Another day trip from Reykjavik that we planned was the South Coast and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. For this trip, we went with Gray Line Iceland, which was also extremely organised, just like Reykjavik Excursions.
Along the way, we stopped at two iconic waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
About halfway to Jökulsárlón, we passed the Vatnajökull Glacier which is at Skaftafell National Park. Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland. And then finally, we made it to Jökulsárlón! The skies even cleared for our arrival 🙂 We had plenty of time to view the ice, and were also treated to an amphibious boat ride in the lagoon. I took way too many photos, but here are some of the best ones!
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*All photos are the property of Charlotte Moore, unless stated otherwise, and may not be used without written consent.
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. It consists of 3 major sites, all within a day trip from Reykjavik.
For this trip, we didn’t rent a car so we booked this tour with Reykjavik Excursions. Reykjavik Excursions is a well-oiled machine, with hotel pick-up to the main bus terminal working extremely smoothly, as well as hotel drop-off at the end.
Before we headed off to the main 3 attractions, we were treated to a bonus stop, a visit to the Fridheimer Geothermal Greenhouse.
Tomatoes can be grown year-round thanks to the geothermal heating. You can purchase various products here, as well as enjoy some tomato soup with freshly baked bread.
After this, we headed off to Geysir geothermal area. Here, the Stokkur geyser shoots up water 30 meters into the air at regular intervals. There are many smaller geysers and mud pits to view in the area as well.
Strokkur GeyserStrokkur Geyser
Little Geysir
Our next stop was the Gullfoss waterfall, which is considered to be Iceland’s most famous waterfall. Gullfoss translates to golden falls.
The final stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. This National Park is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimetres per year. Our bus dropped us off a short distance from the main visitor’s center and we walked along the fault line trail to the top.
*All photos are the property of Charlotte Moore, unless stated otherwise, and may not be used without written consent.
The Vashon Sheepdog Classic in 2015 took place on September 10th to 13th at Misty Isle Farms on Vashon Island, WA. The competition happened Friday through Sunday, with Thursday being novice day. Each handler and their dog has the same course to complete with 5 sheep. They are allotted a certain amount of time to compete the course and are given a total amount of points to start off with. If sections of the course aren’t completed, then points are deducted accordingly. In addition, there was a Fiber Arts area set up with demonstrations and instruction about the various uses of wool.
Here are some photos of this fun day-long event!
Other tips: Bring cash! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and sunscreen!
In 2015, admission price was $8/person. There was a shuttle bus from the ferry terminal for $2 each way. I would highly recommend this over driving to Misty Isle Farms and trying to park.
Stay tuned to the website for information about the 2016 Vashon Sheepdog Classic!
*All photos are the property of Charlotte Moore, unless stated otherwise, and may not be used without written consent.
When we arrived in Ketchikan, we had a little time before heading off to the Rainforest Sanctuary, so we wandered around the town and visited the famous Creek Street.
Salmon Ladder
We watched some salmon head up the ladder, which was pretty neat. Then we headed back to meet up with our group to go on the Rainforest Sanctuary walk to search for bears!
The Rainforest Sanctuary has a series of elevated platforms and bridges to walk across the forest floor and hopefully see some bears. The area isn’t fenced in so you never know whether or not you’ll see any bears. Luckily for us, we saw a mother bear and cub in the river catching salmon!
We also saw tons of eagles here near the river, probably looking for salmon too!
The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary also has some birds that are being rehabilitated so you can see them up close. I love owls!
*All photos are the property of Charlotte Moore, unless stated otherwise, and may not be used without written consent.
We arrived in Skagway early, to a bit of a gloomy day. I was worried that my helicopter tour wouldn’t go, but lucky me, it did!
I headed off the ship right away to join the helicopter tour. The helicopter company, Temsco, was great and super organized getting our group geared up for the trip. We were given a safety vest to wear, as well as glacier boots to put on over our shoes. I was lucky that I ended up with a family of 4, including 2 small children, so the helicopter wasn’t cramped at all, plus I ended up with a window seat. The flight was about 20 mins before we arrived at the glacier.
Arriving at the glacier
Once we were on the glacier, we were given poles to assist with walking around and we explored the area.
Glacier boots!
Leaving in convoy!
View on the way back to SkagwayView of the NCL Pearl as we’re about to land
The helicopter tour was spectacular – certainly not something to miss out on in Alaska!
While I was off on my tour, Jennifer went on the Klondike rock climbing tour. She thoroughly enjoyed herself. Here are some photos from her trip.
We met back at the boat for lunch, and then headed off on our walking tour of the historic town of Dyea. We were the only two that booked this trip, so we had a private tour, which included a picnic lunch by the river (wish we knew about that so we didn’t eat before!).
Remnants of a boatLast surviving piece of Dyea that is still standing.Slide CemeteryPIcnic lunch by the riverLocal brew by the riverSkagway Overlook
Finally, we walked back through downtown Skagway for a little shopping.
White Pass Railway
Next post will be about Glacier Bay National Park!
*All photos are the property of Charlotte Moore, unless stated otherwise, and may not be used without written consent.
After a wonderful cruise on the Norwegian Pearl to Alaska, Jennifer and I are back and excited to tell you about our trip. We’ll start off with port reviews and then an overall cruise review, including some tips and tricks. First up, a port review on Juneau!
We left from Seattle on a Sunday afternoon, around 4pm and cruised through the night and all of Monday to get up to Juneau. We saw lots of whales on the way, and even a pod of dolphins! We arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, a little early, around 1pm. The NCL Jewel was still docked, so we floated in the harbour until they left and we could scoot over into the AJ dock. Here’s a couple photos of our arrival:
Once we docked, we headed off right away to get off the ship. We met our tour (Sled Dog Discovery and Musher’s Camp) on the pier and got on the bus to head over to the summer dog camp. We picked the first tour time of the day; which worked out great once we made it to the camp. The camp is on Douglas Island, so about a 20-25 minute drive from the dock. As soon as we arrived, we went straight to the sled for a ride through the forest. We had 16 dogs pulling us and they were so excited to be running! Our musher told us about life with the dogs and what a typical year is like for him. He owns a total of 42 dogs. In the summer, they train in Juneau and in the winter, he heads back up to Fairbanks.
Getting ready to go.And we’re off…!
After our sled ride, we were able to visit with the dogs and then were given a little presentation on the races. Jennifer tried on the giant parka that they have to wear for the Iditarod.
Finally, we got plenty of time to play with the puppies! There were 3 litters of various ages and we were able to visit with them all.
This was a really lovely excursion. Great people and happy dogs!
After the tour, we asked to be dropped off in the town of Juneau. We wandered around, stopping for some icecream, and then decided to go up the Mount Roberts Tramway. You can purchase tickets for the tram on the cruise ship, but as there is no set time to go up, it’s easier and slightly cheaper to buy the tickets when you arrive. The tramway only takes about 5 minutes to reach the top. Once there, you have the choice of many hiking trails. There is also a theatre, visitor centre, gift shop and raptor viewing. We walked the loop trail at the top.
Downtown JuneauMount Roberts TramwayView of the NCL Pearl from Mt RobertsView from the trail at the top of Mt. RobertsEntering Bear Country…
Next port review will be Skagway!
*All photos are the property of Charlotte Moore, unless stated otherwise, and may not be used without written consent.
My sister, Jennifer, and I are headed off on an Alaskan cruise in a little over a week from today. We are going on the Norwegian Pearl out of Seattle, Washington. I’m a huge fan of Norwegian and this will be my 6th cruise with NCL.
Now, I’ve done this exact cruise once before in September 2011, but this will be Jennifer’s first time in Alaska. Aside from planning what we need to pack etc., we have spent a lot of time planning what to do at each port. Here’s what we have planned!
Juneau
Sled Dog Discovery and Musher’s Camp – 2 3/4 hrs
Description: Experience a genuine Alaskan adventure while supporting the official state sport! Take an exhilarating sled ride and play with husky puppies, all in the heart of the lush Alaskan rainforest.
Experience a genuine Alaskan adventure while supporting the official state sport! Take an exhilarating sled ride and play with husky puppies, all in the heart of the lush Alaskan rainforest. Upon arrival at this authentic summer training camp for mushers and their sled dogs, you’ll participate in a sled dog summer training run on a custom designed, wheeled summertime sled. Discover the power of a team of Alaskan huskies as they whisk your sled down a mile long trail through the depths of the Tongass National Rainforest! Then join a dog handler and sled dogs for interactive demonstrations on mushing equipment and the impeccable care the dogs receive.
Your dog handler will also entertain you with knowledge about the training, history, races and inspiring efforts required by this sport. Admire the untamed beauty as you walk across a suspension bridge overlooking Fish Creek. This camp is surrounded by moss-covered forest with huge spruce and hemlock trees. Then cuddle up with a husky puppy and take your picture with one of these adorable future athletes! This excursion is the perfect mix of Alaska’s culture, history, adventure, rugged wilderness, and of course sled dogs and puppies.
Skagway
Jennifer – Klondike Rock Climbing and Rappelling – 3 1/4 hrs
Description: Join professional mountain guides for an exciting rock climbing and rappelling adventure on the stunning granite walls of Alaska! Your adventure begins with an interpretive drive through historic Skagway and up into the majestic White Pass Gold Route. A short hike through the temperate rainforest on an interpretive trail will bring you to the base of the spectacular rock face carved by retreating glaciers.
Here you’ll gear up with rock climbing shoes, helmet and harness and then you’re off to enjoy this incredible experience. Choose between over a dozen climbing routes, each ending in an amazing view of the Skagway River and the surrounding wilderness. You’ll also have an opportunity to try an awesome 70 foot rappel! This adventure is perfect for those looking to try rock climbing for the first time, as well as for experienced climbers.
Charlotte – Glacier Discovery by Helicopter – 2 hrs
Description: Experience the infinite beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers! A short drive brings you to the heliport where, following a safety video, you’ll be outfitted with boots and vests. Lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers. Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular “river of ice” known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you’ll encounter.
Upon arrival at your glacial destination you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels. Enjoy a walking exploration of the river of ice, while experienced glacier guides answer your questions and explain the awesome forces at work.
Since we’re in Skagway for a full day, we are considering booking this one too, in the afternoon:
Historic Dyea and Skagway Boomtown Tour – 2 3/4 hrs
Enjoy VIP treatment on this exclusive historical driving tour of the most scenic spots that Skagway and Dyea have to offer. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the bustling streets of Skagway in a deluxe passenger van. Then sit back and enjoy the breathtaking coastline drive to the most northern point of the inside Passage – the once bustling town of Dyea, now a protected area of the Klondike Gold Rush National Park. Here you’ll see the majestic scenery and wildlife of the tidal flats and the start of the famous Chilkoot Trail that led so many men to early graves.
Stroll through the Slide Cemetery, quietly commemorating the scores of men and women who perished in the deadly avalanche in the spring of 1898. Walk the old main street of Dyea, once a town to rival Skagway, now almost entirely reclaimed by nature. On your way back to Skagway you’ll stop at the Skagway overlook for a bird’s eye view of the Skagway valley and an excellent photo opportunity of your ship in port. Your tour finishes with an outdoor picnic and a cold beer along the banks of the rushing Skagway River. Avoid the masses and enjoy the high quality and benefits of small group touring!
Cruising Glacier Bay
A park ranger comes on board during our day slowing cruising around Glacier Bay National Park. They explain where we are and what we’re seeing as we get up close to some beautiful glaciers. Afterwards, the ranger gives a presentation in the theatre. It was a highlight from the last time I was on the Pearl.
Ketchikan
Bear Country & Wildlife Expedition – 3 1/4 hrs
Description: Visit the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary for this unique opportunity to see black bear in their native habitat. Your tour begins with a narrated city tour and eight mile coastal drive to the sanctuary. Your naturalist guide will bring the forest to life as you meander along a trail, leading to a series of elevated bridges and platforms. Watch for bears from the safety of above ground platforms which maximize your viewing and provide protection.
To limit impact, only a limited number of small groups have access to this exclusive bear viewing area. Leaving the private elevated wildlife viewing system, the rainforest trail transforms to a boardwalk perched over grassy wetlands alongside Eagle Creek, where bears and seals come to fish for Alaska’s abundant salmon. Bald eagles and other birds wait for scraps in the estuary.
See a Bald Eagle and a Great Northern Owl up close in the raptor center, where a wildlife specialist explains the habitat and heritage of America’s national symbol. Be guided through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company Sawmill to a master Native carving a large totem pole. Your tour ends with a visit to the general store for shopping and snacks. This is a great tour for photographers and nature lovers, alike.
Victoria
TBD – We will likely walk around exploring the Inner Harbour. As we’re there during the evening, there are not many excursions to choose from.
On this cruise, we’re staying in an inside stateroom since Jennifer tends to be a bit green at times. You never spend a ton of time in the room anyway so this way we can save money and spend it on excursions instead!
This is the first cruise that I’ve booked with a TA, instead of directly with NCL. Now that I’m in Canada it made more sense to pay in $CAD so I went through Expedia Cruise Ship Centers in Yaletown. As this will be my 6th cruise with Norwegian, so I’m gold status with the Latitudes program. There are some great perks of joining the Latitudes program, including on-board credit, Latitude’s party with ship officers, welcome aboard gift, priority boarding etc.
Quick tip: Cruise Critic is a great website to find reviews and/or ask questions of fellow cruisers – http://www.cruisecritic.com. If you’re interested in meeting up with new people on the cruise, you can join the roll call for your cruise and generally a meet & greet is scheduled with some of the ship’s officers.
Check back after our trip for reviews of the cruise, ports, tours and more, plus lots of photos!
While in Angola, I spent some time volunteering. First I took part in the polio campaign with Africare. We went around the barrios vaccinating children from polio. We had to give them two drops of the vaccine on their tongues and then used some ink on their pinky nail so everyone would know that they have been vaccinated. Our group of 5 people were able to vaccinate over 80 children in just a few hours.
We also spent a day at Mama Muxima Orphanage. Mama Muxima means “Mother Heart” in Kimbundu, a Northern Angola Language. The orphanage was founded in 1992, by Irma Catarina, with 15 children. Now, the orphanage is home to over 100 children and provides schooling for over 400 local children.
Bainbridge Island is a beautiful island, only five miles wide and ten miles long. It’s just a short 35 minute ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle. This itinerary would make a great day trip from Seattle!
View from the Bainbridge Ferry
While there are many things to do on or near Bainbridge Island in Kitsap County, this post focuses on 3 great places to explore.
First up, the Storyville Coffee Company! The Storyville Coffee Company Roasting Studio is located on Bainbridge Island. Upstairs you can find the tasting room, which includes a full service espresso bar and some tasty snacks. You can find their facility at a business park called Coppertop Park.
“Don’t miss this” tip: Don’t forget to ask for the tasting item of the day. This is a baked good that they are developing, and best of all – it’s free!
Macchiato & Salted Caramel Linzer-style cookieStoryville Espresso Bar
Next up, CB’s Nuts. This small nut roastery is located in an old Kitsap fire station at the intersection of Hwy 104 and Hwy 307. Here you can find freshly roasted nuts, seed and nut butters. There is an antique roaster which roasts peanuts daily. You can also hang out here and enjoy a beer or two!
“Don’t miss this” tip: Don’t forget to ask to taste something! I would recommend the cashew cardamom butter 🙂
Entrance to CB’s NutsBicycle Grinder!
Finally, Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm. A little off the beaten path, this small alpaca farm is a lovely place to visit. You can choose to take a tour of the farm ($60 for 4 people, by reservation), or a mini barn tour (11am at feeding time – $5/person), or choose to visit the store and look around the barn (free!). The farm store has raw fiber and yarns, as well as finished clothes and a few other items for sale.
See More w/ C Moore 