Although I'm finally getting around to writing this early Thursday morning, the events actually took place yesterday, Wednesday.  We just had so much fun that all I could do when we got back was sleep.

The day got off to a great start.  We tried something new for a change - sleeping in!  It was a wonderful thing, and something I'm sure we'll try again if given the chance.  :)

At 8am or so, we headed over to the main dining room (Windows) for breakfast.  Normally we just eat at the buffet, so this, too, was a new thing.  We had a nice, leisurely breakfast while looking out at a beautiful view of Skagway, Alaska.  All there is to see of it, anyway.  It's one main street, seven blocks long.  There were a few little things on the side streets, all within 1/2 block of the main street, though.  Kinda cool.

Around 9, we grabbed what we needed and headed out for a little shopping before our excursion.  It was fun.  We only went a few blocks, and didn't buy very much, but we were in search of gifts.  We did find several, but no comparison to later on.  The feel of the town is "one horse town"-ish.  Very quaint.  The locals are very friendly.  It was cool to see them actually picking up little pieces of trash as they walked down the street.  While talking with a local later on, I found that something I had read was true - the mayor of Skagway also drives one of the buses.  Too cool.  

Anyway... On to the excursion, which was probably the highlight of the trip.  Or at least one of them.  All of our excursions have been outstanding, but we were REALLY looking forward to this one.  DOGSLEDDING ON A GLACIER!!

We grabbed all our warm clothes and camera equipment from the room, then walked down to our meeting point.  We checked in, then found out we'd all be weighed at the main station.  Ok, not funny anymore.  Oh well.  It's a safety issue with the choppers, so it was ok, just not something you want to do when you've been on a cruise for several days, eating whatever and whenever you want.  

We took a quick bus ride to the main station, which was where the helicopter landing pads were also.  After weighing in and deciding we'd eat nothing but lettuce for 6 months after returning home, we geared up.  First on were these galosh kinda things.  They were cool.  You can see them in at least one of the pictures (if I let you see that one before we get home).  Then our emergency vests for flying purposes.  Bright orange (Alan got a beige one) with lots of pockets.  What a fashion statement THOSE were.

Here we go!  It's a quick walk to the landing pad, where we're getting on chopper #2.  Dan, our pilot is great.  Did I mention that they gave me the front seat??  Perfect.  As though this wasn't difficult enough for me, now I had the best view in the house.  But also the largest view in the housel.  It was cool though.  I'm not sure about helicopters.  We kept going up and up and up, and it seemed like we were so close to the mountains...  That made me more nervous than anything.  Otherwise, I was ok.  If this trip hasn't cured my fear of flying, I don't know what will.

The chopper ride was beautiful.  We toured several glaciers, and after about 25 minutes landed on ours - the Davison Glacier - at the doglsed camp.  Alan and I were so excited about this!!

There were a few hundred dogs there.  Talk about a dog lover's paradise!!  We were greeted immediately by our musher, Bill.  He was very cool.  He owns over 30 dogs up there, all Iditarod or Iditarod in training.  They're so pretty.  One looked just like my Misty, which was tough.  I missed her more than ever during this, but it was great anyway.

Bill and his assistant strapped our team of 12 onto the sleds.  You could tell these guys just REALLY wanted to go.  They didn't care about waiting for us.  It was nice, though, because we got to see just how much they love what they do.  I guess it makes sense, too.  Misty loves running and could do it for hours.  Must be the breed.  

The dogs were all very, very lean.  We had a couple of dog fights along the way, so one dog was dropped from the team and one had to be separated from another that she fought with.  She (Carmen) was in heat, so mad at the world.  The dog she fought with was put behind her, which she didn't appreciate, so eventually the other dog had to be moved.  

Alan was in the mushing position for most of the trip.  We had wanted to switch at the halfway point, but Bill forgot to tell us.  So I sat in front of him on a sled, while Alan took the assistant Musher position on the back of the second sled.  I can't even describe how much fun this was.  At times, we felt as though we were gliding over the snow like Santa.  Other times, it was bumpy or Alan had to actually work as a Musher.  About 3/4 of the way through we switched.  Mushing is SO cool!  I had a blast.  He did, too.

When we arrived back at camp, I went through and petted each of the dogs and thanked them for a great ride.  We met the young pup that was just born (11 weeks old).  She was cute.  Beyonce was her name, and chewing on my galosh-laces was her game.  When we were told we had to leave, I'd take a step, and she'd take 6 to catch up and grab those laces again.  At one point, she just laid herself across my boot and started chewing.  She was quite cute.

We received a tour of the kitchen and were shown the fridge.  Given this is on a glacier, they're able to use a hole in the ice for refrigeration.  But as the glacier moves and melts, they occasionally have to move their kitchen and fridge so their stuff doesn't get carried off in a glacial river.  It was pretty cool.  Glaciers are interesting in themselves.  We enjoyed the time we spent up there, learning about the dogs and the way of life.  Because it's preserved, they're unable to make any permanent changes to the land.  They're only allowed to use it as God chooses to give it to them. 

The chopper picked us up at the 2 hour mark from the beginning of our tour, which was the expected duration.  Lucky for me, the helicopter ride back did NOT include a tour and was only 5 quick minutes long, if even that.  We arrived back safely and quickly removed our gear.  What an amazing trip.

After returning to the ship to change clothes (it was about 20 degrees hotter than expected - 80ish here) and have some quick lunch, we went into town to do some shopping.  Great little town they have.  I think it was my favorite as far as towns go, although I could never live here.  I found some nice items from local artisans - my favorites to buy.  Then it was back to the ship to meet up with everyone for dinner.

I had a few minutes to go spend at the casino, but didn't do so great.  It's ok.  I bought $50 in chips when we got here and I'm still working on them, so it doesn't matter.  When I run out, I'll be done.  It was a good way to pass time.

Dinner was at Maxim's again, but this time as a group.  We had SO much fun!!  I think we chased others out.  We were laughing through most of the meal.  The conversation was great, the company was enjoyable, and the food was outstanding.  We DO like that place.

After dinner we went and picked up some pictures we'd ordered, then turned in for a short night of sleep.  That's one thing that a cruise can really make you appreciate - SLEEP.  No complaints though - we're having the time of our lives.  I think we both hate to see it end.

Time to get ready for another day.  We're at sea this morning, then in port from 2-9 local time.  That's something different.  Normally we're in port at 7am, and leave between 2 and 5 sometime.  Until tonight...