October 1, 2026, Alaska Trip

 

Ketchikan Excursion

 

I’ve been to Ketchikan before,

Just a few years ago.

A bit colder this time around,

I’m glad there was no snow.

 

I wore a jacket, hat, and gloves.

We rode a raft-like boat.

The motor made it go so fast

To island quite remote.

 

We cast aside life jackets then

And hiked into the woods.

It was a little warmer there.

We also took off hoods.

 

The guide told us of Hemlock trees

That were so very old.

He showed us slimy off-green slugs,

“Banana slugs” we’re told.

 

He told us how natives in past

Would use mushrooms and roots.

We saw two hungry ravens.

They acted in cahoots.

 

After our hike concluded then

We had delicious snacks.

The ravens both took chances when

We had all turned our backs.

 

The scenery was beautiful

Blue sky, thick clouds and trees.

And then I shopped for souvenirs.

I spend a lot with ease.

 

Back on the ship we ate our fill

Played Splendor, took a nap.

Next day would be a sailing day,

A time for us to pack.

October 1, 2026, Alaska Trip

 

Entering Ketchikan

 

A secluded cove.

A pine-covered hill.

A large white cross.

Still waters.

Lights in the distance.

Small fishing boat out to sea.

Adventure awaits.

September 30, 2026, Alaska Trip

 

Observing in the Observation Lounge

 

Sun shone through the large window.

A Japanese lady did Tai Chi.

 

Others were reading, eating, chatting or

watching the gentle movement of the sea.

 

I enjoyed hot tea and cookies.

I stared out the window.

 

The sun sparkled on the gray ripples

which stretched out to a gray horizon.

 

Waiters stood ready to clean up

the messes guests left behind.

 

We learned if you want to keep your plate,

hang on to it or it would be swooped up.

 

Somewhere further forward, soft tunes played.

These moments made me feel truly blessed.

 

 

September 30, 2026, Poetic Asides Purpose

 

Hope in the Grand Design

 

The rainbow shone like a spotlight

on the gray ripples of the sea.

The mountains loomed

like sleeping monsters.

The gray clouds hovered above me.

 

The hope of the rainbow overpowered

the seriousness of the mountains

and the gloominess of the clouds and sea,

and I desired to shine and cheer

through the grayness like the rainbow.

 

But mountains, clouds, and sea

are part of the grand design.

So, when I’m not shining and cheerful,

but serious, or even gloomy,

I know I still have a purpose.

 

September 30, 2026, Alaska Trip

 

Glacier Bay

 

The mist obscured the views today.

What could we see in Glacier Bay?

At least the rain no longer poured.

The views today, the mist obscured.

 

Then, in a while, a hill appeared.

We got dressed up in winter gear.

Out on the balcony in cozy style

A hill appeared, then, in a while.

 

The fog did clear, we were in awe.

It’s hard to describe what we saw.

The sun shone on the mountain near.

We were in awe, the fog did clear.

 

Glacial ice, gray, white and blue

We so enjoyed the icy hue

The rocky scene was worth the price.

Gray, white and blue, glacial ice.

 

September 29, 2026, Alaska Trip

 

Skagway Train

 

We stood in line, waiting for train

An hour plus right in the rain

We hoped that it would soon be fine

Waiting for train, we stood in line

 

At last, all wet, we took a seat

With windows fogged, and our cold feet

Then saw some sights we’d not forget

We took a seat, at last, all wet

 

We heard about the days of old

When many men came there for gold

They suffered much, without a doubt

The days of old, we heard about.

 

I stood outside between the cars

And held on tight to rail and bars

Was such a pretty mountain ride

Between the cars, I stood outside.

 

It’s worth the wait, we must admit

We took great pics of all of it

The trees, the cliffs, the falls were great

We must admit, it’s worth the wait

 

September 29, 2026, Alaska Trip

 

 

Treasure

 

T oday I

R each up to You,

E xpressing my love and

A ppreciation for the

S ecurity I have in You.

U ltimately, when my mind is troubled, I

R ely on Your grace, love and mercy

E ach and every day. Remind me to do that more.