Well here we are on the last full day of the ship. Surprisingly we didn’t dock in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada until about 1pm. This time I was the one feeling “puny” a bit and so after breakfast I just laid in bed. (Gotta relax a little!)
2:30 pm we walk off the ship and sail through “customs” into Canada to catch the horse drawn carriage. Yep – we scheduled a little horsie ride around Victoria. Damn – it’s cold. AGAIN. Overcast, pretty breezy and almost a tad bit of rain. Fortunately, the brilliant carriage driver had blankets in the carriage and it did have a roof for cover.
It was just about an hour and a half ride around downtown. It was pretty amazing checking out all the buildings and homes as well as hearing about the history of Victoria. The prominent Parliament building looked regal – even on a dreary day. Plenty of beautiful flowers and lush greenery everywhere.
It was great to see it all but I was glad to get back to the cabin on our ship to warm up. Now, to pack our suitcases to put out into the hall. The ship stewards stow all the bags to be delivered off the ship on the final morning. Make sure you have your overnight stuff and change of clothes for the morning!
Our “last supper” was at the Four Seasons again. The show for the final night was the “Divas” where various gals from the ship bands and cast sang awesome songs. Or so mom said. I didn’t make it – still feeling not quite up to par.
Back in Seattle on Wednesday morning, June 21st. We docked at 6:00 am. I am feeling good as new after a great night’s sleep.
Our last breakfast was wonderful at the buffet. The hand “washie-washie” folks were in full on happy mode this morning. I’m wondering if this was the day they finally got a break off the ship for some relaxation of their own.
After breakfast we finished gathering up our stuff in the cabin waiting for our turn to disembark. The view from the balcony of Seattle was ominous with the fog. But as the day wore on, the fog burned off and it wasn’t bad weather.
The adventure of getting from the dock was a blessing. We had “planned” to take an Uber. After we collected our luggage, I started a hike down the street to see about finding their designated stopping area.
When I returned to Mom, there was an airport van right on the curb. Mom suggested I see if they’d give us a lift. Well, isn’t Mom the smartest?? The girl coordinating for the driver asked where our hotel was and said “Sure!” They’d swing by there after the airport. Perfect.
Of course leaving the ship at 8:30 am and getting to the hotel (Quality Inn Sea-Tac) by 10:00 am or so gave us some quality time in the lobby. I must say, those girls behind the front desk were super sweet and helpful. They got us into our room by about 1:00 pm which was a nice surprise! (no extra charge, either) They then directed us to The Silver Dollar Casino across the street and up half a block for lunch.
If you ever need to spend a night in Seattle, I recommend this hotel as well as the casino for a meal. The hotel was cheapest I could find near the airport with very good service. And the food at the casino was great. Plus there was a 7-11 not ½ a block on the other side of the hotel with wine and beer.
Peaceful afternoon relaxing getting ready to fly away early back to Montrose. Night – not quite as peaceful. We discovered the next morning at breakfast there were some convention guests. Mexican convention guests. They enjoy their fiestas. Into the wee hours of the morning…
Finally heading back to the airport bright and early. Good thing we actually were early! Due to construction, we probably would have had a shorter walk from the hotel. (yes, eyeroll time) After finally getting to the gate, we had a successful flight from Seattle to Denver. Of course Denver didn’t get the wheelchair there for Mom. We finagled it again and got to the gate.
On board the plane to Montrose, the pilot announced that due to some “storms” over the Rockies, we needed to re-route our flight. My first thought was “And just where are you re-routing us to? Topeka????” FYI - The Rockies do run over the entire middle of Colorado. Nope, just more south than direct across the mountains. But that means we need more gas. (Huh - maybe plan for this shit?) SO we waited for additional fuel and were on our way.
I must say, I am glad they re-routed our flight. It was some of the worst turbulence we have ever had on a plane. Landed safe and sound to get our luggage and head to Mom’s house.
What a TRIP! I am SOOOO GRATEFUL we were able to do this for mom’s 75th. Thanks for joining us on the journey.
Stay tuned for future adventures!
2:30 pm we walk off the ship and sail through “customs” into Canada to catch the horse drawn carriage. Yep – we scheduled a little horsie ride around Victoria. Damn – it’s cold. AGAIN. Overcast, pretty breezy and almost a tad bit of rain. Fortunately, the brilliant carriage driver had blankets in the carriage and it did have a roof for cover.
It was just about an hour and a half ride around downtown. It was pretty amazing checking out all the buildings and homes as well as hearing about the history of Victoria. The prominent Parliament building looked regal – even on a dreary day. Plenty of beautiful flowers and lush greenery everywhere.
It was great to see it all but I was glad to get back to the cabin on our ship to warm up. Now, to pack our suitcases to put out into the hall. The ship stewards stow all the bags to be delivered off the ship on the final morning. Make sure you have your overnight stuff and change of clothes for the morning!
Our “last supper” was at the Four Seasons again. The show for the final night was the “Divas” where various gals from the ship bands and cast sang awesome songs. Or so mom said. I didn’t make it – still feeling not quite up to par.
Back in Seattle on Wednesday morning, June 21st. We docked at 6:00 am. I am feeling good as new after a great night’s sleep.
Our last breakfast was wonderful at the buffet. The hand “washie-washie” folks were in full on happy mode this morning. I’m wondering if this was the day they finally got a break off the ship for some relaxation of their own.
After breakfast we finished gathering up our stuff in the cabin waiting for our turn to disembark. The view from the balcony of Seattle was ominous with the fog. But as the day wore on, the fog burned off and it wasn’t bad weather.
The adventure of getting from the dock was a blessing. We had “planned” to take an Uber. After we collected our luggage, I started a hike down the street to see about finding their designated stopping area.
When I returned to Mom, there was an airport van right on the curb. Mom suggested I see if they’d give us a lift. Well, isn’t Mom the smartest?? The girl coordinating for the driver asked where our hotel was and said “Sure!” They’d swing by there after the airport. Perfect.
Of course leaving the ship at 8:30 am and getting to the hotel (Quality Inn Sea-Tac) by 10:00 am or so gave us some quality time in the lobby. I must say, those girls behind the front desk were super sweet and helpful. They got us into our room by about 1:00 pm which was a nice surprise! (no extra charge, either) They then directed us to The Silver Dollar Casino across the street and up half a block for lunch.
If you ever need to spend a night in Seattle, I recommend this hotel as well as the casino for a meal. The hotel was cheapest I could find near the airport with very good service. And the food at the casino was great. Plus there was a 7-11 not ½ a block on the other side of the hotel with wine and beer.
Peaceful afternoon relaxing getting ready to fly away early back to Montrose. Night – not quite as peaceful. We discovered the next morning at breakfast there were some convention guests. Mexican convention guests. They enjoy their fiestas. Into the wee hours of the morning…
Finally heading back to the airport bright and early. Good thing we actually were early! Due to construction, we probably would have had a shorter walk from the hotel. (yes, eyeroll time) After finally getting to the gate, we had a successful flight from Seattle to Denver. Of course Denver didn’t get the wheelchair there for Mom. We finagled it again and got to the gate.
On board the plane to Montrose, the pilot announced that due to some “storms” over the Rockies, we needed to re-route our flight. My first thought was “And just where are you re-routing us to? Topeka????” FYI - The Rockies do run over the entire middle of Colorado. Nope, just more south than direct across the mountains. But that means we need more gas. (Huh - maybe plan for this shit?) SO we waited for additional fuel and were on our way.
I must say, I am glad they re-routed our flight. It was some of the worst turbulence we have ever had on a plane. Landed safe and sound to get our luggage and head to Mom’s house.
What a TRIP! I am SOOOO GRATEFUL we were able to do this for mom’s 75th. Thanks for joining us on the journey.
Stay tuned for future adventures!