Day 830

We have tried growing rhododendrons more than once. They love that moist, cool, acidic soil. Unfortunately we live in a dry, hot, alkali area so despite how hard we work at trying to make them grow, they always die on us. Thank goodness we take vacations and stop at Oregon rest areas that have such pretty foliage.

Can you spot the bumblebees and caterpillar?

Day 829

Last year I conquered my fear of heights. This year I didn't really have any plans of conquering any other fears. Until my daughter reminded me, as we were walking in the zoo, that they had a bat exhibit.

I remember the bat exhibit from last time. I may have had a bum knee back then but it didn't stop me from getting out of there as quickly as possible. I think I only snapped one picture then (being that I was terrified to take any others). It's not like they were out to get me, it was just that they were gross, disgusting, icky, and nasty.

So this time I was determined to stay in that area and study those bats. Sit and just be with them. Even though there again was glass separating them from me it still made me a bit squeamish. But I stayed. Stayed and got some amazing pictures of feeding time. I still don't like bats, but now I'm fascinated with the pictures - and excited about my bravery.

Day 828

I'm not big into zoos but daughter loves them. She remembers going to the Portland Zoo several years ago and was desperate to return. Last time around I hadn't yet had my knee replaced so I didn't wander around the joint with her. But this time she insisted I go with. Thanks to Scooter, I did. And thanks to my new digital camera I was able to capture some good pictures. Here are my five favorite.

I might be wrong but it looks like the frog is throwing gang signs at me.

One of these birds wet on me, Scooter, and my camera. Not fun.

This flamingo never moved from this position.

Looks kind of scary to me.

Aww...

Day 827

Ever heard of Voodoo Doughnuts? If you've watched the Food Network or Travel Channel you probably have. A crazy place in Portland, Oregon offering crazy doughnut concoctions. We had to wait in a snaking line out the door in the middle of the afternoon to snag our choices.

As you can see in the picture the chocolate on the voodoo dolls melted a bit before we got to the hotel. We also got grape, Fruit Loops, Oreos, rice krispies/chocolate/peanut butter, and a few others.  My favorite was the one topped with powdered Tang and hubby's was the Bacon Maple Bar. Can you believe a maple bar with bacon on top?!

Day 826

I met two other Scooters just like mine! One I met in town (she was traveling on another ship) and the other I met on our ship. The gal on our ship - the one with the exact same scooter, the one with bad knees and a lung problem, the one who uses a cane and supplemental oxygen (and I'm not talking about me) - is a traveler. 29 cruises to date. She has four planned for just this year.

That meeting gave me hope. Hope that I can continue to live life fully despite the limitations I have going on. No need to sit around feeling sorry for myself. In fact, just last night hubby said he was proud of me. Proud of me for getting out there and living life. Not many people with lungs like yours would go on a cruise, let alone do everything you've just done, he tells me.

Heck, if Scooter likes driving me into town for Thai food over nothing but bumpy wooden walkways (ouchy on the rump),  loves hanging out over the edge of a cruise ship ledge, and has fun going down (not so fun going up) the ramps to see Multomah Falls who knows where she'll take me next!

Day 825

Now I can say I've been to Skagway, Alaska in May, in June, and in July. No matter the month it is always beautiful. Here's a taste.

Day 824

The ship goes all out on formal night. Escargot. Caviar. Tofu wraps. Lobster and prawns. Pheasant. Beef Wellington. And good ole Baked Alaska for dessert. Plus cake for kiddo's 25th birthday. Can you say stuffed?

Day 823

When we were cruising Tracey Arm I took lots of pictures of icebergs, rock striations, and of the glacier itself. But the picture of the moon and the other landscape one are certainly my favorites.

Day 822

Two pictures taken on the same night at the same time - about 3 AM - from the balcony of our cabin. One of the moon's reflection off the ocean. The other the light in the land of the Midnight Sun.