The PA system fizzed on the aircraft, alerting flyers that the pilot was about to speak.  “Ladies and gentlemen, we are currently flying over Washington and if you look out the windows on the left side of the aircraft, you can view Mount Saint Helens…”  “Ooos,” and “Ahhhs,” followed, but that wasn’t the only magnificent view; not long after that announcement, the same was made for Mount Rainier.  To one who had never been farther west than Denver, flying over Washington was like peering into a miniature display model of the real thing…only, it was the real thing.

Every now and then, the plane would bank and showcase a generous view of the mountains below.  Sometimes, the ranges were covered in a colorful green.  Others were outlined in a steely gray with specks of white dotting the peaks and sides of the mountains.  The little glimpse of variety in scenery I saw from the plane only made me more anxious to experience an eye witness account of our final destination – Alaska.

If you would have told me in January that I would be on the In Touch Alaska cruise with Dr. Charles Stanley, I probably would have said, “That would be really nice, but it’s not going to happen.”  The fact that on July 24^th I was on a plane flying to the port of departure proves that nothing is too hard for God.  He works in mysterious ways!  The last week of July was a dream come true and I couldn’t wait to see what adventures waited ahead.

But…before Alaska came Seattle.

Our flight left the Midwest at the crack of dawn and landed in Seattle, Washington around 10:30 AM, which allowed us to spend a considerable amount of time sightseeing in the city.  Our hotel was located downtown, within walking distance from many of the attractions.  We spent the day walking the streets, seeing the sights and experiencing a typically overcast, slightly rainy day in Seattle.

The first thing we saw in city was Pike’s Place Market.  This is an indoor building that houses vendors of all sorts!  Most were selling food, home goods and trinkets.  I didn’t get to see any of the fishmongers throwing people their purchases, but it was fun to walk around and see everything that was for sale.

Down at the waterfront, we rode the “Seattle Great Wheel.”  Though the Space Needle would have offered a better view of the city, I have taken a liking to the wheels that have been popping up in the skylines the last several years.  In 2013, we rode the wheel on the East Coast in Myrtle Beach and the idea of riding one on the West Coast was too good to pass up!  Surprisingly, the Seattle Wheel was cheaper than the one in Myrtle Beach.  It was a busy day and they filled every gondola, since we were one of the first people on, we spent some extra time enjoying the view while everyone else loaded.  We had at least four or five turns before it was time to get off.  I couldn’t help but chuckle when the lady was giving us the emergency instructions before sealing us in.  She said, “…and if you have an emergency push this button…we will get you out.”  LOL!

Riding the ferry to Bainbridge Island was the last thing we did in Seattle.  For $8 per adult, we enjoyed a 30 minute ferry ride to the island, then hopped off and walked into town.  Evening had already been approaching and when we arrived at the island the information centers at the dock were closed.  Still, we walked into town, looked around at the shops and treated ourselves to a taste of ice cream at Mora’s Iced Creamery.  I had a scoop of their Blackberry flavor – it was the most delicious ice cream I ever tasted!  Bainbridge was a quaint island, if we had more time or had went earlier in the day, I know we would have enjoyed walking in the forest or perhaps biking around the island.

After a full day of walking the steep streets of Seattle and seeing all we could, we turned back to our hotel and called it a night.  It was hard to imagine that the next day I would be boarding a cruise ship and sailing off to the last frontier.  Not only that, but with “America’s favorite pastor,” the music I love and a land I’ve only dreamed about seeing.  All I can say is, I’m blessed!

Have you read all my posts about the Alaska Cruise?  You can find more below!

Saturday – Alaska Bound

Sunday – The Tale of the Whale