The Mendenhall Glacier began forming some 3,000 years ago and is one of many major glaciers that connect to the vast Juneau Ice Field, a 1,500 square mile remnant of the last ice age. 

The glacier, pictured above, is famous for being a vast 13-mile-long river of ice situated within easy reach of downtown Juneau. It is the only glacier in Southeast Alaska that is accessible by road and features a brilliant, glowing blue and turquoise colour.

Since 1929 the glacier has retreated 1.75 miles (2.8 km) with the melted ice filling the lower valley basin now known as Medenhall Lake.

On all Holland America cruises one evening is dedicated to celebrating the company’s Dutch roots and the royal House of Orange-Nassau!

Inspired by the Netherlands’ famous King’s Day, the festive evening features Dutch-themed snacks, special orange cocktails and guests are asked to dress in orange! It was great fun and following in time-honoured tradition we all fell in-line and dressed up! 

Sitting in the Crows nest, from left: the blogger, Bob, Uncle Mike, Ian and Mike.

As an alternative to traditional formal nights, the Holland America cruise line has an updated alternative of “Dressy Nights.” The boys washed up pretty good, unlike most of the rest of the ship’s occupants who seemed to ignore the request!

How smart they look! From left: Bob, Mike, Uncle Mike and Ian.

Located in the remote part of Revillagigedo Island, an hour’s boat ride from Ketchikan where our ship moored at its first port in Alaska, is the Neets Bay Salmon Hatchery.

Popular with large numbers of black bears who gather along the shoreline and streams to feed on returning salmon from late July to early September. 

Our luck was truly in from the minute we stepped off the boat and saw our first black bear walking along the shoreline to waiting at the hatchery where our patience paid off and out they came in search of the salmon buffet!

A bear cub hanging out in a tree!

Salmon buffet lunch!

Spying a juicy salmon for lunch!

Vancouver is one of the most multi-cultural and ethnically diverse cities in North America. Nearly 45% of the metropolitan area of the city’s residents are of Asian decent, due to its geographic position as Canada’s primary western port on the Pacific Ocean, making it the shortest and most direct travel and trade route from East and South Asia. Plus waves of migration from Hong Kong, mainland China, India and the Philippines.

The region also happens to have the mildest winter weather in Canada, which has historically attracted immigrants looking for a more temperate environment than the country’s interior and eastern provinces.

A final view of Stanley Park as we head for Alaska. Other than the water it reminds me of Manhattan and Central Park!

Welcome aboard to our ship – Holland America’s The Westerdam!

Taking a walk on the wilder side, we signed up to cross the Capilano Suspension bridge hanging 230 feet above the Capilano River in the district of North Vancouver.

First built in 1889 by Scottish engineer George Grant Mackay, the Capilano Suspension Bridge began as a simple crossing made of hemp ropes and cedar planks stretched high above the river. In 1903, the bridge was rebuilt with sturdy wire cables, ensuring it could welcome more and more curious visitors eager to experience its breathtaking height and forest views.

It was rebuilt again in 1956 and an additional series of Treetop bridges where added, pictured above, are the blogger, Uncle Mike, Mike and Bob enjoying a squirrel’s eye view of the thriving coastal rainforest.

And Ian too!

One of the major tourist attractions in Vancouver is Stanley Park, so named after Lord Stanley, the 16th Earl of Derby, a British Politician and the Governor General of Canada. 

Ingeniously designed so that cyclists and walkers enjoy the park on separate paths, it spans over 1,000 acres most of which is covered by a dense forest of trees many reaching over 200 feet tall. There are some 17 miles of forest trails to explore and a seawall pathway that stretches around the park.

Pictured above is Stanley Park to the left, a marina and the skyline of the city overlooking the water – a skyline I had not expected but which dominates the city. To a Vancouver first-timer, the city seems to be jam-packed with a very ethnically diverse, young population who live in apartments but because of the comparatively mild weather are able to enjoy the outdoors.

In recognition of the Stanley Park area being the ancestral territory of the three Nations, a series of Totem Poles have been installed within the park. 

Pictured above, from left, Mike, Uncle Mike, the blogger and Ian standing in front of a series of totem poles at Brockton Point in Stanley Park.

It’s great to have you along for what will be one mighty adventure!

Day one saw us visit Granville Island: once a manufacturing site with sawmills and factories, it is now a redeveloped urban peninsula home to a bustling creative and culinary hub that attracts some 10 million visitors a year!

Famous for its vibrant public market featuring independent food stalls selling fresh seafood to homemade breads and all else in-between, and surrounded by local artisans crafting goods in front of you.

We sat outside in a German bar taking in the waterfront views, enjoying the cooler-than-Texas weather and munching on sausages, sauerkraut and polish dumplings! A perfect way to start our trip!

Granville Bridge linking the island to downtown Vancouver!