Back from cruzin'

Eric and Kathryn in Valdez, Alaska

It was a family thing.  We celebrated the lives of Kathryn's mom and dad while on the Noordam, a cruise ship of Holland America.  Kathryn and her siblings released their parents' ashes into the sea in what was an emotional farewell.  The rest of the time on the two week sojourn was spent visiting, dining, and enjoying shore trips together.

I say "dining" because I seemed to have found the ten pounds that I lost earlier this year.  Morning and evening meals were collectively taken in the dining area where my normal 15 minute meals turned into an hour and a half of culinary experiences.  The time was well spent though as the ten of us (5 siblings and their partners) had a rare opportunity to visit.

It was a good chance for me to do some photography, although the weather wasn't particularly helpful in that manner.  I did get some good photos of some birds and mammals and even saw a few whales on the trip.  Viewing the glaciers was also interesting, although the ones we saw have been retreating at an astonishing pace.  I can imagine also that the view of the mountains would have been impressive for many that saw their majesty for the first time.  I was less intrigued but still enjoyed the view.  I did manage to get some good landscapes while out there.

I also managed to finish the 4th edition of my book on DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras; I revised the first four chapters and added two additional ones.  I start teaching the course on Monday next week.

All tolled, it was a fun and productive time.  Sad too though, saying good bye to Kathryn's parents for the last time.  Any way you look at it, it was a good way to go.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com