Wednesday was an early morning. We got into Juneau about 8am and I was off the boat shortly after that to do some shopping. This was our first day to be in port so lots of excitement to get our feet on solid ground. We had the second docking position, so we were close to town and quick access to the sea walk. Besides heading out to do some shopping, I was looking for pictures. There is a statue on the dock and information about how the dog would let the town’s people know when a ship was in port. I want to see if there is a printed book about this dog.
John was out searching for high speed internet connection for Steve and helped me get to the Ben Franklin and the Post Office. I had learned on line that I could purchase fabric with scenes of Alaska there. Well, I found a wonderful quilt pattern or two to use with the fabric, stuffed animals, a puppet telling glove and a piece of seal fur. Great deals and I supported a local owned store not the stores right on the dock that are trying to get the tourist’s money. I visited a couple other stores including a store with Russian imports. I tried to buy some soap made with glacier silt but they didn’t open til 10. Then it was time to get things back to the ship and meet on the dock for our excursios. Getting on the ship is not just run up the gangway and head to your room. First you have to show your ship card (aka room/charge key) and a photo id, then after walking up the gangway with people coming down, you have to put everything through the xray machine and walk through the metal detector. After I grabbed my stuff after it passed through security it was off to the room to drop things off. Getting off the ship just requires having your room key scanned as you exit and then walk down the gangway. Oh yes, if it is near the beginning of port time, you have an animal mascot that wants you to have your picture taken with them.
The gang all met at the dock and loaded onto our 2 buses to head out to get on our whale watching and wildlife cruise. We had a little time to kill on the way to Allen Marine dock, so we stopped to take our first pictures of Mendenhall Glacier. When you are near the front of the line to get on-board you get your choice of seats. I headed straight upstairs to claim a set in the enclosed area upstairs. After we pushed off, we had a safety briefing. Then most people left the upstairs cabin and we standing outside in the sunshine watching for the wildlife. We didn’t have to wait long before we spotted whales. The first whale was a youngster that was playing around learning what he could do. He really put on a show for us and then he joined his mother and they were diving and having a good time.
The pilot was shocked to see a boater almost hit a whale. The whale had been diving and with our boat just drifting, it was obvious that some form of wildlife was in the area. After the group so see that the whale was fine we went back to watching and taking pictures. While we were enjoying ourselves, the captain discovered that a group of whales were bubble feeding just a short distance from where we were. To bubble feed, a whale blows bubble while going around in a circle and making noise. Then the whale do a deep dive and comes back up in the center of the circle. The fish inside the circle will not go through the bubbles and they get stunned. Then the whale have a feeding frenzy along with the sea birds in the area. This is not a common thing to see and we got to observe it several times and even had whales breeching at the same time. The captain said that they don’t stay with a whale for more than about 30 minutes so that they do not interfere with their feeding.
We then headed out to a marker where sea lions are often found often on or around the marker. The marker was full and there was a sea lion that was in the water waiting his turn. Being a group of teachers we associated it with kids on the playground. A toy is full no one is leaving to let someone else have a turn. As we started back toward where we had seen the whales earlier we meet another group of whales that wanted to put on a show for use. We didn’t leave til the captain said that we needed to head back to have lunch. As we passed where the bubble feeding had been earlier, we could tell by all the boats just drifting that they were still busy eating. We also saw the bubbles being blown.
We went to an island where the only year round residents have a place that boat groups can stop and have a salmon bake. A group was about to leave as we arrived. The earlier group had been a little late arriving and so we had to wait for the salmon to cook. After lunch, we had a little time to visit the gift shop, go to the touch tank or walk on the shore. Several of us collected shells and pebbles on the beach. I had packed in my bag, 4 of the pop bottle plugs with lids. I have one container with water and another with some of the sand, pebbles and tiny shells from the beach. Then it was time to head back to the dock.
When we arrived at the dock, we had to stay onboard for a while as one of our buses had had trouble and had to be replaced. We finally unloaded and walked up to get on our bus. Everyone got a wrist band to wear at Mendenhall Glacier. Since the salmon were running, I walked down to the stream to view the salmon. This particular salmon is referred to as the Christmas salmon as they are red and green. Then I walked to viewing pavilion to see the ice bergs that had calved from the Mendenhall float out to sea. Then it was a quick walk to the a couple trails at the visitor center to get a closer look at the actual glacier. We were not allowed from this site to go onto the glacier. Buses are only supposed to drop their load off for a 45 minute visit and then have 5 minutes to get their bus loaded. Our drivers did not come back til we had had an hour to visit the glacier. Even with the extra time I didn’t have time to make any purchases.
The buses took us back to the dock about 5:30. It was back through the process to get back on the ship to put cameras and bags back in the room. I spent about another hour looking around for things for the culture boxes. Everyone had to be back on the ship by 7:30. Since most of us missed our dinner at 5:45, we headed up to the Lido deck for dinner. It was nice to sit and have a nice conversation with a couple others in the group. Then I ran up to the Crow’s Nest to use the internet. If you used your internet account between 8 and 10 pm you were only charged for half the time you used in one session. I was able to upload to my blog, check email and try to get on to the school account.
I headed back to the room to get organized for the early morning shopping before the Sitka activities. It was a fantastic day with sun (none of the liquid sunshine) and high of something like 72 degrees. This is not normal for Juneau.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday
I had written about Tuesday's adventures in Glacier Bay National Park. This seems a little pale in comparison to the whale watching today in Juneau. I hope you enjoy and I will post more later.
Today was the most awesome day!!!!!! While eating breakfast on the 9th deck, we spotted a number of whales. The rain cleared and by 10:30 it was a sunny day and fairly warm. The idea of dressing like an onion saw many people peeling off layers of clothing. John had us meet him up on the 10th or observation deck aft to start watching for wildlife as we started into Glacier Bay. More whales, harbor seals and a couple different types of gulls were plentiful. By noon, it was time for a quick lunch before heading down to watch a presentation by the Hunan Native American tribe. The Park Rangers that had come on board to narrate during our stay in Glacier Bay, moved the time for the presentation. I missed the beginning of the presentation. After the talk, I had a chance to visit with Alice and get a web address to access information about the tribe. Alice said that the site included some lesson plans, workbooks on learning the language and other materials for teachers.
I went to the room to put on some warm clothes, as I planned to spend the rest of the day on the upper observation deck watching the landscape and wildlife. National Park Ranger Steve, a neighbor of John, joined our group to help explain about the glaciers we were seeing and answer our questions. Two juvenile orca’s were spotted beside the ship. John said that it was rare for orcas to be seen in this part of the Inside Passage. We slowly sailed by the Lamplugh Glacier on our way to the John Hopkins Glacier. The ship spent 1 hour in front of John Hopkins Glacier. During this time we saw whales, gulls and a puffin. What amazed people was watching the caving of the glacier. I was able to see 2 small caving and a spectacular caving before the ship slowly turned around and headed out of Glacier Bay
Some of the group stayed on deck and witnessed another big caving while the rest were listening to a presentation by Ranger Steve. We learned about some ways to access materials from any and all of the National Parks. Ranger Steve shared information about the school support they are giving the local school in the Glacier Bay area. We learned some activities to demonstrate glacier movement, the benefit of blubber, and how a whale collects his dinner. The Junior Ranger Program has materials on line that teachers can download and also a section at the National Parks site that is just for teachers. It was a great day of learning about Alaska.
Because of our early dinner time, we missed eating in the formal dinning room this evening. We had Ranger Steve join us on the Lido deck for dinner and more conversation. A small group of people joined John back on the observation deck to see some harbor seals and a second look at the scenery. We were waiting to watch how people get off the ship while at sea. All the group of rangers climbed one at a time down a rope ladder onto the deck of a small boat that took them back the land. The pilot boat (usually used to transfer special area pilots to and from the ship) comes along side the ship and matches speed before the ladder is lowered.
I forgot that the Park Rangers brought a collection of books and other materials to offer for sale. Having a group of teachers on the boat probably increased their sales today. I saw a few things I might want to get later. This was especially true after seeing the presentation by Ranger Steve.Internet service is terrible tonight so I will try again in the morning. The service is by satellite and so slower than what most of us are used to but this was extremely slow. I could not even get to the blog
Today was the most awesome day!!!!!! While eating breakfast on the 9th deck, we spotted a number of whales. The rain cleared and by 10:30 it was a sunny day and fairly warm. The idea of dressing like an onion saw many people peeling off layers of clothing. John had us meet him up on the 10th or observation deck aft to start watching for wildlife as we started into Glacier Bay. More whales, harbor seals and a couple different types of gulls were plentiful. By noon, it was time for a quick lunch before heading down to watch a presentation by the Hunan Native American tribe. The Park Rangers that had come on board to narrate during our stay in Glacier Bay, moved the time for the presentation. I missed the beginning of the presentation. After the talk, I had a chance to visit with Alice and get a web address to access information about the tribe. Alice said that the site included some lesson plans, workbooks on learning the language and other materials for teachers.
I went to the room to put on some warm clothes, as I planned to spend the rest of the day on the upper observation deck watching the landscape and wildlife. National Park Ranger Steve, a neighbor of John, joined our group to help explain about the glaciers we were seeing and answer our questions. Two juvenile orca’s were spotted beside the ship. John said that it was rare for orcas to be seen in this part of the Inside Passage. We slowly sailed by the Lamplugh Glacier on our way to the John Hopkins Glacier. The ship spent 1 hour in front of John Hopkins Glacier. During this time we saw whales, gulls and a puffin. What amazed people was watching the caving of the glacier. I was able to see 2 small caving and a spectacular caving before the ship slowly turned around and headed out of Glacier Bay
Some of the group stayed on deck and witnessed another big caving while the rest were listening to a presentation by Ranger Steve. We learned about some ways to access materials from any and all of the National Parks. Ranger Steve shared information about the school support they are giving the local school in the Glacier Bay area. We learned some activities to demonstrate glacier movement, the benefit of blubber, and how a whale collects his dinner. The Junior Ranger Program has materials on line that teachers can download and also a section at the National Parks site that is just for teachers. It was a great day of learning about Alaska.
Because of our early dinner time, we missed eating in the formal dinning room this evening. We had Ranger Steve join us on the Lido deck for dinner and more conversation. A small group of people joined John back on the observation deck to see some harbor seals and a second look at the scenery. We were waiting to watch how people get off the ship while at sea. All the group of rangers climbed one at a time down a rope ladder onto the deck of a small boat that took them back the land. The pilot boat (usually used to transfer special area pilots to and from the ship) comes along side the ship and matches speed before the ladder is lowered.
I forgot that the Park Rangers brought a collection of books and other materials to offer for sale. Having a group of teachers on the boat probably increased their sales today. I saw a few things I might want to get later. This was especially true after seeing the presentation by Ranger Steve.Internet service is terrible tonight so I will try again in the morning. The service is by satellite and so slower than what most of us are used to but this was extremely slow. I could not even get to the blog
Tuesday and Wednesday
What a couple of days. I will post more complete details later but we saw things that John and others that live in Alaska rarely see. We have seen Orca's in Glacier Bay, calving of glaciers, and bubble feeding. We watched about 3 different times a group of 6-8 whales bubble feeding and whales breeching at the same time. Wonderful lunch of salmon and a chance to walk on the beach and collect some shells, sand, and water.
At Mendenhall Glacier I saw salmon (Christmas Tree Salmon) and got samples of water with silt and another sample with the gravel at waters edge with some water.
As I was typing I think I did get info about Tuesday adventures so I only need to get todays written. Will hopefully get that done a little later tonight and post tomorrow. Tomorrow is an early morning as we leave on a tender at 8:15 so we will have about an hour to explore and shop in Sitka before we head to the Raptor Center and take another wildlife watching cruise.
Time is ticking and you pay by the minute for internet. So I will close for now and post later tomorrow. I will be posting complete information about each day's adventures.
At Mendenhall Glacier I saw salmon (Christmas Tree Salmon) and got samples of water with silt and another sample with the gravel at waters edge with some water.
As I was typing I think I did get info about Tuesday adventures so I only need to get todays written. Will hopefully get that done a little later tonight and post tomorrow. Tomorrow is an early morning as we leave on a tender at 8:15 so we will have about an hour to explore and shop in Sitka before we head to the Raptor Center and take another wildlife watching cruise.
Time is ticking and you pay by the minute for internet. So I will close for now and post later tomorrow. I will be posting complete information about each day's adventures.
Monday's Adventures
After a restful night, I awoke to seeing the world passing by my window. After getting dressed, it was upstairs to the Lido Deck for breakfast. The first 48 hours on the ship, Holland America has staff serve all items on the buffet and drinks. This is an effort to prevent any illness from being brought on the ship and spread among the passengers. This is a nice precaution, but does slow service for meals. What do I want, there are so many choices. I love getting omelets made of the items Iike. I was able to ask for more onion in my omelet. Then some toast with orange marmalade and orange juice. After finding a table at a window, I sit down to enjoy. Some wildlife is spotted but I only manage to spot the ring from the blow. More opportunities are available each day.
Class this morning was entitled “Rocks, Ice and Weather” which was an introduction to basic geology of Alaska. John demonstrated about plate tectonics effects with 2 pieces of cardboard, mayo, catsup and mustard. He said that different colors of jam/jelly also work very well. He had several different suggestions for inexpensive ways to demonstrate geological concepts.
My how time flies! After 3 hours, we all headed off to lunch. We had Danish and cookies to munch on while drinking coffee and ice water during the class. I decided on a tuna sandwich that was grilled with a few chips. For dessert, I had a little bread pudding and some chocolate ice cream. I had heard that the bread pudding was to die for and it was good. Sitting by the pan of bread pudding was the recipe. I guess they have had so many requests for the recipe they just make it available.
A little time was available to view some scenery and search for wildlife before heading back for the afternoon sessions. We had a sharing time for how to use the information we learn back in our classroom. Then a session on using technology and what are some forward thinking ways to use blogs, face book and twitter with your class. We learned about a way that school can now run You Tube in a Safety Mode. You add a list of search terms that are not allowed so that students and teachers are not able to get to sites of concern. Steve’s staff is available to us all week to help with tech questions.
I had seen in the ship activity list, a tech session on making movies using a free software program. The 45 minute class was instruction followed by hands-on to try the information. We each received a 2 page hand-out. The hand-out contained information about where to get the software and information to get a more complete hand-out (about 6-8 pages) for each of the workshops offered this week. This is a great way to take some of the still pictures and make then into a presentation that seems to be a movie.
Tonight is a formal dinner night. Run off to the stateroom to change clothes. I have had lots of practice changing clothes quickly. Dinner choices were great and with so many choices make the decision difficult. After dinner, it was a trip to the Crows Nest to find a window to watch the scenery. No birds, so it off to the back deck to see if we can find birds or other animals. After a few pictures, it’s back to the Crows Nest. We found John reading and we try to determine what the bird is that people have been sighting.
Since I didn’t blog yesterday, I have been working on both Sunday and Monday activities. It is getting late, so I think I will actually upload tomorrow. No classes until about 11 when we enter Glacier Bay.
Class this morning was entitled “Rocks, Ice and Weather” which was an introduction to basic geology of Alaska. John demonstrated about plate tectonics effects with 2 pieces of cardboard, mayo, catsup and mustard. He said that different colors of jam/jelly also work very well. He had several different suggestions for inexpensive ways to demonstrate geological concepts.
My how time flies! After 3 hours, we all headed off to lunch. We had Danish and cookies to munch on while drinking coffee and ice water during the class. I decided on a tuna sandwich that was grilled with a few chips. For dessert, I had a little bread pudding and some chocolate ice cream. I had heard that the bread pudding was to die for and it was good. Sitting by the pan of bread pudding was the recipe. I guess they have had so many requests for the recipe they just make it available.
A little time was available to view some scenery and search for wildlife before heading back for the afternoon sessions. We had a sharing time for how to use the information we learn back in our classroom. Then a session on using technology and what are some forward thinking ways to use blogs, face book and twitter with your class. We learned about a way that school can now run You Tube in a Safety Mode. You add a list of search terms that are not allowed so that students and teachers are not able to get to sites of concern. Steve’s staff is available to us all week to help with tech questions.
I had seen in the ship activity list, a tech session on making movies using a free software program. The 45 minute class was instruction followed by hands-on to try the information. We each received a 2 page hand-out. The hand-out contained information about where to get the software and information to get a more complete hand-out (about 6-8 pages) for each of the workshops offered this week. This is a great way to take some of the still pictures and make then into a presentation that seems to be a movie.
Tonight is a formal dinner night. Run off to the stateroom to change clothes. I have had lots of practice changing clothes quickly. Dinner choices were great and with so many choices make the decision difficult. After dinner, it was a trip to the Crows Nest to find a window to watch the scenery. No birds, so it off to the back deck to see if we can find birds or other animals. After a few pictures, it’s back to the Crows Nest. We found John reading and we try to determine what the bird is that people have been sighting.
Since I didn’t blog yesterday, I have been working on both Sunday and Monday activities. It is getting late, so I think I will actually upload tomorrow. No classes until about 11 when we enter Glacier Bay.
Sunday's Adventures
Sunday was hurry up and wait day. First it was time to find space in the luggage for all the goodies and books I got on Saturday at the workshop. After checking of the hotel, I joined the other participants in the misty rain to wait for our bus. Everyone was excited and eager to get started on our journey. After loading the buses, we headed off to Dock 91. Again we had waiting and lines. After carry-on luggage and personnel security check, it was check-in time. With room keys in hand, it was one last stop for a picture and off to find the stateroom.
Since it was after lunch time, I headed off to find some lunch in the formal dining room. It was nice to sit back, relax and have my lunch brought to me. Most people had headed upstairs to the Lido Deck for buffet style choices. After lunch, it was time for a little stroll aboard the Oosterdam to locate things. At 3:15, there is a required safety drill on the promenade deck. After, this short demo similar to that on the airplane, it was time for the anchor to be pulled and we headed out through Pudgent Sound. When I got back to the stateroom, the luggage was waiting to be unpacked. I took a couple laps around the ship and then it was time for dinner.
The first dinner is exciting in that we learned where your table is located in the dining room. For a large group of 100 teachers and their families, it also meant learning who your table mates were going to be for the week. Table 71 was a table for 6 located next to a window at the back of the boat. Quite a view of where we have been is available. Sometimes we even get to see some wildlife during dinner.
I spent a little time outside on the 3rd deck watching the scenery. Then, I headed into the stateroom to look over all the mail that had been delivered. I hope that they recycle all the paper I put in the trash can. On the outside decks and other outdoor areas, I have seen receptacles for trash, cans and recycle. It was time to lay in bed and watch the world go by and then sleep.
Since it was after lunch time, I headed off to find some lunch in the formal dining room. It was nice to sit back, relax and have my lunch brought to me. Most people had headed upstairs to the Lido Deck for buffet style choices. After lunch, it was time for a little stroll aboard the Oosterdam to locate things. At 3:15, there is a required safety drill on the promenade deck. After, this short demo similar to that on the airplane, it was time for the anchor to be pulled and we headed out through Pudgent Sound. When I got back to the stateroom, the luggage was waiting to be unpacked. I took a couple laps around the ship and then it was time for dinner.
The first dinner is exciting in that we learned where your table is located in the dining room. For a large group of 100 teachers and their families, it also meant learning who your table mates were going to be for the week. Table 71 was a table for 6 located next to a window at the back of the boat. Quite a view of where we have been is available. Sometimes we even get to see some wildlife during dinner.
I spent a little time outside on the 3rd deck watching the scenery. Then, I headed into the stateroom to look over all the mail that had been delivered. I hope that they recycle all the paper I put in the trash can. On the outside decks and other outdoor areas, I have seen receptacles for trash, cans and recycle. It was time to lay in bed and watch the world go by and then sleep.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Boot Camp Training
The day started off with a heavy fog. I sure was glad that we had Boot Camp today and were not planning to be out exploring this morning. After getting nametags, signing photo releases and getting a sweat shirt, it was time for breakfast. Lots of fresh fruit, quiche, waffles, yogurt, granola cereal and then bagels with choice of cream cheeses or jams. Oh almost forgot the huge bowl of hard boiled eggs already peeled. At everyones place was a bag of print materials, video and activity supplies. This is billed as a Science workshop but any teacher can use the ideas to spice up the classroom.
We spent the morning learning ways to engage students in activities. We all tried them this morning and then will have the oportunity to share then with the wait staff during the week. Just before lunch, we had the previledge of hearing from the author of her book "Salmon in the Trees". She shared pictures from the book and talked about her experience collecting the photos and learning about Salmon in the trees. Since it was a $30 book, I would really have to justify the purchase for school. Steve Spangler asked about where one could purchase the book and Amy (author of the book) mentioned Amazon and even a local Seattle book store called Carly. Well, the local book store Carly actually doesn't exist. It seems that Steve's assistant Carly, had arranged for everyone to recieve a copy of the book. Most people spent some of their lunch time standing in line to get their copy signed.
I went wandering around near the hotel for a sandwich shop I hear was up the street and to the left. Never made it to the sandwich shop as I found a crepe stand on the street. I got a ratitoulle crepe (savory crepe) and then a dark chocolate, hazel nut and raspberry crepe for desert. The crepes were great.
This afternoon was spent with a few more activities with Steve. We got instructions about where and when to meet tomorrow morning to head to the ship. All luggage must be tagged with special room tags before they are placed on the bus. We will go through some security at the dock but not like at the air port. No need to separate liquids in plastic zip lock bags etc. We were given the hint that Coke and bottled water can be brought on ship if placed in the checked bags. I have several cans of Coke left that will get packed away for the trip. Paying $3.50 plus 15% gratutite is a little steep for a average size glass with no refills.
Everyone gathered their new supplies, books and sweat shirt up and headed to the room. I ran up and got Steve to sign his book that we had been given with information about the things we had learned today and more. After a quick freshening, it was off to the lobby to head out for the rest of the afternoon with John and Steve. After watching, and recording the flying fish at the fish market, I headed in search of last minute items to purchase and dinner. Since I am in Seattle, I thought fish was a good choice tonight. I got the Captain's Basket
Friday, July 15, 2011
Seattle Day 2
I woke up this morning to sunshine. After packing everything back up, I headed to the workshop hotel in downtown Seattle. I had planned to not move but when I went to actually make the reservation, I could not get the first 2 nights. The people were friendly and helpful. They gave me a van ride in the morning to the light rail station just down the street about a mile. Last night I just walked back to the hotel as it was such a nice night.
I left luggage with the bell hop for storage and then discovered that my room was ready. I had joined the hotel reward program and got a room with a nice view down to the dock. After I checked out the room, I headed off to finish looking at the Klondike Gold Rush Museum. Then it was lunch at "Yummy Tummy". This is a Korean resturant, very small (about 4 tables and 3 stools at counter at the front windows. I got vegetable pancake and bipmbop. These were dishes that I had often when I was in Korea last year. It sure was good!
After lunch I took the monorail to the Space Needles. After standing in line for tickets, it took 45 more minutes to get up to the elevator. For Seattle, I would say that it was a clear day but still hard to see the mountain tops. Included in the pice of the ticket was a free picture. They take the picture in front of a white screen and then you can choice the backdrop. I took a quick look while at the top of the needle and emailed the picture to my email. I can continue to change the backgrounds and send copies to family and friends. Tonight might be a good time to look at the picture and see if I can attach it later. With the luck I had last night of adding pictures, I don't know if I will be able. A couple people on the staff may be able to help me figure out how to add pictures where I want in the blog and not just having all of them at the beginning.
After an early dinner, I headed back to the hotel. John, Carly, Jeff, Steve and 2 other staff members were in the lobby talking with other participants. It was fun getting to meet people, especially those that had posted items on the group facebook page. One of the ladies, said she just happened to run into bubble gum wall and recognized it from my post.
Tomorrow morning starts the workshop portion of the fellowship. Registration starts at 8:15am and the actual workshop at 9am. During registration, everyone gets their picture taken for our nametags. These nametags allow us on all the excursions, workshops and special treats during the workshop.
Time to head up to the room and download a few pictures before heading to bed.
I left luggage with the bell hop for storage and then discovered that my room was ready. I had joined the hotel reward program and got a room with a nice view down to the dock. After I checked out the room, I headed off to finish looking at the Klondike Gold Rush Museum. Then it was lunch at "Yummy Tummy". This is a Korean resturant, very small (about 4 tables and 3 stools at counter at the front windows. I got vegetable pancake and bipmbop. These were dishes that I had often when I was in Korea last year. It sure was good!
After lunch I took the monorail to the Space Needles. After standing in line for tickets, it took 45 more minutes to get up to the elevator. For Seattle, I would say that it was a clear day but still hard to see the mountain tops. Included in the pice of the ticket was a free picture. They take the picture in front of a white screen and then you can choice the backdrop. I took a quick look while at the top of the needle and emailed the picture to my email. I can continue to change the backgrounds and send copies to family and friends. Tonight might be a good time to look at the picture and see if I can attach it later. With the luck I had last night of adding pictures, I don't know if I will be able. A couple people on the staff may be able to help me figure out how to add pictures where I want in the blog and not just having all of them at the beginning.
After an early dinner, I headed back to the hotel. John, Carly, Jeff, Steve and 2 other staff members were in the lobby talking with other participants. It was fun getting to meet people, especially those that had posted items on the group facebook page. One of the ladies, said she just happened to run into bubble gum wall and recognized it from my post.
Tomorrow morning starts the workshop portion of the fellowship. Registration starts at 8:15am and the actual workshop at 9am. During registration, everyone gets their picture taken for our nametags. These nametags allow us on all the excursions, workshops and special treats during the workshop.
Time to head up to the room and download a few pictures before heading to bed.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Exploring Seattle Klondike Gold Rush
The final stop today was the Klondike Historical Park. I was looking for a “park” and it is a museum about the gold rush. I plan to return to finish reading about the gold rush and that part that Seattle played. I will be taking a pencil with me to do a couple rubbings in a booklet that kids (yes I know I am not a kid) are given to help guide them through the museum.
Tomorrow is another day of exploring Seattle. I plan to finish the museum, visit the locks and see the jumping fish and hopefully have a clear day to make my visit to the top of the Space Needle. The monorail and streetcar rides are also on the list of activities for the day.
Til tomorrow,
Tomorrow is another day of exploring Seattle. I plan to finish the museum, visit the locks and see the jumping fish and hopefully have a clear day to make my visit to the top of the Space Needle. The monorail and streetcar rides are also on the list of activities for the day.
Til tomorrow,
Exploring Seattle Cow Chips
Who could pass up the chance to have a cow chip (cookie) for an afternoon snack? It sure was good all warm and gooey. This also gave me a chance to rest my feet. Maybe some moo juice would have been better than the coke I bought.
Exploring Seattle Tree & Pole Socks
Have you ever seen trees and poles wearing socks? Well, no not really wearing socks but had stripped sock type material around the trees and poles.
I think I could use some of the “socks” for my feet today. These were located in Occidental Park. I didn’t see them anywhere else in my touring.
Exploring Seattle Olympic Sculpture Garden
This is the art piece Neukon Vivarium by Mark Dion. This is a nurse log that has been moved into a specially designed building that mechanically controls the environment. The fall tree is the life support to lots of living plants and animals as it decays. While visiting and hearing about the art project, the artist came in with some items to add to the display. He and some volunteers had collected animals such as a large slug and plant matter that were found in the area that the tree had originally fallen.
Here is Mark and a volunteer looking at the slug that was added to the environment. This will be a great tie-in to the 5th graders outdoor garden and water garden study. I plan to follow the project through their face book page.
Exploring Seattle Bubble Gum Wall
Finding the bubble gum wall was an adventure. According to the tour books, it was located in Pike Alley. Well, it is but the alley is several blocks long and starts and stops. It is a very popular spot with people looking at the “art” and adding to the art. There is even a gum ball machine located in the doorway where you can buy bubble gum for a quarter. I supported Jerry’s Kids and made a purchase. I was lucky and got 2 large gum balls for my quarter.
Notice all the colorful gum on the walls around the gumball machine. I plan to compare this “art work” to that of the statue of Bubble Gum Einstein located in Washington DC. Einstein’s statue is not actually made of gum, but has the bubbled affect that makes people think it could be made of bubble gum.
Exploring Seattle Totem Pole
A totem pole is located on the park by the market place. I had always imagined from the pictures I have seen that the market is located on the dock but actually there is a street below that lowest level of the market. This street is actually the access to the downtown piers.
Exploring Seattle
After a night of rest, it is off to explore Seattle. After exiting from the light rail train, I tried to find my way around town. The place to locate was Pike Place Market. I always thought that the market was right on the water's edge but I learned that it is not. In fact, the market is actually 3 floors of vendors plus vendors on the street. You can sample all kinds of food while wandering through the market. Fresh flower, raw fish, fruit, prepared food and all types of crafts are available. I worked my way through all 3 floors and had a few snacks.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Seattle is soo cool!
After being sent to not 1, not 2 but 3 different gates, I finally got on the plane to Santa Ana. Then a very short turn around, I was on Alaska Airlines to make my way to Seattle. Met a group of ladies from NW Arkansas going to Alaska for a mission trip. We traveled from Dallas to Seattle together. The temperature is in the 70's with a nice breeze. It felt good standing outside waiting for the hotel shuttle to arrive.
The drinking fountain at the Sea-Tac Airport is a talking drinking fountain. No it doesn't speak in English or other languages but in gurgles like a gurgling stream. A very sweet young traveler helped me make a video of the fountain.
I hope you enjoy the video.
With the 2 hour time change, I think it is time to call it a night. Will finish planning the schedule and transportation over breakfast in the morning. The weather could change any plans I made tonight.
The drinking fountain at the Sea-Tac Airport is a talking drinking fountain. No it doesn't speak in English or other languages but in gurgles like a gurgling stream. A very sweet young traveler helped me make a video of the fountain.
I hope you enjoy the video.
With the 2 hour time change, I think it is time to call it a night. Will finish planning the schedule and transportation over breakfast in the morning. The weather could change any plans I made tonight.
Traveling Day
Travel days are always tiring days but can't wait to get to Seattle. Hope to leave these 3 digit temperatures and enjoy some cool air. Had a wonderful meal of Indian food with my sister-in-law and her husband last night before spending the night near the airport.
Not much news for today, just a hurry up and wait day between flights. Plan to work during the flight on the agenda for the couple days in Seattle before we join the tour group. One of the places I planned to visit is now on the agenda with the group on Saturday so I may make some changes or I may just have more time to enjoy Pike Place Market.
Will update if anything interesting happens today, otherwise I should have pictures and information about Seattle tomorrow evening.
Not much news for today, just a hurry up and wait day between flights. Plan to work during the flight on the agenda for the couple days in Seattle before we join the tour group. One of the places I planned to visit is now on the agenda with the group on Saturday so I may make some changes or I may just have more time to enjoy Pike Place Market.
Will update if anything interesting happens today, otherwise I should have pictures and information about Seattle tomorrow evening.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Getting Ready - Sunday
Here it is Sunday night and I really need to start packing. Flat Mrs. Mosier is ready with her suitcase. I was shopping for a new suitcase yesterday because the last airlines broke the retractable handle on my checked bag. Now I have a spinner suitcase in basic black. Guess I need to put some colorful attachment so I can locate it among all those basic black bags. Maybe red to remind me of the great opportunity Fund for Teachers has given me.
After lunch today, I spend time on the internet learning more about the available activities and dinning options on the tour of Alaska. Heard that after the Saturday workshop, John will be leading a group to Pike Place Market and maybe to the Space Needle. This might change my plans for Thursday and Friday touring in Seattle.
Previously, I spent time exploring items I might select for the culture boxes. The boxes are waiting to be filled when I return. Having a list of items with prices and where to purchase will be a valuable asset when shopping. I will have an idea of prices and locations to visit. My notebook is starting to get full of information. I just hope that I can keep myself organized and not miss something. I could always order when I get back and not have to worry about weight and packing.
Need to do some laundry so I can pack tomorrow.
me
After lunch today, I spend time on the internet learning more about the available activities and dinning options on the tour of Alaska. Heard that after the Saturday workshop, John will be leading a group to Pike Place Market and maybe to the Space Needle. This might change my plans for Thursday and Friday touring in Seattle.
Previously, I spent time exploring items I might select for the culture boxes. The boxes are waiting to be filled when I return. Having a list of items with prices and where to purchase will be a valuable asset when shopping. I will have an idea of prices and locations to visit. My notebook is starting to get full of information. I just hope that I can keep myself organized and not miss something. I could always order when I get back and not have to worry about weight and packing.
Need to do some laundry so I can pack tomorrow.
me
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