Harold & Grace's Alaska Trip

The Web Site

This Web Site is devoted to the account of Harold and Grace Levine's trip to Alaska and the Northwest Passage. The Diary was written by Grace, and there are plenty of pictures! Each of the links will take you to a set of pictures. Enjoy!

THE ADVENTURES OF HAROLD & GRACE LEVINE
IN ALASKA AND THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE
FROM AUGUST 31 TO SEPTEMBER 11 1998

Monday-Aug. 31

Left hot, humid Phoenix about 10 AM on Alaska Airlines; destination Seattle, WA. En route, we were served bagels and coffee. Arrived Seattle about noon. Wandered around the airport, read newspapers, did crossword puzzles. Left Seattle approximately 3 PM, destination Fairbanks, Alaska. Gained 1 hour on the way. Lunch on the plane - pasta salad, hot turkey sandwich on a bun, piece of candy and lemon mint freshener washed down with Diet Sprite. Arrived Fairbanks about 5:30 (new time) PM. Claimed luggage, were given instructions by Holland America Westours Representative, and were transported by bus to our hotel - the Westmark Inn on Cushman St.. Checked in, luggage arrived in the room. My large suitcase had evidently had other luggage piled on top of it. The frame was bent, one of the closing straps was broken, and the suitcase had a small puncture - nothing serious, but we did report it. On the way to the hotel the bus driver had pointed out a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant and a local place called "The Food Factory," both in walking distance of the hotel. We relaxed in the room for a while and then ventured out to eat. Figured we could have KFC anywhere, so opted for the 2nd choice. The menu was quite varied, fish, chicken, burgers, salads, etc. We ordered what was listed on the menu under "fish burgers." Harold ordered the Salmon, I ordered the Halibut. Excellent, 'though not "burgers", but whole pieces of fish on a bun, lettuce, tomato, fries and pickle. Stopped at a convenience store on the way back to the hotel for milk and packaged cake (gotta have our "goodies" before bed). Watched a little TV and nitey-nite.

Tuesday-Sept. 1

Up a little before 7AM. Washed, dressed and went to "Swifty Joe's" cafe in the Hotel Lobby for coffee, bagel and danish. Back to the room (forgot to take the camera). Left at 8:45 for City Tour, Gold Dredge #8, and Riverboat cruise. More later.
Got on the bus for the City Tour--not much of a city. On the way to the Gold Dredge, made a stop at a lookout point of the Alaska Pipeline. Bus driver gave a very informative talk. Back on the bus and off to Gold Dredge #8. More informative talk from the guide. They had a set up where you could pan for gold--we watched for a while and then the fellow who was demonstrating "how to" offered to do it for us--others in the group were doing it--we'd seen it done at home and told him so but he insisted on our having something to take home from there. They had a nice gift shop where you took the gold you panned and they assayed it for you and you could have it made into a pendant. We had (they said) $20.00 worth, but since I really don't wear jewelry that much, just had them put it back in the container and brought it home. Lunch followed. It was called miner's stew and was served family style at long tables with a big pot full of food at each table (similar to "Rockin' R Ranch" in Mesa only (thank the Lord) no Osmond Family style entertainent). Good food, good company.
Back on the bus, and on to the paddle wheel ship. Wonderful 3 1/2 hour trip. Stopped several times on the way. The ship is equipped with great A-V equipment whereby the narrator on the ship can speak to the people on shore, and you can hear everything. First stop was to watch a "local" take off and land his Beechcraft plane. Planes are almost a necessity to getting around in Alaska, and are as common in front yards there as cars are at home. Further up, we stopped at the home and training area of Shirley Butcher, 4-time Iditarod sled race winner, and later on to watch a native gal show how they catch Salmon in a Salmon Wheel, and filet and smoke the fish at a fishing camp. Final stop was at Chena Indian Village where they showed hand made clothing made by the natives from local wildlife--caribou, beaver, elk, etc. Nothing gets wasted. Then a talk about sled dogs and their care and feeding, and we saw the pelts of wolf, fox, mountain lion, lynx, bear, mink and ermine. There's a great rivalry between Alaska & Texas (who's bigger). They had a polar bear skin and then showed the ermine and called it a "Texas Polar Bear". The guides at the village are mostly Indian young people who attend the University of Alaska and are very informed and pleasant. Again, back on the bus and returned to the hotel. Tonite, we did KFC for chicken pot pie. Back at the room, we rearranged our luggage to pack overnight bags for our stay in Denali, and transfer the rest of our luggage to Anchorage. Relaxed, watched some TV, showered and to bed - gotta be up at 5:30 AM.

Wednesday, Sept.2

Up at 5:30AM (thought we were on vacation?). Washed, dressed, had milk and 2 breakfast bars. Got on Bus at 7AM and were transported to Train Depot where we boarded the Alaska Railroad at 8:15, destination; Denali. Great 4 hour trip. Met some nice people all going our way. One couple from Oregon and another from Sun City, AZ. Went from the train to a bus and checked into Denali Chalet. Our lovely 2 room suite had a sitting room, coffee maker and makings, and a desk. The picture window looked out on a fast-running stream. The bedroom had a double and a single bed, and TV. Had cafeteria style lunch-Harold had minestrone, I had fish chowder and we shared a veggie sandwich. Back to the room to unwind. Watched some TV (would you believe an episode of Northern Exposure?), snoozed about 1/2 hour. Freshened up and left the Chalet at 5 PM for a Denali American History Bus Tour. Once again very informative driver/guide. We saw caribou and moose. Stopped at Savage Cabin where a lady ranger gave a talk on what they do during the winter months on patrol. Continued on up to Primrose for coffee, tea and hot chocolate from a water supply on the back of the bus. The guide set up a telescope and we got a close up view of Denali. Weather has been just great so far. Back to Chalet and dinner in the cafeteria about 8 PM. Ate with the couple from Sun City. Back to the room for TV and bedtime. We leave here tomorrow at 11 AM for Anchorage. More to come.

Thursday, Sept. 3

Boarded the Alaska Railroad train in Denali for an 8-plus hour trip to Anchorage. Had coffee and cookies for breakfast and lunch in the dining car on the train--a first. Very elegant, lovely service. Real linen and china and silverware, and a real live carnation on the table. I had the seafood salad--shrimp, crabmeat, smoked salmon, lettuce, tomato, cucumber--yummy. What a shame Harold's allergic to shellfish. He had a pasta salad with smoked salmon-also very delicious. We both had dessert-he had Macadamia nut cheesecake, I had Hazelnut torte. We shared both and they were just scrumpdiddlyicious!!! FINALLY arrived in Anchorage about 8:30 PM. What a long trip!

We were taken by bus to the Sheraton Hotel. Very elegant room-two king sized beds. Luggage arrived and we repacked again, wrote some post cards, and went to get something to eat. Not really hungry so settled for soup (bean and barley) and an appetizer of Fried Haddock pieces which was quite adequate since we did little more than sit on the train all day. This hotel has a beautiful Jade staircase, but the camera was in the room and we forgot to take it the next morning, so you'll have to take my word for it. Back to the room, showered, watched some TV and to bed.

Friday, Sept. 4

Up by 6:45 AM. Breakfast in the Sheraton Dining room. Harold had biscuits and gravy and french fries, I had an egg, toast and some of his fries. Then on a bus for a 3 hour city tour of Anchorage. Stopped at the Museum for 45 minutes. Very interesting--history, art, and displays. We were then transported to the Embarkation Center to turn in paperwork for the cruise portion of the trip. Got our cabin assignment and filed a claim for the damage to my luggage. Took a walk, found a bakery and bought bagels and back to the Center (free coffee-compliments of Holland America) and sat with our Sun City friends and waited for the bus to take us to Seward and the ms Noordam. It's almost a 4 hour trip from Anchorage to Seward. Stopped at a Wildlife Center/gift shop/snack bar for 1/2 hour. Saw Eagle, Bison (they were busy making whoopee-hope the pictures come out), Musk Ox, and Seymour the Moose and his wife and child. Back on the bus. Again very informative driver/guide all the way.

Got to dock and boarded the ship. Were greeted royally by the mostly Indonesian/Phillipino staff and shown to our cabin. All luggage not here yet--keeping our fingers crossed. Went exploring the ship a little, had dinner in the Lido (cafeteria style). Harold had salmon, I had steak. Too much food already. 8 PM life boat drill. We weren't finished with dinner!!! But you gotta do it. Everybody up on deck, crew members help you get your life vest on properly, and they take attendance! Back to the cabin. Yaaay, the luggage is here! Unpacked and settled in to finish writing this report. Supposed to get under way at 9PM. It's now 8:40 so think we'll go on deck to watch. More later.

Our cabin steward, Henriyansyah, stopped by to see if everything was satisfactory and to let us know he was available if there was anything we needed. Am writing this at 11:45 PM--watched the ship leave the dock at 9:15. Went back inside and explored some more. Found the health club, the shops, and the CASINO. They had 10 cent, 25 cent and $1.00 machines, and table games. The machines don't take coin--you have to get tokens from a cashier. Lost $20 really fast--very tight machines. Don't think we'll be spending too much time there. Went to the show at 10:15 PM--OK--nothing to write home about. Back to the dining room at the Lido for coffee and dessert--we never did get any at dinner what with the life boat drill. Busy day tomorrow from early AM to midnight so will pack it in for the night.

Saturday-Sept. 5

Our cabin has 2 single beds. Our first night sleeping at sea was much like sleeping in a bed with "Magic Fingers," but you don't need to put any quarters in a machine. Constant vibration, but soothing. If we ever contract Parkinson's we'll be used to the "shakes"! Had "Continental" breakfast. Again too much food, but we didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings so had to try a little of everything. Wandered around the ship some more. Bought a couple of gifts--big sales--the season is over in about 2 weeks. Before we knew it, it was time for lunch--food again superb and we had to at least taste a couple of the desserts. Played a trivia game in one of the lounges and tried the Casino again, since it was right there. Still "nada". Figured as long as we were getting "cleaned" we'd find the coin laundry. There are 3 of them on board--$2 a load to wash, dryer & iron (what's that for?) are free. So that's done for the trip. From here on in, we wear what we brought, and if necessary, turn it inside out! So, now it's 5 PM and at 7 PM there's the Captain's Champagne Reception, and dress up for dinner, so we're gonna go shower and get gorgeous. To be continued

HOO HAH - what a fancy night, gowns, sequins, tuxedos, the works. Got to shake hands with the Captain and had pictures taken. They take a lot of pictures! One when we got on board, now this. Sat at a small table for wine & Hors douvres with a delightful couple from Australia. Tonight we ate in the main dining room; the Amsterdam Dining Room. Our waiter is Chandra and the wine steward is Andreas. Again, terrific food and elegant service. The Waiter pulls out your chair and puts the napkin in your lap. The two ladies at our table are from Long Island. Both are retired nurses, one of whom now lives in Florida. They've been friends since the '50's. Every table has a staff or crew member at it. So who did they put with us? The Ship's pastor- a Catholic priest! Very pleasant company, 'though. Met up afterwards with some of the folks from the bus and train portion and we all sat together for the stage show--much better than the previous one. "Birth of the Blues and All that Jazz." 3 guys and 4 gals--very enthusiastic and talented kids. Afterwards we went to the Ice Cream Bar- 8 of us- and while we "noshed," were entertained by one of the waiters with some magic tricks. All the staff are completely accomodating and seem very happy. They giggle a lot. Considering that most of them speak little English, we got along fine. Called it a night about 1:30. Feel like I'm getting a sore throat--chewed some Zinc and took a Benydryl.

Sunday-Sept. 6

Went to the Lido for a light breakfast for a change. Wandered into a lounge and sat with a couple from Brooklyn/Queens/Long Island and now Conn. Spent a pleasant hour schmoozing. Came back to the cabin to get jackets and camera. Only 6 shots left on the roll so want to use them up and reload for the Glacier Bay stop later this morning and all afternoon. Last night and early this AM the sea was quite choppy. Not at all seasick, but it was a "rock-and-roll" night. Woke up about 5:45AM and couldn't get back to sleep again so hope there will be time for a nap later on. This afternoon sailed into Glacier Bay. My head, nose and sinuses were so stuffed that I had to go lay down. Harold stayed out and listened to the Ranger narrate and took some photos. I got to go back up when we were on the way back so I saw them too. Relaxed til dinner time. Went to the show-a magician/comedian--clean but cute. Choppy seas again-decided to pass on the Midnite Buffet, as Harold was now feeling icky too. Choppy seas got much worse and we both were coughing and stuffy nosed. Took cough medicine, tylenol and anything else we had with us for relief and tried to sleep. It was 2:30 the last time I remember looking at the clock. Finally zonked out til about 7:30 AM.

Monday-Sept.7

Got up, washed, dressed and headed for the Infirmary. Got more cough medicine and some Sudafed. Found out there was a medical emergency during the night which caused the ship to go faster and made for the rough ride. While we were there "our Priest" came in to see how the man was who had to be evacuated last night. He asked how we were, and I told him I thought we might need the last rites, so he blessed us both. Also, while we were there the Captain came in--this worried us some, but his problem was just a bum knee. Had a light breakfast and came back to the cabin to try for some sleep. We're docked in Sitka for the day, so the ship is quiet as lots of folks went ashore to sightsee. Got up around noon went for lunch and took the tender over to Sitka to make a phone call to let Seth know all's OK. Phoning from the ship would have cost $15 a minute, so we were sure it would be much less from a pay phone on shore. It was raining too much to walk around, so we came back to the ship to rest up for the evening. The day's schedule calls for whale watching between 6:30 and 7:30, so if we're awake, will see what happens. We were awake, but it was too cold outside so we went into a lounge a watched from there. Did see a few spouts in the distance but nothing close enough to be exciting. Back to the cabin. Both feeling yucky. Dinner at 8 PM. I had soup and pasta with scallops and Harold had Pot Roast. Delicious, but we had no appetite. Had Sherbert and tea for dessert and called it a night. Took a good hot shower, watched some TV, took meds and hopefully will get a good night's rest. Tomorrow we dock in Juneau and do a city tour, see the Mendenhall Glacier, go to a salmon hatchery and then a Salmon Bake. Boy are we eating a lot of fish! More later.

Tuesday-Sept. 8

Did the tour. Very informative and saw some really beautiful scenery. Still both feeling yucky. Got back-went to our cabin, slept a bit, coughed a lot. Called Room Service for dinner (?) soup, crackers and a pot of tea. Medicated and to bed for the night.

Wednesday-Sept. 9

Docked at Ketchikan. Went for breakfast--couldn't eat much. Went ashore and found a drugstore for more cold medicines. Shopped some. Kind of windy out but nice and clear. Back to the ship, sat in the lounge and watched the world go by. Went for lunch-hamburgers and hot dogs on the aft deck. We each only ate 1/2 and shared a piece of cheese cake and drank hot tea. Now I know I'm sick!
Nap time! Tonight is formal night again. One of the crew members, dressed like an Alaskan trapper, went from table to table and again they took pictures. We said "no thanks". Ate a little-still no real appetite, except for "The Father," bless his heart. He didn't miss a course and had a baked potato on the side at every meal. Big to-do tonight. Baked Alaska for dessert--lights out, sparklers lit and a parade around the room by the staff before we were served. Went to the show--Broadway excerpts. Well done. The talent is really lively. Both still fighting the flu thing so off to the cabin for medication and sleep.

Thursday-Sept. 10

At sea all day. Got ourselves organized for final docking tomorrow AM. Spent the day exploring the ship's lounges some more and talked with a few other "sick" folks. Tried our luck one last time in the Casino--it finally worked! We invested $60 and won $l37, so made about $70. Dinner was called "The Last Supper"-finally almost finished a meal, said fond farewells to our table mates. The show was a tribute to Elvis and his music, and a ventriloquist. Again, sat with the folks from the bus and train and said "Goodbye and Good Luck and hope we all feel better". Passed on the midnight buffet, back to the cabin for last minute packing, meds and sleep.

Friday-Sept. 11

Up at 7 AM. Final packing, down to Lido for breakfast, back to cabin to collect our "stuff", then down to one of the lounges to wait for our number to be called for debarkation. Our group was the LAST called. We were directed to the pier in Vancouver to claim our luggage and get it transferred to a tour bus for a City of Vancouver Tour, which we had arranged for while on board ship. Were surprised and delighted to be met by Seth's friend, Grant Ito to welcome us back. Unfortunately, had to hustle from the dock to the bus and didn't have time to chat or say a proper thank you for his toughtfulness. Enjoyed the City Tour and stops at several lovely parks in the area. Then were dropped at the airport about 2 PM for a 4:45 PM flight (direct this time) home to Phoenix. Good flight, 'though a bit bumpy at times. Ran into a thunderstorm at one point and the lightening in the clouds was awesome. Arrived home in Mesa about 9PM with lots a fond memories and filled with new experiences.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!!!!