alaska & pnw on film
at the beginning of this month, I took off on my second cruise of the year. like the transatlantic cruise, this one was also on Cunard—but this time, we sailed Alaska! we departed from Seattle and got there a few days early to play tourists. after the week-long cruise, we decided to continue the journey and take the train down to Portland. I’d never been to Alaska, Washington, or Oregon, so this was a great opportunity to add three whole states to my (and Ariadne’s) list.
we were only in Seattle for a few days, but we still got to see quite a bit: the Space Needle, Pike’s Place, and the Museum of Flight. I wasn’t able (read: willing) to wait in line at the first Starbucks, but we did see it (and then eat a a place nearby). I was also able to reconnect with a high school friend who is in residency there! we also got to spend some time near Amazon HQ, where they give out free bananas.





the cruise was lovely, and it was nice having several stops unlike last time where we were just in the opean ocean. the Inner Passage was so scenic! our first stop was Juneau, where we got to dog sled. Ariadne loved it, and barked almost as much as the huskies. We also stopped in Skagway, where we got to ride the White Pass Scenic Railway.
finally, we took a detour in Glacier Bay, where park rangers commentated throughout on the magnificent glaciers. I was able to get so many incredible shots if I do say so myself. for the full gallery, check out the print shop!














bonus: as usual, I caved and got a few professional photos taken of us by the ship photographers. they turned out really well! it’s hard to believe that Ariadne couldn’t even walk during our cruise in January, and now she can run and jump.
on this cruise she probably climbed 500+ flights of stairs, so she had a great trip. she also learned about escalators at the airports, which was even better.





last but certainly not least, Portland. I wasn’t sure how I would like it compared to Seattle. maybe it’s just because the weather was nicer, and we got a whole extra day, but I’ve got to say I enjoyed it more (sorry Seattle). so many delicious restaurants and coffee shops, and then we were able to go to the Chinese garden, a Catholic grotto, and—of course—a train museum.










a wonderful trip with so many good memories, but it’s also nice to be back home! and the adventures haven’t stopped. Ariadne started daycare right when we got back, and she is thriving. she even got to ride a pony during her second week!?
as for the rest of the year: we’ll be going to Denver in a few weeks for an early fifth(!) wedding anniversary celebration, and for Ariadne to spend time with her grandparents. then our last trip (at least for now) is to go back to DC for a wedding!