I’m still breathing and kickin’!  From gorgeous Skagway, AK.  Wandered about this small town with numerous shops, including what has to be the most jewelry stores in one village I’ve ever seen.  Good thing I don’t care for diamonds or jewelry of most kinds or I’d be broke for the next 20 years!

I’m here in the ship’s internet cafe and they have a special for the ‘happy hour’ - 1/2 the normal price per minute for use; so I’m taking advantage in order to connect with all of you.

What great posts from Peg and from Kathy!  I’m DELIGHTED to find our team and new members beginning to connect; get acquainted and fulfill the vision and mission of AWP!  Thanks to each of you and all of you for picking up the “ball” while I while away my time on board Holland America’s Zuiederdam.  Too much food - I’ll have to diet for the next year to take off the weight I’ve gained considering the fantastic SUNDAE BAR on board and delightful waffle cones available in each port (uh hum, I did say when I grow old I’m going to eat ice cream every day, did I not?).

The scenery along the inner passage is breathtaking!  There appears to be little coastline and the towns are mere villages, including Juneau the capital of AK.  Today we found the delightful Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, reminiscent of the late 1800’s during the mad rush for gold in them thar Alaskan hills.  The waitresses are dressed as the ‘ladies’ of the brothel must have dressed, including push-up bras that leave little to the imagination (friend Harold noticed as well - what can I say), but are delightful, friendly and efficient.  We had a cup of the hottest chili I’ve tasted in quite some time, ate it slowly so we could listen to the honky-tonk pianist and admire what must be the authentic late 1800’s wooden bar.  It was loads of fun!

I’ve got to watch my time as it really is expensive to use the cafe, even plugging in my own laptop.  So having said that, I won’t be back online until we return this coming Sunday.  You are all in such capable hands with Peg and Kathy.  And I do encourage our other members to join the fun of posting on the AWP blog.  Let Peg and Kathy know how much you enjoy what they share and let us know that you are being informed, enriched and empowered!

Later tonight we set sail for Ketchikan, our last stop on the return voyage to Vancouver.  Our YMT (Your Man Tours) coach takes us to Seattle for the overnight and an early flight Sunday from SeaTac to Indy via Minneapolis-St. Paul.  Please keep us in your prayers for a safe journey!

Monday is a national holiday, so I’ll take this opportunity to wish each of you a happy Labor Day and pray that it is safe and great fun for you and family. 

Peg and Kathy, please continue and I’ll get caught up when I return.

Blessings and peaceful greetings to our AWP members and frequent visitors!

Have an AWESOME evening!

(can’t do a pix from this system)!

Linda