So we did it, the bus tour in Canada going through the Rocky Mountains, and to the Columbian Icefield.
The bus tour, something I have never done before, for 6 nights, 7 days, was actually tiring, although we saw much of Canada, but would have loved to have had longer stops and really take in the places visited, for instance, Banff.
It made the hubby and I think, we would love to go see some of these places again, but stay a couple of days at least at those destinations.
We then got to Seattle, and boarded the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship, and it was an awesome week! Best cruise we have been on so far.
Because of the Aussie crew on the bus tour, we all bonded, and then it was like family, meeting up for a drink, or coffee and cake, or lunch or dinner.
The ship sailed to the inside passage of Alaska, stopping at Junea, Ketchikan, Skagway, and then Victoria, British Columbia.
I did purchase some shore excursions whilst at home before we left, and although they were good (the sea plane flying over the Misty Fjords and landing on the water), the Mushers camp and dog slegs, the trip to the Menendall Glacier, and the Buchart Gardens, the only thing, is, it doesn't leave much time to do any shopping, or basically exploring the township and townspeople.
Only don't know, which excursion in which area to do, and not to do. I wish I had more time to explore Ketchikan, (Alaska's salmon capital), and actually taste their salmon, but best to get the shuttle back to the ship to board, as it leaves early.
Whilst we left Junea (Capital City of Alaska), we were sitting in the dining area, having an afternoon cuppa and snack, looking out the window, as the ship started sailing away from the dock, we see a taxi roar to the gangway, and 2 people missed the boat!
What happened (I find out)....they have all their stuff packed from their room, into their suitcases, the safe is opened, so their passports and valuables are also packed, and they get to find their way back to Seattle, where the cruise ends, to collect their stuff. Meaning at their expense, and accomodation, and no refund from the cruiseline.
These people missed a lot of port stops along the way, and I wonder, if they chose to meet the ship at Seattle and not board the ship anymore, or if they had a choice to find a way to the next port of call, Skagway from Junea via light plane?
Anyway, after all that, we had a few days free to meet the long lost rellies in California (and so we also did Disneyland)...which totally blew our minds, alas, we only gave it one day, and wish we did at least 2 days to see more.
We also did the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.
So much to see, in such a short time, it was more of a sampler, and I want to go back and stay longer to see more, for instance, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica etc.
Having free time to plan our own stuff isn't as scary as I thought it would be, in fact, they have shuttles and motels open and running 24 hours a day, which makes it easier time wise.
LA airport I don't like at all! Rushing between planes because of their tight schedules, and the slow lines going through customs (and with blue gloves they frisk everyone!)
The long flight times we dread. From Melbourne to Sydney domestic, then a long bus trip to Sydney International. Then a 14 hour flight to LAX. Lucky for the TV on the back of the seats, and ear plugs, and heaps of movies.
Coffee in USA and Canada is bloody awful!!
BYO COFFEE!!
I had a backpack, cross(camera)bag, and a bumbag, running through that busy LA airport, I said to the hubby "I look like a Ninja Turtle!!"