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10 Feb 06 - 08:27 PM (#1666501) Subject: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG I am soooo excited....we have just been to the travel agent and booked ourselves onto the Sapphire Princess Inside Passage Cruise in early July! Our son (Stephen The Drummer) will be working on it for a few months so we thought we would join him for a week. We will be sailing from Vancouver (with a few spare days beforehand), and touring overland to Anchorage and Fairbanks at the end of the cruise. Now I have to sort out the problem I have with my ears regarding heights and descents, and all will be well. It's a long flight from Sydney to Vancouver. Cheers JennieG |
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10 Feb 06 - 08:30 PM (#1666506) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Alba I have only two things to say to you JennieG I'M JEALOUS!!! LOL It sounds wonderful and I am sure you and yours will have an amazing trip. Looking forward to hearing some, if not all of your Travel Tales. Warmest Wishes Jude |
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10 Feb 06 - 09:24 PM (#1666528) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG I am trying not to think of the money.....! but after all you can't take it with you. Ever since I saw a picture of a cruise ship in an Alaskan fiord, years ago, I have wanted to do this. The ship looked large close up but so insignificant compared to the water and glaciers around it. I'll keep you posted! And if any 'catters in that part of the world would like to meet, that would be great. Now to do some web research to find out the locations of quilt shops. Cheers JennieG |
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10 Feb 06 - 09:49 PM (#1666538) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Charley Noble JennieG- You have plenty of time to follow up contacts. Good luck with that because there are some wonderful music people in the greater Vancouver area. In Vancouver consider contacting Jon Barlett, who sings with the Vancouver Folk Song Society Shanty Crew. If you can possibly schedule a side trip to Victoria (on Vancouver Island) do so and contact Mudcatter "Metchosin" or Bill Huot who coordinates their Nautical Singing Circle. I can't help with quilt contacts in the Pacific Northwest but if you plan a "side trip" to Maine we will show you quilts that will totally boggle your mind. Cheerily, Charley Noble
-Joe Offer- |
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10 Feb 06 - 09:57 PM (#1666541) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JudyB Hi Jennie - It's great that you're coming to our continent - but a shame that it's at the other corner of the US from us - if you happen to make it to the East Coast.... It does sound like a wonderful thing to do - Charlie and I made it as far north on the west coast as Vancouver last year, and it was wonderful! As for the flight, I have only one thing to say - sleeping pills! My doctor recommended Ambien (gee, I sound like an ad) and she was right - we got a good 5-6 hours of deep sleep on our most recent flights to and from Australia, and really only dozed on and off on the previous flights to and from Australia. Have a wonderful time! And tell us about the trip - I'd like to see Alaska some day! All the best, JudyB |
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10 Feb 06 - 11:12 PM (#1666574) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: katlaughing Heya, my sister, Mudcatter "bet" is up "thar." I'll tell her to be sure to check into this thread. Also, in Vancouver, look up Musicman, Paul. He doesn't post much anymore, but he is a superb msuician and, from all accounts, a kind and generous host. My mom went on one of those, years ago, with her big brother. She loved it. Have fun!! |
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11 Feb 06 - 12:48 AM (#1666630) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Thank you for those contacts Charlie, I will make a note of them, and Kat too. Unfortunately due to lack of time we won't be able to get across to the "other side" much as we would love to! I also have a quilting/singing friend who lives in Vancouver but she will be out of town when we are there. Judy - I have an ear problem with heights, when driving down a mountain my ears don't unpop, they stay blocked and it is very painful. It wasn't a problem until we flew home from New Zealand 5 years ago; flying over was fine, coming home was 3 hours of agony. Ever since then I have dreaded driving downhill and flying. I'm quite willing to take a sleeping pill but I don't know that it will help with the ears. I went to the doctor the other day and he has given me a couple of ideas to try. Now I need to drive to the top of the Blue Mountains so I can see what it's like coming back down! Cheers JennieG |
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11 Feb 06 - 03:16 AM (#1666655) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: katlaughing Chewing gum used to help when we'd trek over the high Rockies in Colorado. |
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11 Feb 06 - 07:27 AM (#1666733) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Hrothgar Lucky there's no Maitland ball this year. |
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11 Feb 06 - 01:53 PM (#1666839) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Micca JennieG, be sure to try and link up with KT and /or Ebbie while in Alaska if you can, They are among the Nicest ,most Friendly Mudcatters you could meet in a months travelling!! Say Micca sent you!! |
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11 Feb 06 - 07:28 PM (#1666897) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Thanks Micca, I will. I have also found a Fairbanks quilt guild on line and will contact them too. Kat, I haven't chewed gum for years, I don't like the rubbery texture. Perhaps I will have to learn to like it! Cheers JennieG |
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12 Feb 06 - 07:08 PM (#1667110) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Bob Bolton Errrr... Thread drift from JennieG's northern odyssey ... but: " Hrothgar - PM 11 Feb 06 - 07:27 AM Lucky there's no Maitland ball this year." ... Then, what's the event (26 August 2006, Maitland Town Hall, "7.00 PM until late") that I have been advertising for several months ... or is this just a bit of 'bananabender' disinformation ... ? Regard(les)s, Bob |
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12 Feb 06 - 07:13 PM (#1667114) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Bob Bolton G'day again, JennieG: I seem to remember that the local airlines' used to hand out hard butterscotch (or similar) sweets for passengers to energetically suck - in order to "massage" the ear passages during changes of altitude. I've picked up enough control of those muscles to be able to both 'block' and 'clear' my ears voluntarily ... and this is, aparently, also presented as a Yoga technique (but I don't know its name!). Enjoy the trip Bob |
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12 Feb 06 - 07:20 PM (#1667118) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Bob, On the flight back from Auckland a few years ago the flight attendant plied me with fizzy wine, I think she thought I was tense and needed to relax, but I was actually in great pain! But the wine was OK. Cheers JennieG |
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13 Feb 06 - 02:54 PM (#1667442) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: katlaughing Well, let's see, then...going with Bob's tip about Yoga, I found this site which has a bunch of info on motion sickness and treatment, both conventional and alternative. I also found a site which has the Yoga psotures which are found to help. Hope this is encouraing.:-) kat |
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13 Feb 06 - 04:18 PM (#1667514) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: SussexCarole When we went to Oz I caught a nasty cold & it was touch & go as to whether or not I would be allowed to fly home 'cos of the congestion in my ears. Eventually I was given the all clear as long as I used 'Airplane' earplugs. They were brilliant & I now use them everytime I fly. They regulate the pressure on the eardrum on take off & descent......quite cheap.......but so effective I wouldn't fly without them. Happy flying Carole |
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13 Feb 06 - 04:29 PM (#1667526) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST,KT at work JennieG. PM me with details....dates, itineraries, etc. If I'm in town when you are, I'd be happy to meet you! KT |
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13 Feb 06 - 04:39 PM (#1667535) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST Im going there to we are flying on JULY 4th a bit frightening but looking forward to the trip.We are doing the rockies then the inside passage,we have 2 days in VANCOUVER before we fly to LOS ANGLES for a 2 week trip around south east AMERICA |
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13 Feb 06 - 06:09 PM (#1667620) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Alaska Mike Hi Jenny, I'm in Anchorage. July's are hectic up here, but we would love to meet you and give you the cook's tour. So many Catters have assisted us in our travels we look forward to the time when we can give some of it back. You will love the scenery up here, there's no place like it on earth and July is a great time to visit. Camai, Mike |
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13 Feb 06 - 09:28 PM (#1667818) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Bill D I did the inside passage in 1975...from Seattle to Juneau. It is a wonderful, scenic trip. TAKE A CAMERA!. Might be bears, eagles..etc... And Alaska Mike or KT & Ebbie are great folk to know...*smile*. (I never got past Juneau)..... Have fun... |
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13 Feb 06 - 09:55 PM (#1667827) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennyO Oh good, Jennie. As well as meeting KT, Alaska Mike etc, you might get to meet a GUEST!! Jenny (sitting here with tinges of green on the edges) |
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14 Feb 06 - 03:55 AM (#1667942) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST,AD 1943 Eeeee bah gooom lass it will be looverly. But who will sit in your chair at Northmead? It were ALWAYS rainin' in Vancouver A friend |
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14 Feb 06 - 05:15 AM (#1667972) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Allen you're just jealous!!! Cheers JennieG...aka JR |
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16 Feb 06 - 04:55 AM (#1669965) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG GUEST, we may not get to meet, oh dear what a shame! *grin* Our Inside Passage cruise is from July 1 to July 8. We are having a few days in Vancouver, July 25-28, then going to Victoria, Vancouver Island, for a few nights before the cruise. Then we go to Anchorage on July 8, and go to Denali National Park and onto Fairbanks, fly back to Anchorage, fly back to Vancouver, and then (sigh!) fly back home to Sydney. So we will be very busy little Vegemites. So far I have found quilt shops in Ketchiken, Juneau, Skagway, Fairbanks and Anchorage........! Cheers JennieG |
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16 Feb 06 - 05:39 PM (#1670314) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST Dont forget to take your vegimite with you ,it is a good talking point .It also come in tubes which are not to bad |
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16 Feb 06 - 05:55 PM (#1670330) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: katlaughing Hey, my sister, bet, worked at Denali last summer! Gorgeous! |
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16 Feb 06 - 11:02 PM (#1670657) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: KT Jennie, the owner of our local quilting shop is a good friend of mine. Let me know if you're going there! |
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17 Feb 06 - 02:51 AM (#1670837) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Thanks KT, I just might take you up on that! I have been poring over the brochures and taking in the pictures of marvellous scenery. Many years ago I saw a photo of a cruise ship in an Alaskan glacier fjord - the ship looked so tiny compared to the glacier, and I decided then to go there someday. Those cruise ships are large close up, but so insignificant compared to nature. Cheers JennieG |
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17 Feb 06 - 02:56 AM (#1670841) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST,KT You're so right, Jennie. And if you take a flight over the ice field, you'll really find out how very tiny we are. |
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18 Feb 06 - 08:49 AM (#1671855) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST I have the same problems with my ears I have not been able to unpop them for three days |
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18 Feb 06 - 10:21 AM (#1671918) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Charley Noble JennieG- Part of your homework for your visit to Vancouver might be to learn the C. Fox Smith song "Hastings Mill" which you can find on my website: click here and search for lyrics! It's a haunting love song which also commemorates a prominant lumber mill and shipping point on the Vancouver waterfront in the early 1900's. I introduced it to some folks in neighboring Steveston while I was there in 2005 but it could use some reinforcement. The old mill office was salvaged and moved to a city park further west and is also worth a visit. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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18 Feb 06 - 02:09 PM (#1672079) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Peter K (Fionn) If you're going to do some overland travelling in Alaska, north of the panhandle, there's a very interesting book that will give you some idea of the scale of the territory you're venturing into. I think it's called "Disappearance: A Map" with a subtitle "death and loss in the high altitudes" or similar. It's written by a woman who worked in Juneau. Sorry, I can't remember her name, and I've leant my book to someone so can't check. If you're going to be travelling direct from Anchorage to Fairbanks, you should certainly detour to take in Kantishna and Wonder Lake, at the base of Denali/McKinley - the scenery and wildlife are simply amazing. I would recommend this even if it means you don't make it to Fairbanks, which is not the most exciting place on earth. Wonder Lake is a 180-mile round trip from the main highway, and you have to use the park shuttle-bus service, but you can get off one bus and on to another at various points along the trail. (I had permission to cycle the 90 miles, but had to do a half-day course first, covering things like how to keep food beyond the reach of bears, how to wade across creeks etc.) If you are planning to go overland from Fairbanks back to Haines/Skagway, you'll be going along the famous Alaska-Canada highway, one of the civil-engineering achievements of the 20th century (inspired by the possibility that the Japanese might invade the Aleutian islands during WW2). Again the scenery is breathtaking. |
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03 Jun 06 - 12:24 AM (#1752023) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG I am refreshing this thread because we leave for Vancouver in just 3 weeks! We will be in Vancouver from 25-28 June, then in Victoria 28 June-1 July, our Inside Passage cruise sails on July 1 (we will be spending July 4 on American soil in Juneau which will be fun), and spending the night of July 8 in Anchorage prior to our rail trip through Denali National Park to Fairbanks, where we end up on July 13. After that we have to come back to Sydney. Are there any "do-not-miss events" within that time frame? Cheers JennieG....counting down.....22 days to go! |
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03 Jun 06 - 08:34 PM (#1752427) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST We are also leaving melbourne on july 4 to do rockies and inside passage.We have 2 days at the end of our cruise in VANCOUVER I am woundering what we can see in those day,s |
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03 Jun 06 - 09:39 PM (#1752455) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie JennyG, being in Juneau on July 4th you can take in the parade if you wish. Juneau people are fond of their parade but it *is* pretty small-town. (Don't tell KT I said that!) It isn't a whole lot like Independence Parades down south (in the lower 48), for instance, there aren't any fresh flowers, there are no horses, there are not many theme floats. Down south a float often takes a week or more to create- here my guess is that most of them take no longer than two days, if that. I've said for a long time that our music group should get hold of a flatbed truck and make music as we move through the streets. Still like the idea but we've never done it. However, the parade takes about an hour to wind its way around downtown, the crowds are heavy, the mood is mellow and congenial, the weather is usually nice - sometimes hot - there is free bus service to the island across the bridge where there is sand castle building on the beach, children and myriads of dogs splash in and out of the ocearn, there is grilled food available in the shelters. One can go home sunburnt and pleasantly tired. Travelling on the Sapphire Princess - man, it is a BIG one- you will probably get here in the early morning and leave again sometime between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm, depending on the ship's schedule. I would suggest that you NOT sign up onboard the ship for the various activities they promote. It is MUCH cheaper to do it on your own. There is a Visitors and Convention Center downtown who have lots of ideas and in kiosks along the wharf are volunteers who can point you in any direction. In fact, the local woman who makes the smoked salmon that KT and I have taken to the Getaway the last couple of years staffs the kiosk downtown on Tuesday mornings from 8:00 to 11:00 and she takes her duties seriously. (She even has a big red Aussie Shepherd in the kiosk with her- a dog, not a sheepherder). KT, Jan and Eldon are going to get to town on July 4th too; they'll be here about a week and a half. Get your mando ready! |
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03 Jun 06 - 11:55 PM (#1752529) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: KT Uh-oh, Eb, got any rustoleum?? It'll take more than a quick dusting to get my mandolin ready! Jennie, I'm so sorry I'll miss you! I'll be at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend on the fourth! Now, about that parade....(ahem, Ebbie) Ebbie's right (sort of...) It IS a small town parade. That's what makes it so delightful! There ARE fresh flowers (people throw them from the floats, along with a wide assortment of candies) There ARE lots of theme floats, although not nearly as many as down south parades, and certainly not as elaborate. There have been horses in the parade in the past, both privately owned and also an ocassional appearance by the RCMP. But there haven't been horses in several years, as I recall. There is one Marching Band, and I take great care to choose my viewing spot every year, in order to hear their rendition of John Phillips Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever." Thee is also a Bagpipe band which does a great "Scotland the Brave." Ebbie's right.....Juneau people are fond of their parade, as small-town as it is. I don't know of any other single event in town which brings everyone out! (Not even the folk festival!) The fireworks display is usually the night before, at midnight, weather permitting. If it's raining too hard or the cloud cover is too low, the display will be at midnight on the fourth. (They have to wait 'til midnight cause it's not dark enough 'til then.) According to my schedule, you're due to arrive at 8 am and depart at 9 pm. If you do intend to tour somewhere, I'd suggest you go before ten or after one, to avoid delays created by the parade. Have a great trip!! Bon Voyage! KT |
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04 Jun 06 - 01:19 AM (#1752552) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: dianavan Jennie G. - It sounds like you will be arriving during the jazz festival. Vancouver International Jazz Festival 2006 When: June 23rd - July 2nd Where: Various locations in Vancouver, BC More Info: www.coastjazz.ca --------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is a festival like no other. Will you be around the 14th, 15th and 16th of July? http://www.thefestival.bc.ca/artists.php Vancouver and Victoria are both very beautiful. Enjoy the ferry... |
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04 Jun 06 - 02:10 AM (#1752561) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Ebbie and KT, thanks for the info, I love parades and I don't mind if they are large or small, I was born and bred in a country town and our parades weren't huge by any means. The Anzac Day marches here always bring out the rivalry between the brass/military bands and pipe bands - the pipe bands march slower than other bands, leading to snapping at heels sometimes! We had already decided not to book any shore trips in advance, as we like the idea of wandering around ourselves and meeting and talking to locals. The only exception might be the train trip in Skagway. Our son (Stephen The Drummer) has just finished his first 2 weeks cruising the Inside Passage and is looking out for places for us to see, he's on his way to Ketchikan again having sailed from Vancouver a few hours ago. He's working this cruise run intil sometime in August. He has already found the quilt shop in Ketchikan and a bead shop in Juneau for his mother - I knew that boy would come in handy for something one day! Diana, we both enjoy jazz too and will check out the Vancouver festival. Unfortunately we won't be around for the other festival, I had found it on the net and it looks like fun. Cheers JennieG.....21 days now......... |
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04 Jun 06 - 03:10 AM (#1752574) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Metchosin JennyG, what you don't manage to catch in Vancouver, you can find at the Jazzfest in Victoria which runs between between June 23 and July 2. Also The Victoria Folkfest is running here during roughly the same timeframe from June 30- July 9. Folk Fest includes international music, dance, theatre, food village, craft market, world-class chefs and an ocean front beer garden at Ships Point in the Inner Harbour. Sadly, I don't think the tall ships are included this year. Feel free to contact me and I'll see what I can do to assist. |
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04 Jun 06 - 12:05 PM (#1752758) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie I'm looking forward to meeting you in Juneau, JennieG. At the very least I can direct you to people involved in quilting and/or beading. Maybe because of our long winters many people create their treasures on their own and in their own homes. But there are also classes and clubs: "Spirit Beads owner and bead artist Salty Hanes hopes all the bags in the show will drive visitors to create their own works of art. "It's to encourage people to be creative during the year," Hanes said. "It was also to encourage people who had these gorgeous antique bags that just sat in a dresser (to display them) so that the public could see them once a year and be inspired." Check this out or just google 'Spirit Beads' A local friend not only quilts and meets weekly with a quilters' group but she has customized window shades at home. She also sells the machines that turn quilting into a modern art. Always assuming that they are in town when you get here I'd be happy to take you to meet these people. |
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04 Jun 06 - 01:48 PM (#1752812) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Charley Noble JennyG- You'll have a lot of fun prowling around the Victoria waterfront. Here's a link, "On The Trail of C. Fox Smith", from my visit there last summer describing some of the sights: click here for website I don't think you'll be there for either of the two bi-weekly music swaps. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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04 Jun 06 - 11:35 PM (#1753114) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG You folks are wonderful - I would not have found out so many things without youse all! We will certainly enjoy the waterfronts as Himself likes boats; his maternal grandfather sailed on a famous clipper, "Sobraon". When I'm not playing music (or wasting time on the puter *grin*) I make clothing or quilts on the sewing machine, or make bead jewellery, or knit/crochet - hence my interest in these shops. Anything connected with hobbies makes wonderful holiday souvenirs. I bought patchwork fabric in New Zealand a few years ago that is very different to what is sold here in Sydney. The worst part of this trip will be the flights, it's a long way from Oz to anywhere else in the world. But I have bought a mystery book to keep me occupied for a few hours. Cheers JennieG.....20 days....! |
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05 Jun 06 - 12:29 AM (#1753123) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: dianavan Jennie G. - Forgot to tell you that their is a fantastic bead shop on Main Street between 27th and 28th called Bead Freaks. She has beads from all over the world. Mom travels all over the world buying beads and the daughter runs the shop. Anyone who likes beads will like this place. Take the Main Street bus south from the Main Street sky train station. One fare will get you there ($2.25) and it will take 40 minutes (or less)from downtown Vancouver. I also want to remind you to get up and walk around on your long flight. Do not fall asleep or remain in one position for too long. Remember to drink lots of water and wiggle your toes. Keep the circulation going so you don't end up with a blood clot (otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis). I'd invite you over but that is an extremely busy time of the year for me. I'll be packing it up at work and getting things ready for an art exhibit on the island. I'm sure you will have just as much fun wandering around on your own. Don't forget to visit Granville Island (a great seaside market and there is a bead shop there, too). You can take a water taxi from downtown. Another great place is, of course, Stanley Park. Take a walk on the seawall. Do you like beautiful gardens? Try Dr. Sun Yat Sen (an oasis in the heart of Chinatown)or Van Dusen Gardens (Oak street). I would avoid Cambie Street - major construction going on for the new sky train line and stations. If you want a day trip, there's a train going to Whistler Mt. daily. I hope you have fun and that the sun will shine for you. We put up with gallons of rain because it is so worth it when the sun shines. This is a beautiful city (as far as cities go). |
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05 Jun 06 - 03:05 AM (#1753152) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST,KT Since you'll be in juneau on the 4th, which is a holiday, the bead and quilting shops may very well be closed. If you are interested in something specific from either of these places, let me know what it is, and I'll see if I can get it in advance for you. I could arrange for a friend to get it to your ship. KT |
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05 Jun 06 - 11:20 AM (#1753327) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie Good point, KT. I suppose the Nugget will be closed too. But for the quilting we can introduce BevelAnn H. - I think she'll be in town - and maybe Odette. For the beading, hmmmm... Lots of people bead - Susan Auer does - but if the shops aren't open... Darn. |
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05 Jun 06 - 11:37 AM (#1753337) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie JennieG, a local variant in beading involves porcupine quills. Would that be something you'd be interested in? I would imagine that is something a person (don't laugh, KT) could get beforehand. Whatever we can do, let us know. |
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06 Jun 06 - 12:17 AM (#1753856) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST,AD 1943 Only 20 days to go But who's counting? Best wishes AD |
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06 Jun 06 - 09:29 AM (#1754076) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Sandra in Sydney hey, Jennie, bring me back a bead (please) &/or a postcard (please please) sandra |
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07 Jun 06 - 04:05 AM (#1754741) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Of course Sandra! Stephen The Drummer was in Juneau again today and by the look of the 'cruisecam' on the Sapphire Princess it was raining. When the rain cleared later today I could see some large cylindrical shapes, Ebbie and KT, what are they? They look like storage of some kind. Diana, thanks for the advice re the long flight, I will keep moving. I don't know about not falling asleep though, I may doze occasionally! We have a stopover in Honolulu which will break the flight a bit, and the same coming home. I have made a note of the bead shop too, I reckon I could get lost in a shop like that. Porcupine quills??? The folk at work were aghast when I mentioned it but I am interested. However I'm not sure if I can bring stuff like that back into Australia as our quarantine laws are very severe (rightly so I guess), I think any animal or plant product may be banned. I will check the website. Cheers Jennie.......18 days...... |
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07 Jun 06 - 09:49 AM (#1754931) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Alaska Mike Hi Jennie, I'm sorry to say that my wife and I will be out of town during your stay here in Anchorage. We were so looking forward to meeting you and showing you around. If you get the chance drive south from Anchorage about 40 minutes to Portage Glacier. There is a beautiful and informative visitor's center there where you can learn about glaciers, ice worms, and Alaskan history. (Why do glaciers appear blue?) Keep a watch out for Beluga whales in the inlet and Dall sheep up on the side of the mountains near the road. Also, there is the Alaskan Native Center in Anchorage where they display many native crafts and artwork. They sometimes have craftsmen there building kayaks or totem poles or various other items. We have had wonderful weather these past couple weeks and I hope you have a clear view of Denali. Summer weather is unpredictable and sometimes finds the mountain shrouded in dense clouds for weeks on end. Be sure and pick up some insect repellant before you head into the park. And always keep your eyes peeled for moose. I drove down to Soldotna on Monday and spotted 16 of them on or near the road during my drive. I will warn you these animals will sometimes wait until the very last minute and then race across the road right in front of you. Hitting a moose can seriously mess up your day. I hope your trip is as wonderful as you can dream it to be Jennie. I look forward to hearing all about it when you get back home. Mike |
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07 Jun 06 - 11:34 AM (#1755019) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie Here is an interesting site about using quills, including a picture. I had no idea there was so much involved! If you want some, I'll see if I can get some already cleaned. No country or customs should object to cleaned quills. http://home.flash.net/~mjtafoya/projects/quill/quill.htm JennieG, those tall cylindrical objects are oil storage tanks. They used to be alongside one of our streets but in recent years they've been installed on the 'rock dump', our manmade peninsula that forms our harbor. Keep in mind that everything is barged or ferried up the Gastineau channel. From my window high up the hill I once watched with binoculars as a huge forklift trundled onto a barge, lifted a school bus off the third tier, brought it to land and deposited it in the parking lot. Alaska Mike, I spent a couple of weeks in Anchorage last June and had a great time. I had never been on the road system up there and there's a lot to see and do. It is hard to go indoors with those surroundings. We went as far south as Homer and then up and back down to Seward (on the way we stopped and watched a brown bear eating dandelions); as far north as Denali (my favorite spot on the trip was Talkeetna, followed in order by Seward); we went to Girdwood and Alyeska and Whittier and points between. The Old Seward highway is a notoriously dangerous one- it is a gorgeous drive alongside the Inlet, its beauty allegedly one of the factors in causing accidents. We also went to the Portage Glacier (ah, here I can point out pronunciation. In the US we say "GLAYshurr", not "glassier" as one might in French-English.) I was astonished at what had happened to the Portage. I knew that over the years it had receded dramatically - it sometimes lost 300 feet in a month - but I had no idea that it had practically vanished as far as the view from the road goes. There is an excursion boat that carries people to a viewing spot but it was after hours and it was closed. We did go to the Visitors Center and spent a couple of hours there. Oh, yes, and everywhere we went we saw moose. Not on the highways, luckily, but on the vrrges and in the meadows. |
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07 Jun 06 - 06:13 PM (#1755259) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST,mg You can't be there weekend of 23-26 June can you? See my thread on Camp Alexandra..lots of the B.C. folk will be there. mg |
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16 Jun 06 - 04:20 AM (#1761183) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG We picked up our tickets last weekend and it is getting very close now. Ebbie - thank you for that information on quills - that is very interesting. If you can get some I would love it, it would make really unusual jewellery. Alaska Mike, what a pity we can't meet, and thank you for your offer! We only have the night of July 8 in Anchorage, we come overland from Whittier during the day and leave the next morning by train for Denali National Park. Is there anything interesting happening in Anchorage that night? GUEST mg, we arrive in Vancouver on the morning of June 25 which wouldn't give us long at Camp Alexandra, especially as we will be tired from the long flight....it's a long way from Oz to anywhere else in the world (except New Zealand, that was 3 hours) Cheers JennieG.....9 days to go...... |
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16 Jun 06 - 08:06 AM (#1761276) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennyO Hi Jennie! You lucky thing you! While you're finding a postcard or a bead for Sandra, maybe you could find a little something for your (almost) namesake? Doesn't matter what it is - any kind of little souvenir-ish thing will do. But above all, hope you and Kevin have a great time! Jenny |
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16 Jun 06 - 11:41 AM (#1761475) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Metchosin I believe you have my phone number Jenny, give us a call when you reach Victoria and I hope to get a chance to show you around. |
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16 Jun 06 - 03:23 PM (#1761658) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie JennieG, I checked with them and there are atleast two Alaska-themed cloth places and one beading place that will be open on July 4th, each of them basically on the parade route. And I'm getting some quills from another place. We'll get you fixed up. PM me for my phone number- although I plan to be down at the parade route on the day I'm not sure how I'll find you. Unless you talk nonstop so that I'll recognize an unfamiliar accent! |
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17 Jun 06 - 03:31 AM (#1762014) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Sandra in Sydney Ebbie, here are some pics of JennieG & himself from Charley Noble's website jennie in white shirt & striped waitscoat the famous Loaded dog audience Jennie in orange jumper a member of the crew joins in the singing now you will know her! |
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17 Jun 06 - 11:19 AM (#1762216) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie Thank you, Sandra! |
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17 Jun 06 - 11:29 AM (#1762222) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Sandra in Sydney no worries, mate I went looking for Sydney Mudcatter events & realised I've not posted any of my pics. One day (soon) when things are fixed, I'll do so sandra |
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18 Jun 06 - 05:04 AM (#1762660) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Never mind Sandra, you can't rush genius........*grin* Cheers JennieG.....less than a week to go...... |
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19 Jun 06 - 02:46 AM (#1763400) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: skarpi Jenny G , you never gonna be able to get home again you´ll get stuck in this parade:>) ...... and what am I doing here in this cold rain ?? I should go there too Well have a wanderful travel Jenny G and say hello to KT and Ebbie for me they are a wanderful ladies :>)) All the best Skarpi Iceland.. |
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23 Jun 06 - 11:39 PM (#1767848) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Thank you Skarpi! I am under orders (which I don't usually take notice of, but thought this time I should *grin*) not to spend too much time on the puter. I haven't packed yet. We fly out at 10am Sydney time tomorrow morning, and it's 1.37pm now. I am off now to make Big Decisions about clothing, it's winter here but I will be packing for summer - that's a bit hard to get my head around. Cheers JennieG |
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24 Jun 06 - 04:10 AM (#1767909) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie I'm looking forward to meeting JennieG. She has my phone number - I live just 6 blocks up the hill from the waterfront so I'll be trundling down there when I get the call. I hope she has a simply scrumptious time. |
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24 Jun 06 - 04:13 AM (#1767912) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: freda underhill Have a great trip jennie! best wishes freda |
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24 Jun 06 - 12:16 PM (#1768086) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Alba Way to go JennyG. The time has finally arrived...yippee! There is only a "First Time" once:) and I know you will have a unique and wonderfilled experience. I am looking forward to hearing all those Adventure stories and hopefully seeing some pics. I know you are going to meet Ebbie and I hope you are going to meet KT and Alaska Mike so would you mind passing on a {{{{ Big {Hug}}}}}}to them all from me?:) That will have to suffice till I get myself over to Alaska to give out hugs personally..**Big Grin**or maybe the Getaway will provide a "hugging" Op!. BON VOYAGE! Love and Light and Warmest Wishes, Judi |
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24 Jun 06 - 04:23 PM (#1768238) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Off to the airport soon, next time I visit the Mudcat cafe it will be on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. It still seems a bit unreal, and will be so until we get off the plane in Vancouver - then I will know I am on holiday. I hope the airport sells good coffee, I haven't had a cup today yet. And I don't mean Starbucks or Gloria Jeans - heaven forbid! Cheers JennieG |
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25 Jun 06 - 09:54 AM (#1768645) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Sandra in Sydney I eagerly await the travel stories & the bead! When you get back maybe you can personally deliver it & I'll get first view of you lovely loot. And of course, I have lotsa new stuff to show you - my sari silk scarf is wonderful! I might just buy some more even tho it was a pain to knit up. sandra |
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05 Jul 06 - 11:08 AM (#1776670) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie Well, they've been and gone. I missed them at the Independence Day parade yesterday, although I paraded around with a sign paperclipped to my front. I was at home in the afternoon when the phone rang and I learned where they were. Lovely people. That doesn't even describe them- I enjoyed them very much. The best to you. JennieG and Himself, on the rest of your journeys. Hurry back. Or take your time- but do come back. Eb |
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05 Jul 06 - 11:34 AM (#1776701) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Metchosin We managed to meet up with them too, Ebbie and were of the same opinion. They are definitely tracing "one warm line" of Aus goodwill up the coast. |
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05 Jul 06 - 11:38 AM (#1776710) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie Oh, that reminds me, Metch. They relayed your "Hello" to me, and I say "Hello!" right back. I hope I get to meet you some day. |
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06 Jul 06 - 01:34 AM (#1777309) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST,AD 1943 From all at Toon Bloody Gabbie Please come back,please come back Nothing is forgiven AD Eee Bah Gum et al |
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06 Jul 06 - 02:16 AM (#1777316) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Bob Bolton G'day AD, Wasn't that "Curséd Toongabbie" (pace 'Frank the Poet')? Regard(les)s, Bob |
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07 Jul 06 - 08:32 PM (#1778606) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST,Allen in Oz Bob Bolton does not miss much He even put the grave on the " e " in Cursed Toon Bloody Gabbie. Any news from the wandering minstrel in Alaska.?..just hand on " I'll ask her" All very Perry Como for those old enough to remember. best wishes Jenny G et al from all in Australia AD 1943 |
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07 Jul 06 - 08:45 PM (#1778611) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Charley Noble What a bunch! We expect a full report when you've recovered from your long flight home. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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07 Jul 06 - 08:46 PM (#1778612) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie JennieG said that she doesn't expect to be able to post again until they arrive home on July 19. I hope they're having a great time. |
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15 Jul 06 - 04:18 AM (#1784069) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG We're back! Our plane arrived this morning at about 6.30am after a loooong flight from Fairbanks via Anchorage - Vancouver - Honolulu. We left on July 13 and it's now July 15, we missed Bastille Day completely. We must have been somewhere over the Pacific Ocean when the dates changed. We had a wonderful time and met some fabulous people including Ebbie in Juneau, Metchosin in Victoria (say g'day to Jim for us) and Rob (Robomatic) in Anchorage. Glaciers up close are amazingly awesome. Halibut and chips are great, and smoked salmon for breakfast each day is something I very quickly became used to having. The local cider in Victoria is veeeery nice. The economy in Canada and Alaska has been helped by my forays to the local quilt and bead shops too *grin* Spending time with our son on the cruise ship was lovely, as was chatting with our younger son on the phone - he has been living in Toronto (Ontario) for several months now and we haven't seen him since early last year. Denali National Park is a wonderful place and we saw lots of wildlife too. At Skagway a local singer named Steve Hite came aboard and gave a performance on the early days of Skagway during the gold rush, we enjoyed that very much and I have his CD. Sandra, I have your bead, a fun one. At this stage the Dog next weekend is looking good. I should be awake by then. As we speak I am listening to the radio, the Borealis String Quartet from Vancouver are playing a 'classical' version of "Home on the range". Why not. We have been having a lovely time unpacking our loot too, our tee shirt collections have been increased. As has my trinket collection. And my book collection...... Cheers JennieG....a bit tired.....! |
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15 Jul 06 - 08:31 AM (#1784147) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Sandra in Sydney welcome back! make sure you bring your new treasures to the Dog, I want to see them (pls) sandra |
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15 Jul 06 - 10:19 PM (#1784610) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Charley Noble JennieG- Welcome back home! Do get some rest and when you can do what you can to assuage the hunger of we "mouse potatoes" for more details. Hope you got to see a Victoria Harbour sunset. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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16 Jul 06 - 03:38 AM (#1784709) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie Welcome Home, JennieG! I expect you'll be glad to get a little rest. But do tell us what all you did. I'm so glad I got to meet you two. Ebbie |
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16 Jul 06 - 03:44 AM (#1784712) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Charlie, We didn't quite get to see sunset on Victoria Harbour, but loved Victoria just the same. We choofled around the harbour on one of those little ferries, which was great fun and gave us many photo oopportunities. And I found Munro's book shop, I could have spent many hours there. In Skagway we sought out the local museum (the only stone building in town) so I could see the famous duck-neck quilt that a Canadian friend had told me about. It was made nearly 100 years ago by a woman who, with her husband, used to kill game for food. She thought that the necks of ducks were too beautiful to waste so preserved them using a method shown to her by Tlingits, and sewed them together to make a quilt about 5 feet square. The colours are still vivid, including a wonderful irridescent green. A great example of "waste not, want not" I thought! I am still unpacking all my goodies. Cheers JennieG |
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16 Jul 06 - 10:53 AM (#1784852) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Metchosin We're glad you arrived back home safe and sound JennieG and hope the both of you will get another opportunity to return again some day. Jim sends his regards and we also hope, upon your return home, that Kevin can find the time to locate some good grass and play with his balls. |
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30 Jul 06 - 06:42 AM (#1796735) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG By special request (hello Ebbie!) I am quickly refreshing this thread to tell of some of our adventures. We have now unpacked and sorted out our treasures. We had never thought of ourselves as "cruise people", but I have to say we very quickly became used to being spoilt in a floating luxury hotel. I reckon a folkie cruise would be great, there are lots of bars and spots for great sessions. We liked Vancouver, but enjoyed Victoria better, it's smaller and seems more laid-back, and I don't think I have ever seen or smelt anything more beautiful that the roses at the Butchart Gardens. We liked the towns we visited on the Inside Passage - Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway - I would love to see them on a day when the cruise ships weren't in town. We chose not to do any tours in Ketchikan and Juneau but rode on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad up into the hills from Skagway, what a marvellous trip. I have great admiration for the builders of this railway and the engineering that went into the making of it, and even more for the people who walked the trail. And having the Fourth of July in an American town was very interesting and a lot of fun! We were really awe-struck by the scenery as we went further north, seeing photos does not prepare one for seeing glaciers in real life. We saw a glacier calve - not a huge chunk, but enough to make a loud crack and splash - even captured it on film while we were having champagne breakfast on our balcony (a girl has to eat.......) After an unfriendly welcome at our Anchorage hotel (I think the staff were harassed by the Veterans' Wheelchair Games that were being held that week) we found Anchorage interesting thanks to Rob. On the trip north to Denali we were able to see Mt McKinley very clearly as the day was clear; the guide said "it's only visible about 20% of the time so you are lucky". The trip into the interior of Denali National Park was even more fascinating than we had hoped it would be, and we had another wonderful view of the mountain (and the tour guide said it's only visible etc) I even found the first forget-me-nots of the summer before our guide did! And we decided that mooses are not pretty and ground squirrels are cute. We don't have animals like them in Oz. Fairbanks was interesting and we met some really nice people. We did the touristy thing and went prospecting for gold, and we both found some; we had it set into a necklace for me, and I have said that Himself can borrow it to wear if he behaves himself. The plane flight from Fairbanks was interesting as some burly gentlemen were sitting in our allocated seats, they motioned us to sit across the aisle. We realised why when we noticed that the gentleman wearing all sorts of metallic stuff on his shirt (stars and things like that)on the aisle seat was handcuffed to his neighbour. We flew over glaciers after leaving Anchorage but it was too cloudy to see anything else until we landed at Vancouver. Then it was a very long flight home and the cats were very pleased to see us. Now we have wonderful memories and fabulous photographs. Cheers JennieG |
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30 Jul 06 - 08:37 AM (#1796791) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Sandra in Sydney wow! you cats were pleased to see you - most moggies of my acquaintance punish their persons for leaving them by not speaking to them for a suitable amount of time! sandra ps. holiday sounds wow, too. |
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30 Jul 06 - 10:36 AM (#1796873) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennyO The suitable amount of time is usually cut short at the first hint of the sound of a cat food tin opening, when all is forgiven. |
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30 Jul 06 - 10:45 AM (#1796877) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Charley Noble Jennie- Glad you got some time to explore Victoria. We also enjoyed the "human scale" of this port city, and the added benefit of spectacular sunsets, song circles, and interesting architecture. And it was so nice to raise a glass to C. Fox Smith at one of her favorite hangouts, McQuade's Ship Chandlery Shop at 1250 Wharf St., now occupied by the famed Chandlers Sea Food Restaurant. And I dreamed a dream in Sailor Town, a foolish dream and vain, Of ships and men departed, of old times come again, And an old song in Sailor Town, an old song to sing, When shipmate meets with shipmate in the long evening. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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30 Jul 06 - 09:08 PM (#1797321) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: JennieG Charley, what a lovely verse! I forgot a couple of things. Just as our cruise ship was pulling away from the dock in Vancouver at the start of the voyage, Our Captain announced in his Irish accent that "we are now leaving Vancouver, on our way to the Inside Passage and Alaska....rhubarb rhubarb......and here is some music to send us on our way" and through the PA system came Johnny Horton singing "North to Alaska"! (guess who was singing along) Our Captain has a sense of humour, it was his first voyage on the Sapphire Princess and our son said the music hadn't been played before. And of all the wildlife we saw, the most fearsome was the Tour Group, sub species Americanus, closely followed by sub species Australis. Something to be avoided at all costs. Cheers JennieG |
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30 Jul 06 - 09:50 PM (#1797336) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Ebbie Tell me about it, JennieG! They have taken over our sidewalks- (footpaths). One rapidly learns the feint and dodge trick. |
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31 Jul 06 - 09:22 PM (#1798334) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: Charley Noble There's all them foreigners that one encounters while traveling as well! LOL And the wretched food! And the filthy bathrooms! And the hungry ATM's/Cashpoints! And you can never drink the water without getting the runs! Charley Noble |
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01 Aug 06 - 08:32 PM (#1799381) Subject: RE: BS: Aussie catter visiting Alaska/Vancouver From: GUEST Enjoy the trip, sounds great |
