Breakfast was at Raffle's Buffet on deck 12.  It was pretty yummy.  We enjoyed the company of some new friends while waiting for Gail and Michelle, who showed up just as we were leaving.  We ran to our rooms, picked up our knitting, then went to our first class, which I was teaching.  Techniques aren't easy to teach to a bunch of people that are on a cruise.  But it went ok.  I think I lost them when the group on the other side of the room (and ship) spotted a small pod of Orca whales.  We were too late to see them.  I later spotted a single whale, but only very briefly.  I was unable to identify it - it was already headed into a terminal dive when I noticed it out the window.  So we completed our class then went to wander around.

Toni had to book an excursion, so I helped her do that.  We found Alan and Sally and went to grab some lunch before our next class.  Gail and Michelle ended up in the same restaurant, but we had no idea until we were ready to leave.  It was Raffle's again.  They were barbequing some ribs and sausage that were pretty tasty.  So far the food has been quite good.

We ran to our next class (beaded wire jewelry) and had a ball.  Alan went up to the internet cafe to start uploading these sites.  It's taking much longer than originally anticipated, but that's ok.  We got a good deal on the minutes for the cruise.  We'll just have to be a little more selective about how many we actually send up while we're here.  Maybe we'll just tease everyone a little!

Sally and I attended a seminar at 2pm about how to shop effectively in Alaska.  Like we needed any help with shopping!!  It was a big infomercial, but we're hoping it'll come in handy.  We learned about some of the deals you can get in Alaska.  I'm excited to get into port already!

We had some free time, and it was killing me... We headed to the casino to play a little.  I didn't do too badly.  Alan came and joined me, and my tokens started mysteriously evaporating!  Imagine it.  I think he's starting to find gambling fun.  I refuse to lose much money, though, so we'll use what I bought and that's it. (Note from Alan: I did not use more then a few dollars in tokens and I still find a video games a much better way to drown quarters. I was just trying my best to understand what she sees in playing slots.) 

So here we are.  It's been a boring, quiet day.  Alan took a picture today of a bald eagle in flight.  I'm jealous!  I would've loved to get some video of it.  I, however, did get to see some harbor porpoise.  They're on video.

Tonight was formal night on the ship, so Alan and I got all dressed up.  Alan wore a dark suit and I wore a silver/blue beaded evening gown.  We had several photos taken by the ship photographers - I hope they come out well.  It'd be nice to bring them back with us.  We'll see.

Alan, Toni, and I went to the on-board steakhouse called Maxim tonight.  Outstanding is all I can say.  Alan thought it was better than Ruth's Chris.  I have to admit I found it comparable.  I began with crab cakes served with an aioli on the side.  Toni had the New England Clam Chowder to begin with and said it was also very good.  We all had spinach salads with hard boiled egg (chopped finely), bacon, and a honey mustard dressing.  Again, excellent.  For our entrees, Toni and I each had Surf & Turf, which  consisted of about a 6 oz Filet Mignon and half of a Hawaiian lobster.  Mmmmm mmmmmm good!  Alan had the veal chop, which he also thoroughly enjoyed.  Then it was on to dessert.  Alan and Toni each had a chocolate sin cake (eat your heart out, Oto!), while I opted for the special of the night, which was Crepes Suzette.  Ya know, this cruise food and living sure are rough <snicker>.  

After dinner we had photos taken.  Alan and I had several done together, then we took some as a large group.  I really can't wait.  After a few brief minutes out on deck to watch the sun set (at 10:30ish tonight), I'm turning in.  It's been a long, exhausting day and tomorrow we have our first excursion.  I'm SO excited!!  We'll be docking in Ketchikan, Alaska at 7am, then it's off on our first port adventure.  Gotta get some sleep so I can live more of this dream tomorrow.  Someone had better remind me one day that this was all for real.  I still feel like it's not...  The views are spectacular, the food is scrumptious, and the companionship of my husband and my friends is without comparison.  Can I stay here forever?  Goodnight, and Happy Father's Day.

 Pictures from today - Note from Alan: I'm taking so many pictures that we just can not upload them all. I took 83 today, the rest will be uploaded when we get home. (The images loaded from home will be larger too)

Go to Day 4 - 06/21/04