#Alaska cruise season

[techdriveplay]

Best Cruise Line for an Alaskan Cruise for Every Type of Traveler

Taking an Alaskan cruise is on most cruise enthusiasts’ bucket lists, and for good reason. Alaska is one of the most ruggedly beautiful, unspoiled locations I have ever visited. However, due to its remote location and large size, exploring Alaska can be a daunting and expensive feat. This is where cruising can help. You don’t want to just book any cruise, of course. They definitely aren’t all the…

[writingquestionsanswered]

how do i make my writing more ‘mature’? i always feel like no matter how sophisticated i write and no matter every which way i change it up it always has a sense of being childish or juvenile.

Making Writing Sound More Mature

1 - Better Plot and Story Structure - One of the telltale signs of juvenile writing is a story that meanders, has no obvious plot or structure, has no conflict or has a protagonist with no goal. So, make sure you have a well fleshed out plot, with a conflict, protagonist goal, and which hits the beats specific to your story's genre.

2 - Three-Dimensional Characters - If you're writing plot-driven fiction, make sure your main characters have a fleshed out personality, stakes, motivation, goal, and compelling relationships with other characters. If you're writing fully or partially character-driven fiction, do all of the above, but also make sure your main characters have a relevant internal conflict and a thoughtful character arc.

3 - Well-Developed Setting and World - One common hallmark of juvenile writing is a lack of "sense of place" and under-developed world building. So, make sure you put a lot of thought into where your story takes place... not just the immediate setting of each scene, but the overall world of the story, or at least the parts of it that are relevant.

4 - Incorporate Literary Devices - Juvenile writing tends to be lacking in the use of metaphor, simile, symbolism, irony, themes, and motifs. So, make sure to include those, but also take the time to make them relevant to your story.

5 - Include a Broad Range of Vocabulary - One common element of juvenile writing is a reliance on limited, simple vocabulary. Don't be afraid to use a thesaurus to find more interesting word choices--just be absolutely certain to crosscheck your choices with a dictionary to make sure they are the right choice. Online thesauruses in particular are bad about offering up bad suggestions. Also, make sure to learn and use special vocabulary that is relevant to your story, genre, or setting. For example, if your character is a retired police detective trying to solve a murder on his stalled cruise to Alaska, you need to make sure you know the proper investigative terminology, because he will definitely use it. And, by that same token, you'd want to make sure you know cruise ship lingo as well. And, part of this, too, is getting better at description and the inclusion of emotional and sensory detail.

6 - Use Varied Sentence Structure - This is a big one... juvenile writing tends to use repetitive sentence structure, such as simple sentences (she stood up, she went to the window, she waved at the man), lack of subordinate clauses (Tad Smith, who was a seasoned and retired investigator, had looked forward to this cruise his whole life...), repetitive starts (every sentence begins with a pronoun, for example), uniform length (all short sentences, for example.) So, make sure your sentences are varied. If you read them out loud, you don't want it to sound rhythmic, but more like a complex melody.

7 - Show, Don't Tell... Most of the Time - Telling definitely has its place, but most of the time you want to show rather than tell, meaning that instead of stating things simply and directly (the sun was shining) you want to paint a clear but indirect image (dappled sunlight shone through the trees.)

8 - Avoid Cliche Phrases - Human language is littered with everyday phrases like "to each their own" or "better late than never." Generally-speaking, you want to avoid these phrases in your story, especially in exposition. If you include them anywhere, they're best spoken as dialogue by a character who it makes sense would say something like that. Likewise, be careful of cliche genre or character-type phrases. For example, villains who say things like "we're not so different, you and I..." or "I finally have you right where I want you!" These overused phrases tend to make stories sound juvenile and unpolished.

9 - Avoid Cliche Tropes - Another type of cliche to avoid if you want more mature-sounding writing is cliches of various tropes. Tropes on their own are a good thing, but when tropes are used the same way over and over again in a genre or type of story, they become predictable. For example, the super gorgeous protagonist who everyone is in love with, but they view themselves as plain and not special. Or the broken/hopeless/addict mentor character. It's not that you can't use any cliche tropes at all, just make sure your story isn't riddled with them, and do what you can to put your own spin on the ones you do use.

10 - Read, Read, Read - And I can't stress this enough... the absolute best way to improve your writing style and take your writing from juvenile to polished is to make sure you're reading a lot of fiction, in a lot of genres, by a lot of authors. Audio books, short stories, and poetry count, too. The more you read, the more you begin to: understand plot and story structure, recognize well-developed characters, easily envision complex settings and worlds, learn vocabulary and literary devices, become attuned to varied sentence structure, and learn to recognize cliche phrases and tropes.

Happy writing!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

♦ Questions that violate my ask policies will be deleted! ♦ Please see my master list of top posts before asking ♦ Learn more about WQA here

[richardlawson]

The End

After a few years away from that particular couch, I started seeing a new therapist at the end of last year. It had been long enough, I sagely determined, after I was felled by a series of really nasty panic attacks—one happened while I was doing a Q&A on stage with some filmmakers. They didn't notice, nor did the audience, nor (most importantly) the publicists. But it was happening. Me contemplating running off stage, into the Soho afternoon. It was a terrible feeling, and eventually feeling terrible starts to be a drag, so I found, after a fair amount of searching, someone new.

He is in his late 50s and has a kind, open comportment. He's much more giving and lean-in-and-nod than my last therapist, a sort of prim and watchful gay guy who retired to Florida. I like this new gay guy, I think. Or, I am warming to him. At first, I thought his platitudes and constant quoting of various people were corny. But I have resisted such sentiment for so long, and lack of sentiment hasn't cured me, so maybe I should try the earnest stuff. He has me meditating for one minute a day. The panic attacks went away.

For a little while, anyway. They've been creeping back, when I least expect them, and when I most do. I am afraid of what I am afraid of, I hate what I hate, I feel increasingly indifferent to what I love. Winter hardens care. Do I like movies anymore? Do I like a play, seen on some chilly Saturday afternoon? Maybe it's just seasonal. Or it's media malaise in a time of such austerity. They're trying to lay off the best people while the worst people watch, safe as houses. They're trying to take the whole thing apart and replace it with nothing. I have worked in my business for 16 years, well over a third of my life, and for the first time it now feels truly dire and terminal and like I need to start making other plans for what to do with the rest of my time here in the waking, working world.

Something I talk about a lot with my therapist is inertia—I use the word constantly. Why can't I just, why can't I just, why can't I just. I know something's in me, latent under my lazy skin, but it never makes its way to the surface. At least not yet.

Which causes panic, this stasis. I am scared of the drugs that might help, and am resistant to other concrete life changes that might make this better. (I like a glass of wine too much; I'm a fan of my vape.) I have tried avoiding things, I have tried not avoiding things.

I guess it's not circumstance, really. I have panic attacks when I'm home at night, Andrew asleep in the other room, me watching some murder show or YouTube video (same thing) and suddenly a feeling hits me, the conviction that a blood clot or some other lurking thing is making its way up my body and that this is my sorry, lonely little nighttime end. Here it is, the moment when I'm carried off, when I disappear, when I slip away into nothing.

My parents just finished a cruise, a lifelong wish fulfilled, in South America, hooking around Cape Horn and then exploring the fjords and inlets of Chile. All the reports were good. They had the best time. I had worried about my mom itching for her work email, about my dad being newly 90 years old and maybe feeling exhausted by all the activity. But it seems they managed well. They saw Patagonian cities, they saw mountains rising out of the sea, they saw the shy, retreating edges of glaciers, so quiet and demure in their dying. My mom sent us pictures and I thought most about the glaciers, those last cracking murmurs of a time before. When I was in Alaska for a wedding, years ago now, we went to a park of some kind and the visitor's center that was once built over a glacier then stood cantilevered over dry land. The ice had crept much farther up the mountain, winking goodbye.

How awful. And yet, in the depths of my hypocrisy, I relish an unseasonably warm day. Whatever lifts me out of winter, I guess. Whatever can drag me out of the feeling that everything is indeed going to ruin—a career, a life, a liver, a future. My best friend moved out of my neighborhood recently, which is sad. But it also affords us the opportunity to explore new territory, to find backyard bars with good deals where we can huddle in forgiving late-winter winds and make uneasy escape plans, where we consider what parachutes could ever be made of.

It's not always enough, of course. I too often have nights, far too late, when I go pacing around the living room, circling the coffee table in a weird sort of marching step in my underwear, shaking my hands to get the dread to go away. My new therapist has urged me to find what centers me. To think of all that is known and steady.

I try to gather myself and remember the people I have, arrayed across the planet. Andrew, in restless sleep down the hall. My sister in her Los Angeles canyon, surrounded by trees. I walk the room, knees high and somehow defiant, chest straining with worry. And I see my parents, on a boat at the tip of the world, dreaming of lost things.

[lifblogs]

Rules: Tag 10 or more people you want to get to know better.

Tagged by: @evilwriter37, and @flurbejurbvondurp. Thanks!

Relationship Status: Single and upset about it

Favorite Color: Blue or green

Song stuck in my head: “Frantic Escape” composed by Kevin Kiner for season 2 of The Bad Batch

Favorite food: Cheese. It’s cheese. (Yes I find a healthy and safe way around this despite my lactose intolerance)

Last song I listened to: “Frantic Escape” composed by Kevin Kiner for season 2 of The Bad Batch (yeah, I’m obsessed)

Dream trip: Alaska or New Zealand or the Nerd Cruise!

Last show/movie: The Clone Wars (show), Attack of the Clones (movie)

Sweet, spicy, or savory: Spicy!! (Sorry, IBS)

Last thing googled: How does a pacemaker work (for reasons my readers should be afraid of)

Tagging: @miss-mouse99, @rhythmsmith, @xentari94 (since we’ve been talking a little bit), @cascigarette, @envydean, @feeling-uncomfy.

[frangipanilove]

"Home" is North o’clock

Through this entire first season on TWDDD we’ve seen Daryl on a mission to find a way to get back home. He’s been desperately searching for a functioning radio in every episode, and has managed to stay laser focused on traveling north, to find a way home. Despite constantly getting sidetracked along the way, he’s now nearing Le Havre, where the people of Union of Hope have promised to help him find a ship to America.

In TWDDD 1x5 Deux Amours we see Daryl, Laurent and Azlan make their way up the river, heading north, to The Nest. We get to know Azlan, whose story involves a tragic loss which took away his reason to live.

We also heard how a clock represented a turning point for him. It saved his life, he explains, and gave him a purpose to live. I took one look at that clock and realized it was the French equivalent to Beth’s DC spoon from 4x12 Still.

I’ve written a lot about the intersection between Sirius symbolism and North Star symbolism (here and here), and once again, in TWDDD Deux Amours, we see a representation of how “north” represents “home”.

In TWD season 5 we saw it explained by Carl to Judith; that if you’re lost at night, just find the North Star, it’s at the end of the Little Dipper:

Of course we all remember Beth picking up the DC spoon/Little Dipper in Still…

Daryls entire time in France has revolved around traveling north, to the place called The Nest, where he’ll deliver Laurent and get a ticket to a trans-Atlantic cruise in return.

When Azlan dies he gives the clock to Daryl, tells him to follow the river north, until they arrive at the place depicted on the clock, The Nest (which in reality is Mont Saint Michel). When Genet’s people catch up to Daryl and Laurent, Daryl gives the clock to Laurent and instructs him to follow the river until he sees The Nest.

So the navigational themes are strong around both the clock and Beth’s DC spoon. The DC spoon for obvious reasons; the North Star is at the end of the Little Dipper, as Carl explained. The North Star will help you find your way, it’s a compass in the sky.

Azlan’s clock on the other hand, is pretty much a regular compass, in that clocks can be used as compasses. I’m not making that up, a clock can be used as a compass. That is an actual thing that people do.

Basically, what we’re seeing here is that Azlan’s clock is synonymous with Beth’s DC spoon.

And remember how all of Daryl’s efforts of getting to the north involves constantly searching for functioning radios? He’s been talking about radios non stop since he washed ashore in Marseille.

Well, in 1x5 we finally saw him get a hold of a radio. It was in a flashback from right before he was taken aboard the French Research Vessel of Horror, where we also saw a character randomly named Grady!?!???

Totally side-eying that, particularly because we also met another dude named Juno, which @wdway brilliantly recognized as a reference to the Alaska state capital Juneau! Which, again, ties right into the north symbolism because of this license plate from 5x16 Conquer:

That’s the Big Dipper and Polaris (North Star) there on the Alaska state flag!

And remember how I in this post from last week talked about how tptb sometimes uses silly word plays as symbolism? Words and phrases that phonetically sound similar? Like serious/Sirius, beer/bear, Monet/money and the classic Del Arno Foods/"there are no foods"… (which was interestingly also taken from 5x16 Conquer, where we saw the Wolves luring walkers into trailer trucks, in a perfect parallel to what we saw in Daryl’s flashback from Maine,..)

Yeah, speaking of phonetical similarities...

In TWD 10x17 Home Sweet Home we heard Beth's name for the first time in a very long time...

Maggie has no reason to believe that Beth isn't dead so I wouldnt worry about that part. What's interesting is what she's calling her sister; Bethie!

If I was ever instructed to find a name that phonetically sounds like Bethie...

...Bessy sure as hell would be among my top contenders...

Bessy, as in the name the radio operator has assigned to his radio...

I have talked about how radios are Sirius symbolism, right? (that's a rhetorical question, I have talked about it ad nauseum)

And I think I have explained that Sirius means "return/resurrection/coming back" a couple of times as well...

Bessie the Radio sure seems to be well tuned into the symbolism around "returns" and people "coming back"...

You’re free to do with that as you please...👀

[rabbitcruiser]

Klondike Highway, BC (No. 3)

The original 53 km (33 mi) section known locally as the Carcross Road was actually made into a part of the Alaska Highway in 1942, until the Marsh Lake route was opened the next year. As Yukon Highway 5, it formed a loop road with Highway 6, the Tagish Road (now numbered as 8). It was renumbered as Highway 2 in 1978, being incorporated into the Klondike Highway designation. The road underwent alignment improvements during the 1980s. Residents living as far south as 25 km (16 miles) from the Alaska Highway still give their residential addresses as historic mile measurements that start at zero at the Alaska Highway, even though the distances are no longer accurate, and kilometre posts count distance from Skagway's ferry terminal.

Construction of the "Carcross-Skagway Road" began in the 1950s, was abandoned partway up a mountain from Skagway, and resumed in 1976-1977 when the Captain William Moore Bridge was constructed. The entire road was completed between Skagway and Carcross in August 1978. It was only open for a few weeks before seasonal closure. The first full summer season of use was in 1979.

The highway originally was built for tourist traffic, but in 1986 became important as a commercial transportation route, coincident with what seemed to be inevitable abandonment of the White Pass and Yukon Route railway (WP&YR). The new owners of the Faro mine secured government agreement to open the highway for trucking. The last winter closure ended in the spring of 1986.

The Carcross-Skagway Road portion of the highway underwent substantial rerouting, widening and (cold mix) paving in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mining ore trucks and fuel tankers are the primary current (2013) commercial users of the highway, which also remains a popular tourist route (cars, RVs, buses), and provides a means for the WP&YR to offer economically-priced train excursions connecting at Fraser to buses based at Skagway for the cruise ship industry, or to/from Carcross and Whitehorse to the north.

Source: Wikipedia

[purpleplaid17]

Jess Watches // Tues 3 Oct Synopses & Favourite Scenes

The Resident (with mum) 2x08 Heart in a Box

Nic fears Conrad becomes overly attached to a patient; Mina and Austin grow closer while working on a difficult heart transplant; Devon embarks on a very difficult day.

AJ admitting to Nic that he has feelings for Mina but will not act on it until they are equals and not mentor/mentee. That he doesn't want a power imbalance in their relationship.

Frasier (with mum) 5x06 Voyage of the Damned

Frasier agrees to give a celebrity lecture on a cruise to Alaska. Along with Roz, he invites Niles and Martin to go with them.

Why wasn't Daphne invited on the cruise? She would've "enjoyed it while you can because they'll be no cruises in hell." As her mother would say.

Only Murders in the Building 3x10 Opening Night (Season Finale)

Charles, Mabel and Oliver race to entrap the killer on opening night. As the musical thrills its Broadway audience, the trio brave further twists and turns from behind, above and all around the stage.

Oliver trying to read the review but hitting a paywall lol. Mabel taking a final bow when she wasn't even in the musical lmao. I was left asking 2 questions: How many rats is one Ben Glenroy? and Which of the Pickwick triplets actually did it?

Upload 2x05 Mind Frisk

Nathan and Nora race to stop a potentially dangerous technological advance. Luke boycotts sleep when he finds Horizen is profiting from his dreams. Ingrid is tempted by a new tech offering: digital babies.

The digital babies all having A.I. guys face was equal parts cute and creepy. Also scary to think that the mind frisk thing is something tech bros could eventually create.

Deadloch 1x04 Episode 4

While Dulcie and Cath's relationship hits a very rough patch, new suspects are named and dismissed, but it's Eddie's slip up at a press conference that really makes an impact.

Dulcie having to duck down to see the locker mirror because she is so tall and horsey. And Eddie saying she didn't want to "muff-dive your wife" followed by " the only reason I'd kick him out of bed is to fuck him on the floor." Her hot orange mind.

[alpinefitco]

Kayaking in Alaska: Prince William Sound from Whittier to Valdez

The summer before I started Alpine Fit, Hale and I set off on a much-anticipated sea kayak adventure in Prince William Sound, Alaska. The plan, Whittier to Valdez Alaska, and journey up as many inlets and around as many islands as time would allow in a more than ample budget of 3 weeks.

We are seasoned independent kayak expeditioners, having completed a 3-week 175-mile trip from Hoonah to Sitka on the outer coast of Alaska, self-guided, with paper charts, back in 2009, and another 12-day trip to Yakobi and Taylor Bay a few years later. 

But this was our first long trip on the water in years - 5 years living abroad in Ireland, and 2 kids later - we were stoked.

Friends of ours convinced us of the virtues of sailing kayaks, so we tried something new, got ourselves acquainted with Hobie Adventure Island sailing kayak/trimarans.

We planned, purchased, prepared and packed, and soon enough it was time for our journey to begin.

My key pieces of gear included:

Kokatat paddle suit, Astral paddle boots and life vest, Skhoop trucker Hat, Coast polarized super light sunglasses, ancient Arc'teryx anorak that has accompanied me for more miles than I can recall, my Xtratuf boots (this is Alaska!) and a small selection of old tried and tested base layers, mid layers, underwear and wool socks.

Interestingly enough, aside from the outer layers being a paddle suit and life vest, the under layers are the same things I wear hiking, trail running, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, biking, camping, on family adventures outdoors, and generally just keep a stash of in the back of my car for whenever an impromptu opportunity arises to get out on the trails.

An idea was born – or at least began to grow. We also wear-tested an early concept fabric.

Back to the trip.

We departed in glorious sun in Whittier – yes Whittier, Alaska, which is always grey and rainy.

Our friends, a couple expecting their first baby with only 10 weeks to go, joined us for the first leg of the trip south to Nellie Juan Glacier.

Sunny skies, good food, awesome camp spots, a few bugs and some good fires made the trip down to Port Nellie Juan like a dream.

Fresh Salmon cooked on the fire, bear footprints, a skookumchuck and extreme tides made for plenty of good opportunities for photos, problem solving, conversations and laughs.

We headed north, with views of Knight Island making our way to Perry Island and on to Little Axel Island to go our separate ways. Our friends back to Whittier, us on to the north shore and inlets of the sound. We saw a puffin rookery on the way there! And a sea lion haul-out on the way forward.

All along the north of Prince William Sound, are fingers of deep bays and inlets, some with waterfalls, others with tidewater glaciers.

Up Eaglek Bay to see seals, sea lions and glorious Cascade Falls.

Up Unakwik Inlet to see a deer swimming in frigid water and Meares Glacier – tidewater and actually a rare case of an advancing glacier rather than extraordinarily receded –  and out to find 3 black bears hanging out where we planned to camp.

And more.

Islands, inlets, whales, seals, eagles, otters, puffins, sea stars – no other people other than the odd fishing boat on the horizon, or recreational power boat or sailor.

One night when we were on the water, we came upon a surreal sight. Jelly fish by the hundreds. 

In Columbia Bay, we saw the unbelievably receded Columbia Glacier. Icebergs that had calved off the glacier floating out into the sound the size of apartment buildings.

Thousands of sea otters – including some that munched their breakfast only feet from our tent.

Our journey on from Columbia glacier brought us into Valdez arm right in the middle of the season opener for pink salmon. If you were one on one of the hundreds of seining fishing boats we saw that morning, those idiots hanging out by the cliff lined shoreline trying to squeak by like a game of leap frog was us.

With the tide, wind and weather in our favor we cruised up the arm and port to Shoup Bay for our final night before making it into Valdez, and the ferry back to Whittier, and reality as we know it.

[thequeeninyellowlace]

I took a cruise to Alaska last month. We were the last cruise of the season before everything closed for winter.

We visited a fake gold prospecting camp, and after their gold panning demonstration, a couple of actors joined our tour group for drinks, and told us about how they’d had a great summer pretending to be 1800s gold miners in this tiny campsite, basically just the four of them for six months.

After a few beers, they moved onto to reminiscing about how many blow jobs they’d given each other all summer after the tourists went home each night. 🤣🤣

honey, I was thinking that we could spice things up in the bedroom by turning the heat off and pretending to be gold prospectors in the Yukon during winter who have to have sex to avoid freezing to death. how does that sound, babe?

[melody-makers-0]

The Handpan Beginner’s Guide: Traveling with the Handpan

Traveling with a handpan can be a transformative experience, merging music, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner, knowing how to prepare and care for your handpan during your journey ensures that it remains in optimal condition and delivers inspiring performances.

Why Do Traveling and Handpan Go Hand in Hand? Traveling with a handpan is about more than just music—it’s about creating connections. The melodic and meditative tones of the handpan resonate universally, transcending language and cultural barriers. As Rafael, a musician who traveled non-stop for eight years with his handpan, shares, the instrument’s unique sound draws people in, often sparking conversations, friendships, and shared moments of joy. The handpan’s overtones have a magical quality, blending seamlessly with nature and creating a meditative ambiance that complements any setting, from bustling streets to tranquil forests.

Preparing Your Handpan for Travel The handpan is a delicate instrument that requires careful preparation for travel:

Protect Against Rust: Even stainless steel handpans can rust under certain conditions, especially in humid or salty environments. Choose the Right Case: A hard case, preferably made of fiberglass or carbon fiber, is essential for protecting the instrument from impacts and detuning. Avoid soft cases for extended travel. Care Instructions for Others: If others want to try your handpan, ensure they remove rings or accessories that could damage the surface, particularly on nitrided steel instruments.

Flying with a Handpan When flying, the size and fragility of the handpan require extra attention:

Carry-On Considerations: Larger airlines and planes are more likely to accommodate the handpan as carry-on luggage. Notify staff about its value and fragility. Storage Solutions: Some planes offer special cabinets for storing delicate items like handpans. Hard Case Recommendation: The TurtleCare Hardcase is ideal for flights, offering robust protection and compatibility with carry-on requirements. Multiple Handpans: If traveling with more than one handpan, consider a trolley for easier transport.

Unique Challenges and Destinations Certain environments, like cruises or high-humidity regions, pose specific challenges. On cruises, the salty air can accelerate rust, so it’s essential to clean and dry the handpan thoroughly after each use.

For Rafael, every destination left its mark on his music. Nature-rich locations like Alaska and New Zealand inspire with their landscapes, while cultural experiences in India and Japan offer profound musical insights. Whether relaxing on the white beaches of the Philippines or exploring remote forests, the handpan becomes a bridge between nature and culture.

Should You Invest in a Travel-Specific Handpan? Smaller handpans are lighter and easier to carry, but they often have fewer notes and higher pitches. For many players, the richness of deeper tones is worth the extra weight. Your primary handpan, with proper care and protection, is usually sufficient for any journey.

Experience Travel with Lighteme Handpan If you're ready to explore the world with your music, consider the Lighteme Handpan. Known for its excellent craftsmanship, balanced tones, and durable construction, it’s an ideal companion for travel. Whether crafted from stainless steel, nitrided steel, or carbon steel, Lighteme handpans ensure your music resonates beautifully wherever you go.

Discover more at Lighteme Handpan and start your journey today!

[prosperdreamstravel]

As the leaves turn crisp and golden and the aroma of pumpkin spice fills the air, one thing is certain—Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

For many, it’s a time to gather with loved ones, share a feast, and reflect on gratitude. But who says you have to celebrate at home this year? Why not add a touch of adventure to your holiday season?

Traveling during Thanksgiving can transform the occasion into something extraordinary. Whether you dream of a cozy cabin retreat, a bustling city adventure, or a tropical escape, countless destinations await to help you create lasting memories. Here are some top picks for celebrating Thanksgiving in style this year:

1. The Classic Countryside Retreat

Picture a roaring fireplace, a table filled with freshly baked pies, and breathtaking views of rolling hills. For a heartwarming Thanksgiving, consider destinations like Vermont, Colorado, or the Smoky Mountains. Many resorts and vacation rentals in these areas offer traditional Thanksgiving feasts, allowing you to fully embrace the holiday spirit while surrounded by nature.

2. A City That Sparkles

If you thrive on excitement, cities like New York or Chicago might be calling your name. Thanksgiving in New York means one thing—the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch vibrant floats, enormous balloons, and marching bands in person, then savor a holiday meal at one of the city’s top restaurants. Meanwhile, Chicago offers its own parade, festive markets, and ice skating, making it perfect for those seeking a blend of tradition and urban charm.

3. Beachside Bliss

Who says Thanksgiving requires sweaters? Trade cold weather for sandy shores with destinations like Hawaii, Florida, or the Caribbean. Imagine enjoying turkey and all the trimmings with an ocean view—or perhaps swapping them for fresh seafood. For those who long for sunshine and relaxation, this is the ultimate Thanksgiving twist.

4. A Cultural Feast Abroad

While Thanksgiving is uniquely American, there’s no rule against celebrating it internationally! Head to Europe to explore enchanting Christmas markets that open around this time or to Mexico, where Día de los Muertos celebrations linger into November. Host your Thanksgiving dinner at your accommodation, then spend the rest of your trip immersed in another culture.

5. The All-Inclusive Cruise

Combine travel and relaxation with a Thanksgiving cruise. Many cruise lines offer holiday-themed itineraries featuring festive dinners, onboard entertainment, and exciting shore excursions. Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, exploring Alaska, or gliding along a European river, a cruise makes for a stress-free and memorable celebration.

Tips for Planning Your Thanksgiving Getaway

- Book Early: Thanksgiving is a high-traffic travel period, so secure flights, accommodations, and dinner reservations well in advance.

- Pack Smart: Bring travel-friendly versions of your holiday traditions, like a mini pumpkin pie or a favorite board game.

- Be Flexible: Avoid the crowds by traveling a few days before Thanksgiving.

- Plan Around Food: Check if your destination offers Thanksgiving dinner options, or prepare to create your own festive meal.

This Thanksgiving, why not combine gratitude with exploration? Whether your journey is near or far, the adventure will be just as memorable as the celebration itself.

Where will you go this Thanksgiving? Let us know your dream destination!

Follow me:

https://linktr.ee/prosperdreamstravel

[chrisframeofficial]

Star Princess won’t be a Carbon Copy of Sun Princess

Princess Cruises have announced some new features for their new-build Star Princess – which is currently under construction. Star Princess is the second ship in Princess’ new Sphere Class.

This is the largest class of ships Princess has ever had, clocking in at over 178,000 gross tons.

Gross tons is a volume measurement used to showcase the size of cruise ships, but in essence the ship is around a QE2-size bigger than the Grand Princess, which was the world’s biggest cruise ship back in 1998!

Star Princess is under construction at Fincantieri in Italy, and is set to enter service in the northern-autumn of 2025.

Princess describe the ship as a “stunning replica” of the class-leader, the Sun Princes. This is an unusual turn of phrase for a Cruise Line to use, as it draws attention to the cookie-cutter style of modern cruise ship design that is often criticised.

However, reusing ship designs across various vessels in a class is not unique to cruising or Princess.

Most cruise brands today have classes of ships with very similar designs. Some famous classes include Princess’ own Royal class, as well as the Vision class at Royal Caribbean, Fantasy class at Carnival, Vista class at Holland America, Cunard, and P&O as well as the Edge class at Celebrity.

In fact, this tendency to build numerous ships in a class dates way back to the era of the ocean liner – with the Titanic famously being the 2nd of the three Olympic class liners.

Above: Titanic was one of three near identical ships of the Olympic Class.

Another good example are the four Cunard Saxonia sisters, which were each virtually identical on the deck plans, but had some minor improvements made to ensure each ship in the class improves on the original design, as well interior décor differences to give each ship its own personality.

Similarly, Star Princess will offer several changes when compared to her elder sister. These include a non-smoking area in the casino, as well as expanded dining venues, and changes to the onboard leisure experiences.

So let’s drill down on this a little bit more, to see how Star Princess will differ from Sun Princess.

Princess says that there will be an expanded Non-Smoking Casino Area on Star Princess, meaning that casino goers who want to enjoy clean air can access 68 additional slot machines in a newly designated non-smoking section of the casino.

The ship’s pub, O’Malley’s, will be expanded offering 32 more passengers a seat. O’Malley’s will serve traditional Irish food, offer live music, and provide a selection of beer and whiskey.

The Love by Britto dining area is also being expanded. It is a collaboration between artist Romero Britto and Chef Rudi Sodamin. The changes will see 20 more passengers accommodated in this space.

And there will be a new Skydeck Sports Court & Track, allowing energetic passengers access to sports courts for pickleball and basketball, in addition to a jogging track and shaded areas.

Star Princess will carry 4,300 passengers across 2,157 cabins which include 80 suites, 123 mini suites and 1,000 balcony rooms.

From the outside will strongly resemble the Sun Princess. Notable exterior areas include the Dome, the first geodesic dome at sea.

Star Princess will sail her inaugural 2025 season in the Caribbean before repositioning to Alaska in spring 2026.

[avneesh10-blog]

Ultimate Alaskan Wilderness Tours: Your Adventure Guide to Untamed Beauty

# Ultimate Alaskan Wilderness Tours: Your Adventure Guide to Untamed Beauty

Introduction

Have you ever dreamt of experiencing the raw, untouched beauty of Alaska's wilderness firsthand? Imagine standing amidst towering mountains, glistening glaciers, and pristine forests, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature at its most magnificent. Alaskan Wilderness Tours offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged landscapes and diverse ecosystems of this remote corner of the world.In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of Alaskan Wilderness Tours, exploring the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier and uncovering the secrets of its breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time traveler, this guide will equip you with all the knowledge and insights you need to plan the ultimate Alaskan wilderness adventure.

The Allure of Alaskan Wilderness Tours

Why Choose Alaskan Wilderness Tours?- Immerse Yourself in Pristine Nature: Alaskan Wilderness Tours offer a rare chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature in its purest form. - Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters: From majestic grizzly bears to elusive wolves and playful otters, Alaska's wildlife is sure to leave you awestruck. - Cultural Immersion: Discover the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's indigenous communities and learn about their deep connection to the land. - Selecting the Right Tour: Consider factors such as duration, activities offered, and level of physical exertion to choose a tour that suits your preferences. - Packing Essentials: From sturdy hiking boots to layers of warm clothing, packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and safe wilderness experience. - Safety First: Familiarize yourself with bear safety protocols, weather conditions, and emergency procedures to ensure a smooth and secure journey. - Introduction: Home to North America's tallest peak, Denali National Park offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and mountain exploration. - Must-See Attractions: From the iconic Denali to the rugged Polychrome Pass, Denali National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. - Insider Tips: Alaskan Wilderness Tours that include a stay at the exclusive Kantishna Roadhouse provide a unique and immersive Denali experience. - Introduction: Cruise through icy waterways and witness calving glaciers in action at Kenai Fjords National Park, a marine wilderness like no other. - Wildlife Spectacles: Keep an eye out for humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins as you explore the stunning fjords and coastal habitats. - Expert Guidance: Experienced naturalist guides can enhance your tour with in-depth knowledge and stories about the park's ecology and history. - Misconception 1: Alaska is always cold - While Alaska is known for its winter chill, summer temperatures can be surprisingly warm and pleasant, especially in regions like the Kenai Peninsula. - Misconception 2: Alaskan Wilderness Tours are only for hardcore adventurers - Many tour operators offer a range of activities catering to all fitness levels, from leisurely hikes to wildlife cruises. - What is the best time of year to embark on an Alaskan Wilderness Tour? - The peak season for Alaskan Wilderness Tours is typically between May and September when the weather is milder, and wildlife sightings are abundant.- Are Alaskan Wilderness Tours suitable for families with young children? - Many tour operators offer family-friendly excursions with activities tailored to accommodate children of all ages, making it a great choice for family vacations.- Do I need previous wilderness experience to enjoy an Alaskan Wilderness Tour? - While some tours may require a basic level of fitness, most are designed to cater to a wide range of participants, regardless of their outdoor experience.- What wildlife can I expect to see on an Alaskan Wilderness Tour? - Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bears, moose, wolves, whales, sea lions, and countless bird species, providing ample opportunities for wildlife sightings.- Are there any cultural experiences included in Alaskan Wilderness Tours? - Many tours incorporate visits to indigenous communities, cultural centers, and historical sites, offering a glimpse into Alaska's rich cultural heritage.

Tags

Alaskan Wilderness Tours, Alaska, Adventure Travel, Wildlife Viewing, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Outdoor Adventures, Eco-Tourism, Nature Exploration Read the full article

[dsandrvk]

Friday, September 6 - Gaferut Island

Even with somewhat low tide conditions, we were still able to land the Zodiacs on Gaferut Island. Rather than a beach, the shoreline was covered with lots of loose, dead coral, which made walking somewhat challenging. It was also extremely hot, and we needed to stay out of the mangroves for the most part because it is nesting time for the Terns and Black Noddies that call this place home, so no real shade. We met Joe, the ornithologist, on the beach, and since we were in the last group to arrive, he decided to go on a bird walk, so about four of us went with him.

In addition to White Terns, Sooty Terns, and Noddies, there were also two kinds of Boobies and Great Frigatebirds, all competing for nesting space on this little dot in the ocean. But in addition, there were several groups of Pacific Golden Plovers, which Joe said had probably flown non-stop from Alaska to here as they finished their breeding season in the Arctic. We also saw at least one Bristle-thighed Curlew which had never been recorded on this island (although like the plovers is within its migration corridor). Joe was pretty psyched by this.

Although this island is uninhabited, it is not unknown to the locals and people from Ifalik have long come here to gather bird and turtle eggs. The natural vegetation here is mangroves, which are actually growing above the shore level, but probably are inundated during storms. The locals have been planting coconut palms, mainly in the depressions left by nesting turtles, and over time this may change the makeup of the island, as the palms may outcompete the mangroves, leaving the birds with no good nesting areas. Of course the entire island may be underwater from rising seas before that happens.

We did walk into the mangroves in one area to meet the "queen" of the island - a coconut crab. She had a nice little burrow in the ground, and there were lots more crabs out on palm fronds or trunks. Some of the smaller ones even act like hermit crabs and drag a shell around with them for protection. They're really colorful.

We also found an old tortoise shell from a turtle that had died. From what was left, it looked like a hawksbill, which have the beautiful translucent shells that used to be made into combs or other accessories.

By now it was almost noon, and we were all too hot to stay around any longer so we headed back for lunch and a chance to cool down. We had a great opportunity to drift snorkel in the afternoon, leaving one Zodiac and slowly moving with the current to another. Unlike almost every other place we have been which was either a fairly flat reef, or a flat reef with a drop-off, here the reef was cut with canyons and small caverns, and had many different levels. We saw bigger fish than previously, probably because there is no close by settlement. Ifalik is over 250 kilometers away, so although they come here, it isn't very often.

After a run of grey evening skies, we are finally starting to see some sunsets. There are always rain clouds somewhere, and we have also seen our share of rainbows. Yesterday coming back from snorkeling there was a perfect rainbow framing our view of the ship. We have been extremely lucky with our weather.

Tomorrow is a sea day, and we will reach Guam around 5 PM, and go through Customs in the evening, which will allow those ending their cruise to be able to leave more easily on Sunday. We will also be losing some crew members, and several of the expedition staff, including one of our favorite lecturers and snorkel guides, Jess. She has made both sea life and geology fun and interesting and will be missed. But there will be new guests and crew to get to know, and we're only halfway through our adventure.

[bobofsuburbia]

Hegemony and Me: an American tale

god bless America, land of the brave and home of the free established by white men for white men on the backs of Africans and Chinese on the graves of its Indigenous people on the theft of goods from Central and South America polished white marble build up its capital where monuments sit bare like bones in the soil asking you to forget the many little deaths that had to happen to turn that graveyard into a garden the many tiny factory hands that make our clothes and electronics the death squads burning villages from human memory the prisoners generating wealth for the Fortune 500 there's a candy coating on all of it sweet and serene dulling the senses red white and blue sugar dipped conquest a military hegemony of 32 scoopable flavors a cruise missile needs to go into a school somewhere around the world in order for you to feel safe here at home here in America, god bless it, where children are killed at school by their peers wonder where they learned that violence solves problems? maybe it was the million dead Iraqis, or the million dead Cambodians? maybe it was the twin rising suns over Japan? or the two decades in the mountains of Afghanistan? or maybe it was the piles of dead bison? or the poisoned waters of Alaska and Michigan? maybe it was the freeways built through Black neighborhoods? maybe it was the segregated bathrooms or the dudes in white hoods? maybe it was all of it together a cocktail of coercion and culling gnawing you out from the inside so that you can gorge yourself at the table of fruit always in season corn as big as your arm and chickens so plump their legs break underneath them where the drinks only taste a little like copper and the smell of the bodies only wafts over on really windy days

[rabbitcruiser]

Skagway, AK (No. 1)

The Municipality and Borough of Skagway is a first-class borough in Alaska on the Alaska Panhandle. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,240, up from 968 in 2010. The population doubles in the summer tourist season in order to deal with the large number of summer tourists each year. Incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007, it was previously a city (urban Skagway located at 59°27′30″N 135°18′50″W) in the Skagway-Yakutat-Angoon Census Area (now the Hoonah–Angoon Census Area, Alaska). The most populated community is the census-designated place of Skagway.

Skagway was an important port during the Klondike Gold Rush. The White Pass and Yukon Route narrow gauge railroad, part of the area's mining past, is now in operation purely for the tourist trade and runs throughout the summer months. The port of Skagway is a popular stop for cruise ships, and the tourist trade is a big part of the business of Skagway. Skagway is also part of the setting for Jack London's book The Call of the Wild, Will Hobbs's book Jason's Gold, and for Joe Haldeman's novel, Guardian. The John Wayne film North to Alaska (1960) was filmed nearby.

The name Skagway (historically also spelled Skaguay) is the English divergent of sha-ka-ԍéi, a Tlingit idiom which figuratively refers to rough seas in the Taiya Inlet, which are caused by strong north winds.

Source: Wikipedia