island

 

 

Here is another

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

Another float plane in the area.

 

 

 

Banking in to land on the fjord.

 

 

Touch down

 

 

There was a wood floating platform here which allowed for us to get out and enjoy the scenery.

 

 

Here is Marie with our pilot Michelle.

 

 

A little about her from the Island Air website.

 

Michelle Masden, pilot and owner of Island Wings, arrived in Ketchikan in 1985. Sincethen she has had many experiences which uniquely qualify her as an expert in providing you with a memorable trip. A self-described “flight junkie” Michelle has spent over twenty-one thousand hours, or almost two and a half years, above the Earth’s surface. She conducts business from the left seat of her magnificent flying machine.

 

 

[PCWalton1]

 

 

 

 

It was so peaceful and quiet there you almost felt like you should be whispering so as not to disturb the calm.

 

 

 

This is Michelle's plane. From her website:

DeHavailland Beavers are the greatest bush planes ever built. They were named one of the ten outstanding Canadian engineering achievements in the past century!

 

Michelle named her DeHavilland Beaver the “Lady Esther” in honor of her grandmother Esther. She grew up with Esther who always encouraged Michelle to follow her dream and yet Esther was terrified to fly and never once boarded a plane!

 

The story of Lady Esther dates back to 1959 when she was delivered to her first owner the US Army Air Corps. There were a total of 1692 Beavers built by DeHavilland, the US Army purchased over half of them. The first prototype was flown in 1947 and construction continued through 1967. More than half of them are still in service today!

 

[PCWalton1]

To give a perspective of the size of this part of the fjord, here are a couple pictures of the other plane leaving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now it was out time to head back to Ketchikan

 

 

 

 

Lift off

[PCWalton1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a large group of harbor seals out on the end of the island though a bit hard to see here,

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

Everything we flew over is part of the Misty Fjords National Monument which was declared a monument in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. Thank you Mr. President. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing the ship meant our flight was over. What a great adventure.

 

[PCWalton1]

The only concern I had about the excursion was the finished time was after 5 and we had to be back on board by 5:30 but that was not any issue as we had plenty of time to return.

 

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[PCWalton1]

A clear and breezy day as we head to Vancouver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[dixielady]

The pictures from your flight were amazing. So beautiful. It even looks peaceful there.

 

Thanks again for sharing

 

Denise :)

[jaspercat]

Wow! Great pictures from your floatplane and the floating dock. What a view - so calm/serene looking.

[PCWalton1]

A cake decorating contest between the matre D and the hotel director. The HD enlisted the help of a young boy thus ensuring winning the competition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[PCWalton1]

Always a sad sight

 

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[A&L_Ont]

Bill, great review and photos. It really makes me want to return to Alaska. Enjoy the last few days of the cruise.

 

I actually drove to The Yukon in 1993 from SW Ontario. Your photos of Carcross look exactly how I remember. That was a great summer adventure after my first year of university.

Edited August 25, 2016 by A&L_Ont

[runningmoms2girls]

Great review and gorgeous pictures. I grew up as a kid in Alaska. Your review makes me want to take my husband up there! Maybe some day!

[#1packerfan]

You gave me some great ideas for excursions for our trip to Alaska. Like you, it will be our one and only and we will add on the land tour as well. In fact, I bookmarked some of the same excursions because they sounded great.

 

Thank you again for the review, your pictures were beautiful. Hope you enjoyed your cruise and safe travels.

[sunset seekers]

Hi Bill & Marie,

 

Great review. Do you recall the Hotel Directors name?

[John&LaLa]

The only concern I had about the excursion was the finished time was after 5 and we had to be back on board by 5:30 but that was not any issue as we had plenty of time to return.

 

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To close for my taste, but it looked epic. :D

[PCWalton1]

Hi Bill & Marie,

 

Great review. Do you recall the Hotel Directors name?

I do not but I have the officer list in my bag so I can check later.

To close for my taste, but it looked epic. :D

Yeah, I was nervous a little till I saw the ship on the horizon and we still had 35 minutes. It was worth it.

 

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[PCWalton1]

I guess except for Alaska. Saw a lot of shorts in main dining, even saw a fishing vest. [emoji33]

 

 

 

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[PCWalton1]

The luggage is in the hallway so I guess this cruise is just about over. We will be grabbing a car at the Alamo desk and driving home. Takes about three hours.

Hopefully tomorrow I can close this out. I have the Cruise Compasses and will scan them if there is interest. Thank you to all of you that followed along.

[JamesEM]

Wishing you and DW a safe trip home, enjoyed both your HI & AK cruise reports and photos.

[Lionesss]

Bill Marie, really enjoyed taking this cruise with you because of the great pictures and comments.

 

Thought we were ready for the Alaskan cruise, but still want the warm side of the spectrum.

 

Really enjoyed it though.

 

Safe travels.

 

Thanks again.