Blog Archives

A FLOATING FAMILY

5/31/2014

The cruise has surpassed anything I could have imagined. We’ve been fortunate with weather, and the scenery and wildlife has been truly amazing. A part of the cruise that I hadn’t thought a lot about, though, has been the highlight. I LOVE THE PEOPLE! I hadn’t really thought about the type of people this cruise would attract as guests and as crew. That, to me, has been the biggest treat. On a cruise with under 30 people, by the end of the first night, we know each other, and by the end of the nine days we’ve spent together, we’re like family. We’ve shared amazement with our experiences, visions for our futures, fears and frustrations of our pasts, and just a lot of fun.

Captain Jeff Behrens sets the stage for the atmosphere on the ship. He’s selected an amazing crew. I don't know whether this cruise attracts a different type of person than the big cruise ships or whether we’re the same type of people but with more time to relax and get to know and appreciate one another. Either way, I’ve SO enjoyed spending time with this group.

We’ve had a general itinerary, but Captain Jeff has adjusted it frequently. Weather changes constantly in this part of the world, as does the daily flow based on wildlife sightings, how long we feel like kayaking and various other considerations. We've all felt comfortable leaving itinerary decisions to the Captain’s discretion. What doesn’t change is our daily happy hour, attended by everyone whether for lemonade, Coke, beer, wine or other cocktails and appetizers – but mostly for the camaraderie that’s continued to develop with this group.

Passengers include teachers, farmers, nurses, retired military, clergy, business owners, writers and doctors - all open minded, interesting and fun. Happy hours and dinners include discussions like ‘What was your most embarrassing moment?’ and ‘Where were you in 1967?’, then transitioned to ‘Where were you in 74? for those of us who were still in high school in ’67. Sharing amazing experiences like watching whales breach or glaciers calve tend to make people bond and this group is no exception.

Our last dinner together brings tears to my eyes. A woman who’d come on the trip alone shares with all of us that she’d planned to take this trip with her husband well in advance in celebration of her retirement, but had been widowed 10 months prior to departure. It had been a big decision for her to come alone. She didn’t want her situation to impact our relationship with her, so held til this last night to share her situation with the group. She reiterated what all of us were feeling – that this group was special, and that we’d all miss each other.

Before leaving home, I have to admit I had fleeting thoughts – wondering if foregoing our bed, our cats at my feet, and our regular routine should take precedence over this excursion to Alaska. Now – experiencing the magnitude of the mountains, the glaciers, and the free-spirited baby boomers we’ve met, I wonder why I ever questioned the wisdom of coming here.

We’ll miss our ‘home’ on the Island Spirit.

ICEBERGS, GLACIERS & WILDLIFE - GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

5/31/2014

It’s a 6:30 a.m. departure to catch a shuttle to the Glacier Bay National Park Ferry, a comfortable, spacious catamaran. The initial part of the ride up the 60 mile long Glacier Bay is a relatively slow 10 knot jaunt until we pass areas frequented by humpback whales. It’s a precaution to prevent accidental collisions and damage to both boat and whales. Today there are no whales to be seen, but further up the bay, we see a wolf, mountain goats, sea otters and sea lions. We also see five brown bear including one lone male eating sedge grass high on a ridge and a sow with three cubs foraging among the rocks at low tide. The onboard park ranger explains that low tide means that the dinner table is set.

After we pass whale territory, the speed picks up to a brisk 30 knots. Today the water is calm and the ride jet smooth.

Getting to the head of the bay is a challenge for the boat driver due to the amount of ice in the water. Some of these little “bergs” are the size of small cars. Others are much smaller but very plentiful. There are bumps and thunks as the twin hulls of the catamaran push through.

After a two hour boat ride past some of the most remote areas of the planet we began thinking that we must be the only people within many miles we get to the head of the bay. We then find ourselves sharing the view with two giant cruise ships. They look out of place in this remote setting, but are helpful in giving perspective to the size of the glaciers.

There are two separate glaciers here. The largest is the Grand Pacific Glacier. The end of this glacier was once half way down the bay near a native Tlinkit village when it started to advance. Legend says that at one point it was advancing as fast as a dog could run. The village was overrun and the people relocated to the present day village of Hoonah, 60 miles further south. The glacier continued to advance to the end of the bay at which point it just as abruptly (at least in geologic time) began to retreat until today it no longer reaches the ocean. An advance of 30 miles and a retreat of 60 miles all occurred in the span of the last 250 years. The park brochure shows lines where the terminus was by year during the retreat. This swift advance and retreat of such a massive amount of ice is truly amazing.

The highlight of the Glacier Bay trip is the “smaller” Margerie Glacier. This is a tidewater glacier because its terminus is in the ocean. It is currently in equilibrium, advancing about seven feet per day, balanced by about seven feet breaking off and falling into the ocean daily -- the source of all the ice in the water.

The glacier speaks. We hear rumbling and a few crashes as the glacier calves, with awesome booms when chunks crash down and splash into the bay. Watching the glacier in silence and listening to its’ sounds make a lasting impression. The dramatic power and grandeur of nature are inescapable.

This may be the last year of operation for the park service catamaran. This is a remote place, the trip is long and expenses to operate the boat are high. Rumor has it that the private service operating the boats will likely not renew after this year. If that’s the case, access will be limited to cruise ships or other private boats with authorization to enter.

After completing the cruise, some of us hike into the small town of Gustavus. An interesting au natural nine hole golf course is located between town and the ferry dock. At Mt. Fairweather Golf Course, dandelions dot the t-boxes, the fairways are a dwarf version of Kentucky Blue Grass, a spongy type of vegetation. The course is surrounded by majestic, gorgeous mountains. Club and cart rental is available at minimal cost and greens fees are $15 for nine holes. It’s all self service where the money jar is part of the honor system for payment. In addition to fantastic scenery, golfers may see moose, bear, fox, coyotes and assorted birds while teeing off. This would definitely be a memorable round of golf.

TOTEMS, RAPTORS, FERNS & MOSS

5/30/2014

Today, we head to Sitka, our last stop of the cruise. When we pull into the harbor, we’re greeted by eagles souring through the marina.

We’ll tour there today, and depart the ship to begin still more adventures tomorrow.   I’ll miss this group. We’ve truly become family over the past nine days.

Tours included with our cruise include the Sitka Totem Park, the Raptor Center, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Sheldon Jackson Museum which is the oldest museum in Alaska and focuses on native Alaskan artifacts.

The hiking trails at Totem Park are fantastic, reminding us that despite the sunny weather we’re experiencing, we’re in the middle of a rain forest. The green moss, ferns and huge trees fill the air with moisture and present more shades of green than a child’s megabox of crayons. Eagles dive and play along the ocean path.

At the Raptor Center, we learn that there are six types of raptors – Eagles, hawks, falcons, osprey, owls, and kites. The Center rescues injured raptors, rehabilitates them and returns them to the wild when feasible. Those whose health does not allow for return to the wild live their lives at the Raptor Center and give us the opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close.

The Russian Orthodox Church is right in the middle of downtown Sitka, and has eagles sitting on the cross atop its’ spire.

The harbor is gorgeous at night.

WHALES & THE SERENITY OF WAKING UP IN SILENT BAYS

5/29/2014

“Slap it baby, slap it! There he goes again!”.

Over the years, we’ve paid for several whale excursions, from New Zealand to Hawaii – and never experienced a show like the one we’re enjoying tonight. There’s no need to take a separate excursion. Our entire cruise is a whale-watching expedition.

This small ship and the flexibility of our Captain let us treasure this moment as long as the Whale continues his performance. Captain Jeff turns the ship around. No schedule prevents us from staying, and the size of our ship is conducive to discovering wildlife in places that larger ships can’t access. The chef will adjust. Dinner will be delayed tonight for this amazing pre-dinner show.

The wildlife encounters we’re experiencing are unforgettable and the scenery continues to be breathtaking. Days begin early, not because of any structured schedule but because looking out the window in our stateroom makes us want to bounce out of bed. Periodically, I roll over in the middle of the night just to take a peak. At about 1 a.m., I roll over, look out my window, and see a full moon hovering above the mountains. I go back to sleep, and wake again to look out and see a pink and orange sunrise – at 3:30 a.m. Although it’s wonderful light for pictures, I roll over and go back to sleep – but happy that I took the time to look out the window. Sunset was around 10:30 p.m. Nights are short here. Power is run by battery overnight and we anchor, so we sleep in silence with no motors running and miss none of the scenery.

Mornings are relaxing and unhurried, often beginning with breakfast and a kayak paddle or vice versa. Our first morning began with continental breakfast on the deck. Then I discovered that a full sit-down breakfast is served. I’ve decided to be hobbit-like on this trip, with first and second breakfasts.

Weather has been kind to us. Several mornings we’ve woken to blue skies and sunshine in silent bays with water flat as glass. One of my favorite parts of the trip is waking in gorgeous secluded bays where the only inhabitants besides us are the whales, bear, seals, eagles, sea otters and ducks. When this video was taken from our stateroom window, we counted a total of 35 eagles sitting in the trees, soaring above us and diving into the surf to feed.

KAYAKING PARADISE

5/29/2014

Waking up early has become the norm not by mandate, but by beauty. I’ll never forget peering out our stateroom window, watching the mist clear to begin a new day.

Each morning, we wake in a different bay. This morning is a warm and sunny day, the water is glass-like and the kayaks are available. There are plenty of kayaks for the group. We can go at our leisure and stay out as long as we’d like until the ship’s ready to depart or we get hungry. This level of serenity, and being able to explore these quiet secluded bays in the solitude of a kayak is something few people get to experience. We treasure these mornings.

We’re anchored in a place called Idaho Inlet, the last bay before exiting Icy Strait and entering the Gulf of Alaska. This location is typically seen only by a handful of fisherman each year.

The most difficult part of kayaking is typically getting in and out. The Island Spirit method is ingenious. A portable dock is lowered. The dock has a slip for the kayak and a bar to easily hold onto while stepping in and out of the kayak.

We’ve kayaked in beautiful places throughout this trip.

Captain Jeff and Catherine enjoy a kayaking adventure with us to visit a gorgeous waterfall.

Throughout our Alaska adventure, we’ve seen kayaking expeditions sold. Our cruise on the Island Spirit includes kayaking in bays too remote to be reached by any separate expedition and at no additional cost. I continue to see incredible value in all of the extras that are included with this cruise, and being able to have these experiences without having to consider whether it warrants additional cost gives us a true stress-free vacation experience.

Acres and acres of tidal flat rock weed - I think.

BOILING FISH, TRIBAL DANCING & SLIDING OFF CLIFFS – ADVENTURES IN & AROUND HOONAH

5/29/2014

When we wake, we venture out in the kayak and find a school of ‘boiling’ fish – herring feeding on baitfish.

After breakfast, we proceed to Hoonah, a quaint small town where dandelions and long green grass grace the lawns of most homes. We visit the Icy Strait Cannery a mile from town, watch a tribal ceremony and hear about the Tlinket Culture of Southeast Alaska including joining in a tribal dance.

Next, we head to the longest zipline in the U.S., located in Hoonah. Last night, perhaps because the sign-up was AFTER happy hour and many from our cruise decided to go, despite my fear of heights I decided to experience the zipline. We take a bus to the top of a 1300 foot mountain, and ride down the mile long descent screaming and smiling all the way.

IF YOU GO:

Glasses: Either bring a strap to hold glasses on your face or use their googles which fit over your glasses. I used the goggles, but they did block the view a bit.

Photography: Holding a still or video camera is feasible, but make sure you have a good hold on it at the bottom where you’ll experience an abrupt stop.

Health Issues: Those with back or neck issues that could be exacerbated by an abrupt stop should avoid this ride.

Contact Info:
Phone: (907)-945-3141
Email: [email protected]
Address: 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, Alaska 99829

Cost: $120 (approximate) – Bookings are generally done through cruise ship and prices vary depending upon cash vs. credit card. To book individually, contact by phone or email to check availability.

Hours: Vary depend upon cruise ship schedules. Call for availability.

HAINES: BOATS, TOTEMS, & SEA LIONS

5/28/2014

We depart around dinner time and travel to Haines while we enjoy dinner.

I’m thankful for the long days. As we pull into Haines at about 8:30 p.m. it feels like late afternoon. Haines is surrounded by 360 degree jagged peak views. We pass Eldred Rock lighthouse in the Lynn Canal, one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world. The island and the lighthouse are dwarfed by the surrounding landscape.

The glass-like water in the harbor full of boats reflects the boats and the mountains.

We end the night by joining our shipmates for a leisurely walk into the small town of Haines, a non-touristy fishing town.

We stop to talk with several locals . Then, a good night’s sleep is in order. The Island Spirit beds are comfortable. After breakfast the next morning, we take a tour of Fort Seward, a WWII army base. Some of the buildings are now used as a hotel, a gift shop and the Alaska Indian Arts Center where Totem Pole Carvers work. These tours are included with our cruise.

The agenda makes it look like a kickback day while we travel to the Hoonah area, but there’s little break between whale watching and a sea lion colony where hundreds of sea lions vie for position on the rocks and play under a waterfall.

We all take a short break in the afternoon, followed by happy hour where we discover that we all prefer classic rock to the mellower music that’s being played. The crew happily makes the change.

A porpoise pod visits during dinner. We’ve been surrounded by wildlife, incredible beauty and fun people all day. Truly amazing. The following videos give an idea of what we are experiencing.

SKAGWAY: BY FOOT OR BY RAIL - CHILKOOT TRAIL & THE WHITE PASS TRAIN:

5/27/2014

The first adjustment to itinerary is made. We’ll head directly to Skagway because they’ll be fewer large cruise ships there today than the day when we were originally scheduled to arrive.

Skagway is a touristy town, but for good reason. The scenery is beautiful and there are many options on things to do. Shortly after we pull in, we board a small tour bus just for our group that gives us a quick tour of town and then takes us to the beginning of the Chilkoot Trail, where the gold miners hiked 33 miles in hopes of striking it rich in the Yukon gold fields in 1898. Between July and November of 1898, the Seattle and San Francisco U.S. mints received ten million dollars worth of Klondike Gold, and by 1900, another $38,000,000 was recorded. Despite these huge discoveries, most miners didn’t strike it rich. Of the 100,000 who attempted the journey, only between 30-40,000 reached the Klondike gold fields, about 4,000 found gold, and only a few hundred struck it rich.

Our tour guide explains that after the death of some unprepared prospectors, legislation was passed requiring anyone taking this trail to take one ton of supplies with them as outlined in the regulations. More wealth was created for the vendors who supplied these provisions than for the gold miners themselves. We hike the first part of the Chilkoot Trail, and can’t imagine doing this carrying the weight of those provisions.

We’ll be in port for the afternoon and it’s a beautiful day, so we opt to take the White Pass Train trip, a three hour round trip excursion which takes us to the summit of White Pass. Gold prospectors began using this trail in the late 1890’s as an alternate route to the steep Chilkoot Trail. In fall of 1897, a twelve mile toll road was built up the White Pass Canyon. In May, 1898 construction began on the narrow gauge White Pass & Yukon Narrow Gauge Railroad, travelling 20 miles and climbing 3,000 feet to the Summit. Construction was completed in 1900. The railroad was operated by steam until 1954 and was then converted to diesel-electric.

If you take this trip, be sure to take extra batteries and memory cards for your camera. Particularly in early summer when snow remains on the mountains but foliage is green, it’s hard to resist snapping multitudes of photos. Standing on the outside platforms affords the best scenery and best photo ops.

IF YOU GO:

Contact:
The White Pass & Yukon Railroad
231 2nd Ave., Skagway, AK
Phone: (800)-343-7373
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wpyr.com

Trips Available & Pricing:

White Pass Summit Excursion (NO passport required for this trip.) -- $115 per adult; $57.50 child rate; 3 hour tours departing from Skagway at 8:45 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. May-September

Yukon Adventure (Passport Required.) - $170 per adult; $85 child; 6 hours one way departing Skagway at 7:45 a.m. Wed., Thursday & Saturday and departing Carcross, Canada 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday, June-August

Riddle: What’s larger than a fishing boat, smaller than a typical cruise ship, has a captain, a chef, a naturalist, a bartender, kayaks, pontoon boat, state rooms and views of abundant Alaskan wildlife?

5/26/2014

My face is plastered against the window. What I wouldn’t give to be able to hang the camera outside this airplane window to capture Juneau’s blue skies highlighting vibrant snow-covered mountains. This is one gorgeous airport setting.

Arriving in Juneau brings back memories. My husband was a commercial fisherman on a purse seining salmon boat on Kodiak Island, Alaska in the mid seventies. Our honeymoon was spent hiking Denali prior to going to Kodiak where I worked at a cannery while my new husband was on the fishing boat. I’ve retained fond memories, but had forgotten the full extent of the beauty this state has to offer.

We’ve returned to Alaska to begin our eight night small ship cruise through the Inside Passage, beginning in Juneau and ending in Sitka. Our ship is the Island Spirit, a 128 foot vessel that can accommodate up to 32 guests in 17 staterooms.

We hope to see a Fantasy Cruises sign so we can recognize our pickup. It’s better than that. I look over and see the sign – held by Captain Jeff, the skipper and owner of the boat – the guy in the pictures and the video on www.smallalaskaship.com.

Although Jeff doesn’t always do pickups, we quickly see that this is a ship where all crew members multi-task to ensure the best quality experience for guests. We find the crew to be efficient, but also relaxed, fun and bringing diverse experience to share with all of us. We have the added bonus of meeting Captain Jeff’s wife, Catherine and daughter Lauren who are travelling with us this week.

Even the naturalist doubles as our bartender for nightly happy hour, which is very conducive to asking questions about our daily experiences.

Before departing, our cruise includes a tour of the Alaska State Museum which gives us a foundation in the history and culture of the Tlinkits - Alaskan natives of Southeast Alaska. The short walk to the museum also allows us to get acquainted with some of our shipmates.

It immediately becomes obvious that the typical cruise decisions of how much extra money to spend will be minimal on this trip. There are no lists of add-on excursions, and happy hour cocktails, wine at dinner and tours at stops are included. There’s time for extra excursions in various ports if we choose to do them, but the cruise doesn’t sell or hype them. There’s a nice balance between structure and down time to explore towns, shop or just relax. It’s an atmosphere that allows for a great experience with little cost above the price paid for the cruise itself.

Our ship, the Island Spirit, is comfortable, roomy and well designed. Cabins include private bath with shower and sink and a large chest of drawers including an area to hang clothes. Three large picture windows look out just above the water so we don’t miss the amazing scenery even when we’re in our cabin. There are no interior cabins on this ship. Everyone has windows, which open for a nice breeze. Unlike the plane, here I CAN lean out of the window to take pictures right from our room or I can appreciate the scenery from various decks.

One and two levels up, we have plenty of area to be outside and a large lounge with bar to enjoy fellow passengers or just relax. The boat is cozy, but with plenty of open space. There’s no feeling of claustrophobia here. It’s like a floating B & B with a large living room and huge windows – but the view keeps changing and is consistently breathtaking. Here’s the view from the elliptical exercise machine on the top deck.

When leaving Juneau, I look at our itinerary but am reminded that Captain Jeff will adjust based on weather, wildlife, tides and where the big cruise ships are not. With our small group of less than 30, adjustments can be made quickly to take a detour to pull to within touching distance of gushing waterfalls, or to linger while the whale surfaces.

Dressing for dinner means grabbing a jacket or a fleece so we can rush outside if a whale, eagle, bear, sea otter, porpoise or sea lion is spotted.

Pre-dinner cocktails promote interaction with other passengers, and appetizers are good and plentiful. Tonight’s dinner is salmon with blueberry sauce – all local and prepared by the professional chef on board. I notice that passengers with special dietary needs are nicely accommodated.

Large cruise ships generally find a town to stop in each day and sail at night. On the Island Spirit, we anchor each night so sleep is quiet, we miss no scenery, and each morning, we wake to the serenity of a different gorgeous bay.

Day 1 ends with satisfaction and anticipation. This is one of those days when I know that I’ve lived the day to the fullest. Can it get better? It’s been an ideal, memorable day on all levels. I look forward to more incredible scenery, wildlife, and getting to know the crew and the other passengers better. I’ll continue to enjoy experiencing all that Southeast Alaska and the Island Spirit have to offer.

IF YOU GO:

Company Name: Fantasy Cruises

To book or for more information:

Email is [email protected]

Web page: www.smallalaskaship.com

Phone: Call 1-800-234-3861. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. M-Saturday Eastern Daylight Time.   (Booking offices are based in Florida.)

Cruise Dates & Itineraries: The Island Spirit cruises from early May through mid-September. At beginning and end of season, guests can join Captain Jeff from Seattle to Juneau when he brings the ship to Alaska, or from Juneau to Seattle when he returns at end of season. Available dates and itineraries for the entire season are listed at www.smallalaskaship.com.

Packing: Plan to dress in layers. Our attire ranged from shorts and t-shirts to sweatshirts and jackets (either rain or warm winter jackets are handy).   Alaskan weather can vary considerably – during the same day. Hiking boots were handy. All aspects of this cruise are casual.   No ties or heels are needed.

Technology/Equipment:

Bring your camera. From scenery to wildlife, photography opportunities are endless.

Cell, Tablet, Laptops: Cell phone coverage and internet are spotty at best and the world survives without us knowing what is happening “on the outside”. Politics, religion and red vs. blue take a far back seat to pontoon rides with the onboard naturalist or taking a picture of a flock of fishing bald eagles from the low perspective of a kayak. Most guests on the Island Spirit brought cell phones, tablets and/or laptops and checked in with family or businesses at various stops.

A large screen television in the lounge area is periodically used for movies and/or documentaries about what we’re seeing.

Ship Name: Island Spirit

Ship Specs:
Length overall: 128 feet
Passengers: Up to 32 in 17 staterooms each with private bath & shower
Beam: 25 feet, 6 inches
Draft: 7 feet
Fuel Capacity: 6,000 gallons
Water Tankage: 1750 gallons
Water Making Capacity: 2000 gallons/day
Maximum Speed: 17 knots
Tonnage: 122 tons
Hull construction: Aluminum
Engine: 2 Caterpillar V-8 1200 hp
Guest & public areas powered by battery at night for quiet and efficiency
Fin stabilizers & reshaped hull provide extra stability & cruising comfort

Fruit, Flowers, Fish & Fond Memories

5/25/2014

Pike Place Market stimulates all the senses and brings back many memories. An art museum of sorts, the vibrant visual of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts and chocolate makes my mouth water. The sound of street musicians mixes with the taunting of vendors. “Fish coming through!” Visitors need to be aware when standing near the entrance to the market, where fish are skillfully tossed from behind the counter to the new owner of the delectable fresh salmon. Arts and crafts ranging from jewelry to hand painted baseball caps and t-shirts to handmade stocking hats, local photography and artwork add to the colors and textures of this living marketplace.

I’ve been here many times.   Walking the market with my sister includes much reminiscing about my brother who lived in Seattle for many years and loved the market.  We stop at his favorite seafood vendor. You’re Dick’s sisters?   Sure, I remember Dick! The vendor shares memories of one of his favorite customers.

We leave the market to get ready for the event that brought us to Seattle today.

The last time I was in this Seattle church was for my brother’s funeral. Today is about memories, acceptance and the joy of fighting like hell to create – and succeed – in new beginnings while treasuring the past.   My sister-in-law is remarrying, to a man who also lost his spouse to cancer. The two couples knew each other well, so the new couple can grow while continuing to celebrate past memories. The ceremony began with candle lightings. Barbara’s tribute while lighting the candle says it best. With her permission, I share her words:

“I light this candle, remembering Dick whose light both challenged and guided me. I well remember how he grieved over all that he was going to miss, until that great day he found peace of mind and told me he realized that he wasn’t going to miss anything at all; that his spirit would be right here with us always. He asked me to remember that ONLY HE was dying. My job, he said, was to live, love, and laugh for both of us, and that means you need to be open to the possibility of finding another man to share your life with. There is no question in my mind that his spirit is in the events of today, so I light this candle for Dick whose light continues to guide and bless me, whose light helped me to see where my heart was leading.”

Whew.

Travel, to me, is largely about people. My trip to Seattle has allowed me to enjoy time with my sister whose flown in from Tucson, and to reconnect with nieces, nephews and cousins I haven’t spent time with for a very long time. As years pass, I treasure these decades-old relationships more and more. I make a mental note to think of others I should look up and reconnect with.   Reconnecting with my past, treasuring the present and anticipating the future -- That’s what travel is all about.

Tomorrow, it’s off to Alaska.

IF YOU GO TO PIKE’S MARKET:

Hours - The market is open 7 days/week (closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Merchants set their own hours and hours vary depending on season, but generally 10-6 or til 7 in summer. Farmers may have produce ready much earlier in growing season. Arrival by 9 a.m. allows time for pastries at Le Panier across the street while watching the market wake up with vendor arrivals, flower deliveries and stocking of seafood. Being there at opening also beats the crowds, which can get heavy by midday.

Go Hungry - Sampling and buying berries, roasted nuts, fresh fruit and vegies, smoked salmon, pastries . . . can easily be a full meal or, for a rest, sit down at a window table on the 2nd or 3rd floor of Lowell’s for a bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl while looking out over the harbor.

Photography - Whether using your cell phone camera or a nice DSLR, any photographer will enjoy capturing the market visuals. If you enjoy macro photography, arriving early with a tripod and macro lense allows for amazing flower and other close-up shots. A tripod later in the day isn’t practical.

Smoked Salmon - Stock up on peppered smoked salmon and crackers, especially if you’ll be driving from Seattle. Nothing beats this snack, particularly if you’re sitting in a rest area on top of a mountain off of the North Cascades Highway northeast of Seattle.

Food Tours - If you have time, catch a Seattle Food Tour (seattlebitesfoodtours.com, savorseattletours.com, seattlefoodtours.com or foodtoursseattle.com). These tours give tastes of some of the best Seattle fare, provide an overview of history and behind the scenes stories, and take you to spots that may otherwise be missed - like the gum wall.

Gum Wall - This wall, next to the entrance to an old theater, began years ago when theater-goers would remove their gum before entering the theater. The colorful and ever-changing wall now acts as a back-drop for wedding photos and is a popular stop for tourists. The wall is located in the alley just to the left as you’re facing the main entrance to the market.

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Writer, photographer, coach, consultant and attorney Colleen Cowles writes this blog to enhance readers' travel, dreams and experiences whether on the road or in imagination and memories. Cowles42 references 'the meaning of life' from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. To Colleen, the meaning of life is all about the journey, and sharing discovery, reflection and adventure with others.

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." -Henry Miller

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