Sunday strolls

One thing we love to do is go for Sunday afternoon strolls. Sometimes we go close to our home,

but we often go to Graham Oaks Nature Preserve

We love the trees and the fields

Sometimes we bring a frisbee along with us

Port 4 - Victoria

For our last stop, we got to cross the boarder and go into Victoria, Canada!

We decided to spend the day with the Schaffers. There was lots to see and do, so we got bikes to explore Victoria on.

To get to the first stop, we rode along the water (of course) to a little park with a point called Finlayson Point where we enjoyed more ocean views.

Just across the street, we found the Beacon Hill Totem Pole, known at one time as the "world's tallest totem pole."

 

Beacon Hill Park had some very British things  - like a game of cricket

and a very British looking vehicle.

We biked to the Craigdarroch Castle and took a tour of the home built in the late 1800's.

and enjoyed a few minutes touring the grounds.

Then, it was off to food - first, to Chocolat Favoris. It is like Dairy Queen - but way, way better! The chocolate that you dip the soft serve in is thick and soft and they add all sorts of fun toppings to it! For years, Jared would remember this moment when Dani would call because this was her picture on her profi

We found some yummy fish and chips down by the docks

did some more exploring of Victoria

and took a second trip to Chocolat Favoris - because, when would we get the chance again??

One highlight of Victoria was the Legislative Assembly of BC, all lit up in the night.

What made it truly special was doing all of this with some of our best friends - Jim and Mel!

Onboard the Celebrity Constellation

The Celebrity Constellation was a treat itself! We were surprised to hear the captain introduce himself as "Captain Tasos" - the same captain we had when we went to Europe!!!

John got to take a tour of the ship, which he thought was super interesting. He was amazed at the operations, the commitment to cleanliness, and ability to make so much food! He didn't get to see the engines, but he got to see a control room. He thought it was cool.

We discovered our favorite thing - SILENT DISCO! It is SO fun be gathered with friends, all listening to various channels, dancing, singing, and just having a fun time together.

We were always some of the last to leave. So much fun!

The celebration event was very cool, as always. One of the highlights for Jared was standing next to Nikki Bohne Lloyd, who played Glinda on traveling Broadway, as she sang the start of "Defying Gravity" before going on stage.

It was fun to be there with John and Vicki and for them to see this great company that I have been part of for over 9 years.

It was a little surreal knowing that we were in process of looking at jobs in and moving to Cincinnati.

Dani and I tried to exercise from time to time. It was a little strange being on a ship going up and down on a treadmill or lifting weights, but the view was INCREDIBLE!!!

The views from the ship were incredible! Everywhere, from the fjord to the ports to Victoria and Seattle gave incredible views. The inland passage was especially amazing with expansive mountain vistas on both sides of the ship.

 

We had views from the top deck and from our balcony. It was amazing.

While going through the inland passage in Alaska, the ship's horn blew because they saw a whale. We were able to see it!

We went to a glow in the dark party and got dressed up for it!

We loved finding friends on the ship and hanging out. Dani found a great place to hang out

 

Port 3 - Skagway

In our next port, Skagway, we walked to the train station for a train ride.

The train passed all sorts of incredible, beautiful countryside. There were curving bridges, 

tight turns right next to the rocks, 

 

and green everywhere!!!

We went with John and Vicki (and Dani's cute hat) and spent good time together.

The train stopped just short of the Canadian border next to a lake. We got out and walked around a bit and took in the beauty of the incredible country.

We got some great pictures while we were on the train! 

We spent some time in town in a gift shop (we found a fun moose ornament and an Eskimo nativity - so perfect!). Skagway is such a small town - but every day, thousands and close to ten thousand tourists come from cruise ships!

After we spent some time in town, we went on a little hike and ended up on a rock outcropping over the bay.

We saw a number of bald eagles on the hike and really throughout our time in Alaska.