I am back from my nine-day vacation to Seattle, Washington and a cruise to Alaska.

“Experience, travel – these are as education in themselves.” – Euripides

Traveling has always been my love language. I didn’t realize that it would become therapeutic in my times of sorrow and loneliness.

This trip was nothing short of amazing. I saw some of the most beautiful, soothing, breathtaking sites in the most unexpected places.

I didn’t think that there would be so much beauty and history in Seattle, but I fell in love with the coastline. I didn’t realize that Seattle was nestled in between both mountains, a lake, and the ocean. It is literally surrounded by water on three sides. Gorgeously framed by six mountains, including a volcano! It was something to behold. I definitely need another trip there to explore more. The history of the city was also fascinating.    

Then my mother and I boarded a ship and headed to three stops in Alaska. I quickly found out that Alaska is a rainforest. In fact, Alaska is the largest temperate rainforest in the world! I never knew that. Alaska, the other place the DT wanted to make sure he took me. He didn’t live long enough to get me there with him, but I made it on our 25th anniversary. God is so good.

We took a six-person raft and got up close and personal with orcas, humpback whales, and one great white. It was cold, wet, and nothing short of incredible. We also watched lumberjacks compete. That was hilarious and very entertaining. I won a prize for being one of the loudest people in the crowd…go figure, me loud! 😊 We also enjoyed unique cuisine including bison meatloaf. It was mouthwateringly delicious.

The cruise ship was the best of the nine that I have been on. It had everything. An indoor skydiving area, bumper cars, skating, dodgeball contests, and so much more.

I am thankful for my ability to travel and learn. I am still working to travel to all 50 states. I am also thankful that I have been able to travel with the ones I love. Life is good.

“Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs.” – Susan Sontag