Observations from Sea-t Level

I know a lot of people who follow me know I’m in a power wheelchair at least part-time. This trip has been an eye opener any way you look at it. I am so glad to have had it on the journey because without it, I would have watched the water flow by from the window in our cabin. Instead, it provided me wheels all over the ship. Although I could only get out one door on the boat deck and one door on the sun deck. That was not a problem, it is a fifty-year-old ship, so I understand it was not built that way, and there are just so many ways that it can be adapted. I will say the cargo elevator is large. (More on that later.) The interesting thing for me was noticing things out of place or out of reach.

This is one of those times you do not realize things until you do.

This trip has helped me come to grips with just how much has changed for me and how strong I am. I was pleasently surprised how helpful fellow passengers and crew were. It is funny that just opening a door takes 4 steps that used to come natural and never thought about when you are on two feet.

1. approach door and grab handle
2. step back and pull door
3. open door and walk through
4. get out of way so door can close.

I do those same steps now but never realized how heavy doors are and how often I used to use two hands to do some of the steps. I was so grateful that there were a bunch of people on the ferry who were in the places when and where I needed doors opened for me. The good part was by the end of the trip I was confident and ‘skilled’ enough that I was getting good at the four steps. When the places I had to go was an empty room. Speaking of rooms, we did upgrade to a handicapped room which was a blessing in disguise the door had a push button to get out.

Talk about open doors let you go places. THEY REALLY DO!

Two things here I bring up: One just how helpful the crew on the M.V. Kennicott was even if one of them was working unexpected overtime. (That is a story I’ve covered already) Second how out of reach normal buttons and levers can either by accident or because it was designed for the rest of the population and would be illogical to have two sets.

Now onto the elevator and why I had a ride in it. There was a ramp that I used to get up to the passenger elevator except it was not flush to the ground. That said, a lip anywhere you have one is difficult for the wheelchair to get up. I brought this up to the Chief Steward and she suggested the freight elevator. They had a ramp that went right up to the edge of the doorway, easy peasy.

Just a few observations while in my seat at sea

On Ship Antics … or

Let’s see if she floats. Not really, but, let’s just say that’s my story. I promise I will come back to this. I did not think I would enjoy my trip on the ferry because of my likelyhood of getting sea sick. That is what dramamine is for. I am having a blast.

This has been a great cruise for pictures lots of landscapes, snow, orcas, and sea otter logs. (you’ve seen these, the ones that masquerade as animals but are really floating logs.) I have missed capturing on my camera a few eagles and some whales. When we were in dock today at Yakatut, Alaska, here I am just yaking away (yes, I said that) right overhead a Bald Eagle and a crow was there. At least people did call my attention to it. No picture though, camera operater was too busy. I did however, get my first clear shot of a golden eagle. Earlier in the day I was able to get a blurry golden eagle. Both of these occured in Juneau. Now that I finally have a photo one, it’s time to work on getting them closer. I’ve also learned things about the lens I brought on board, 28mm – 300mm Tamron. I just might want to take my 150mm – 600mm Tamron on the return trip.

This cruise has been great. It is truly refreshing to get to know people who are willing to help you navigate when you are in a motorized chair. They are also fun and easy to laugh with when you do something silly like navigating the narrows of the cafe tables. The tables are non-movable and the chairs are attached and rotate. So one evening I come into the cafe from outside, (this is the only door that has a ramp on both sides of the door that I’ve found). Two couples I’ve met and have helped me get a lot done were at a table, so I invited myself to join them. We got talking about my pictures because the camera is always around my neck. The challenge was getting to them in the chair. There is more then one way to skin a cat.

The back story begins the night before with a stretch of water called the narrows. This area is before Juneau and after Ketchican, we also travelled it in the dark or dusk as we are in Alaska. It is called the Narrows because you have land on either side and a small channel to navigate through. I did not stay up to see it. The captin has to move in a zig-zag pattern to get through. Just like me and the chairs. So after talking for awile it was time to go, I tried to get out another way. Not happening, back through the narrows I went. Unfortunately, no one decided to film it for Tik-Tok or You Tube so you have to trust me … I looked cute.

Those were the antics. Now onto why someone would want to see if I floated or not. ‘I’m sweet and innocent’. Just ask anyone who doesn’t know me. I had a question, so I rode around and did not have far to go until I found someone to ask. We were getting close to Ketchikan (which is a crew change port). I asked this crew lady a question about Whittier and she said she would not be there, that she was getting off duty. I looked at her with my normal smirk and said ‘Didn’t they tell you your replacement isn’t coming?’ I cursed her. Two hours later she found me and playfully said that I jinxed her. That started an awesome banter with a few comments back and forth that might include me floating. In all truthfulness, it was all in fun and she is cool. But, sometimes I can call them. I was just joking though.

On a side note here, I’ve met some amazing people. One couple is travelling for the summer, but staying at hotels and Air BnBs. Another couple have come up here to build their off the grid home. I joked with them that they were bringing everything up but the kitchen sink. Turns out they do have a small bucket labelled kitchen sink, in the trailer they are bringing up. A cool guy who basically kept showing up every place with a warm happy attitude and two dogs in the car who did not like the deck calls to do it’s duty. I think his dogs were not happy. He is coming up to fish and enjoy his property. The offer of a home cooked meal will be acted upon because he lives where we will be camping for a month.

I have to say, I hope our return trip in September is just as fun.

Who’s the Wino

That would have been Roy. Not quite but it is my story. We are members of Harvest Hosts, if you like wine, fruits, musuems, and boondocking this is something to check out. We stayed at EdenVale Winery in Medford Oregon. Everyone was so amazing. I have to do a few shout outs.

First, I have to thank Aaron King as he was instrumental in getting us to the winery and then helping us over the phone find a space. It is funny the way we ended up parked in the upper parking lot where we were locked in for the night. Roy did pick the wrong drive way. So on the phone to Aaron explain where we were. He said we can stay up top but the gate gets locked and you can’t get out until after 9 am. He said he put us down in the gravel by the barn. I am so glad he let us stay up top. It was a straight shot to the tasting room.

This was the first place we pulled out Roy’s scooter and my chair. I was a little concerned about the gravel, but, my little bugger has some moves that I showed off later that night. I digress, back to the second shout out. That would be the hostess / bar maid / comic known as Lisa. We approached the entrance the hard way as there was no ramp up so we lifted the chair and Roy’s scooter with a little help from some strangers. Later that evening Roy discovered a path that went through. So we get in the tasting room and Lisa is quite busy. Busy is good though. Talking like we always do when we go somewhere new. I found out that Lisa and her other half are headed to Alaska. It was neat sharing some tips and tricks about Alaska.

Towards the end of the evening we got to witness a wedding being planned. Someone has to taste all the wines. Speaking of wine, Lisa turned Roy onto a 2020 Viognier clear, sweet but not too sweet of a white wine. I had a rootbeer, he had two glasses of the wine. Later I did try a pear cider. I have to say that it had an interesting taste. Sadly though, the orchard where the pears come from was damaged by fire recently.

After we closed down the tasting room it was time to explore the grounds. This is where we found the barn owl sitting in the rafters of the peak of the barn. I also took advantage of my viewpoint from the chair to take some grape vine pictures. The vision here was to have the vines go on forever. The sunset had a tad bit of color to it also. It was good I had the chance to get my feet wet and take some pictures.

I know that this coming trip will be filled with adventure.

On the Ship

I have met some awesome people already, first day in. When we boarded the boat on the 4th of June we get there early and I was glad for that. I say this because sommething we should have done was reserve a handicapped cabin. We had a 2-berth no potty reserved. Here again timing is everything. I just thought I would ask if they had one available, they did. Kayla who works for the ferry was very helpful and had such an awesome attitude. It is wonderful to run into people like that.

Roy and I have traveled the AMHS about 4 times each time we have had wonderful experiences. This time is no exception. Although I do say being in a chair you do see things in a whole new perspective. You also realize it is hard to make everything in a 50 year old ship ADA compatible. I have scoped out the 2 doors that will get me outside and inside. Once outside I am able to go completely around the ship.

I don’t know if it is fate, destiny, or just a small ship the reason I ask is all day yesterday I kept running into the same person. When this happened about the fifth time I asked for his name. We introduced ourselves and about 15 minutes later I see him and his wife and I say Hi, it was cute the look they passed between them. Long story short she was cool after we told her about the constant bumping inmto each other. Now I am still running into them. I will go for small boat.

First day out and we already had to turn the ship around. No, Roy was not acting up. Unfortunately there was a sick crew man that needed to be transferred for more intense medical care. I do hope he is ok. The bright side to this is the turn around gave it a chance for the sky to clear up. I was thinking not again clouds and blah for this trip.

There are quite a few photographers on the ship, when it clears you can get some awesome pictures. I did enjoy the fog this am and I think I have some working pictures of fog. that does make for some freaky moody pictures. I have not seen any whales yet, this is only day one. I trust that there are orcas in my future.

Well I am signing off for now. We are headed towards open waters to make up time and I am headed to lay down due to the motion of the ocean.

I did not know I would have internet in port so I am posting this and hope to finish writing the lead up to the ship. We are in Ketchican Alaska. The journey to the first port was super long. Dramamine is my friend. I will post some pictures when we hit dry land.

Credit Cards EXPIRE …..

Not People. May 2, 1993 was the day I learned people expire not just credit cards. A little back story. My life was changing for the good in 93: I had met the one that saved me from myself. I moved out of Wisconsin. I grew as a person. I lost my first true love my Dad.

I have to say I was definitely his favorite just ask me. I was the baby of the family and was truly spoiled by him just ask my brothers and sister. Looking back like any family we had some good memories and some bad memories, but they were memories made special with him. One memory that came to mind as I am writing this. One time dad had to kill a bat that got into the house. All I remember is me hiding behind mom in the kitchen and dad running through the house trying to kill it. I know dad killed it and threw it outside because it was dead on the side walk when I left for school.
I chuckle every time I think of how you and Dave Jr caught me smoking. I’m not sure what made you more upset me skipping school or me smoking. Turn around is fair play I did get Dave Jr in trouble for his smoking. Picture this I am blackmailing my brother to keep quiet about the fact he smokes. So I come in flipping a nickel in my hand (at least I think it was). Dad asks where did I get that. I say give me a quarter and I’ll tell you. He does, I say you didn’t here this from me but Davey is smoking. I was 8 years old. Fast forward about six years and picture this. I am walking down the street during school and smoking a cigarette; I see dad’s car drive by I think he didn’t see me. He didn’t Dave Jr did. The car whips around because Dave says wasn’t that Darcy smoking a cigarette. Busted.

I remember the time you tried to teach me to drive. We were going out to mom’s house and you had me drive for some reason I could not get the hang of using the same foot for gas and brake thing. Well we get to her street and I am getting ready to park the car. So I think I will try this. I put the car in reverse to act like I am parallel parking because there was nothing that close behind me. I give it a little gas and then go to try to stop, but I didn’t move my right foot to the brake. Yes, I gunned the car in reverse almost hit another car. Long story short, I got the car parked, Dad grabbed the keys, and went in to the house. He then threw the keys on the table and said “Damn, it Nadine if you want Darcy to drive you teach her.” Needless to say I did not get my license that year.

So, back to why people expire. Dad had been in the hospital for about a month, I was living in Chicago, I could not make it back to see him that weekend. I did however want to check on him. I call the hospital and ask to speak to the nurse taking care of my dad (he was in ICU) I am told she is off today. I go so did they move him because last I knew he was getting better. She said NO, he expired. I promptly replied WHAT ARE YOU SAYING CREDIT CARDS EXPIRE!!!!

After the shock of the news, I was able to process, and Roy helped me grasp the situation. I do have to share a funny that happened on the way to the funeral I had bought a black dress with a short slit in the back, well, I got out of the car and the slit became a split. So, Roy has me buy a sewing kit from the truck stop we were stopped at, and he is sewing my dress with me in it in the parking lot. This was a great way to lighten my mood on a sad day.

I miss you Dad, but I do know you are in a better place and are smiling down on us.

Throw Roy from the Train

No we just let him down easy. I love our 3 flamingos rally hosts they look out for us. Thursday there was a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Our camping group took over a train car plus the viewing car attached to it, for the journey from Clarkdale to Perkinsville AZ. Clarkdale was the inspiration for the town in “Take the last train to Clarksville” by the Monkees. (it’s on wikipedia) plus we heard it on the train. Perkinsville is where the film “How the West was Won” depot scene was filmed.

Before we left the station we were treated to viewing some raptors, it was the only wildlife I saw that day.

I also bought a poncho with the saying “It’s the Journey.” That is my life motto, it is been a fun one. Sometimes being handicapped has an advantage, we were able to board the train first. The interesting part was riding on the lift and sitting on my walker to do it. If you are in Cottonwood AZ this is an amazing four hour trip.