Will Heaven Be Boring?
After a while we become saturated with the beauty and wonder of nature, taking it for granted that around each bend is another snow capped mountain with green forests below, and the day will always be sunny. Last trip it got to where no one would walk to the other side of the boat to see another whale. This time it’s the scenery.
Vacation Money
The most valuable forms of money to carry on this vacation are quarters, and dollar bills. These small units of money will get you things that larger bills will not. The dollars make great tips when the driver of the shuttle lifts your heavy bag into the van. They will also get you a coke from almost any coke machine. The quarters operate the lockers on the MV Columbia, and the laundry machines, and, of course, enough of them will get you a coke. For major purchases, like dinner, there are credit cards.
Sleeping
The Alaska Highway Ferry ships operate on a somewhat casual basis when it comes to sleeping. People were sleeping everywhere. Not a bench wide enough to lay yourself down upon went unlied. (unlayed?) Sleeping bags were unfurled behind every row of seats in the “recliner lounge” and in most of the other public rooms. Of course the tent areas were full, as were the solarium lounge chairs, despite the heaters not operating on this trip. Its about 45 at night, outside, and a bit windy in the tent areas. The message: if you are traveling overnight on the Alaska ferry, either book early or bring your air mattress and sleeping bag. Why? Because sleeping in the reclining chairs in the movie lounge is not comfortable.
What is in your Cabin, what’s on the Ferry?
Two bunks, one upper with a ladder, sink, electric plugs, toilet, shower, nice window.Here's Mary Alice (left) and her roomie (see earlier posting) Barbara.
How do you bathe, if you don’t have a cabin? There are public showers with private stalls for men, and across the ship, for women. Washing machines and dryers are there too – coin-op. There is a video game room on board too. A cocktail room, a snack bar with sandwiches, cereal, and some hot foods, and a dining room. Tonight the dining room is serving an all you can eat buffet: $14.95 seniors, $17.95 others.
There is wi-fi on the MV Columbia, but it is pretty slow. Its like the monkey’s typing Shakespeare. Are you amazed at how close they are coming to being accurate, or upset that they can’t spell better? I’m going with amazement for the wi-fi on board issue. Most people seem to have some electronics with them - cell phone, iphone, ipod, laptop -but not too many wi-fi users.
