North to Alaska 2018

In the days ahead I'll be sharing some photos from my trip to Alaska on Holland America's Zaandam (August 27, 2018 to September 10, 2018). Keep in mind that I don't consider myself a "typical cruiser." For example, some folks enjoy the nightly entertainment, the endless food, or shopping in ports. I'm more interested in the scenic beauty, the nature and wildlife to be seen, and, especially, the operation of the ship. I snapped the shot above on August 30, as the Zaandam was winding its way into the narrow Tracy Arm fjord. As I'm posting this picture I'm wondering why I didn't give the ship's bell a ring ... it just didn't occur to me at the moment. Next time for sure.

MS Zaandam

The MS Zaandam is a part of Holland America's fleet of cruise ships. In the photo above, taken on September 24, 2018, she is docked at Pier 91 in Seattle. She has just completed a summer season of back-to-back 14 day cruises round-trip Seattle to Alaska. When she leaves Seattle tonight she will be doing what is called, in the cruise industry, a repositioning. After a stop in Vancouver, BC, she will head down the West Coast and on to South America for the winter season. Here are some of the ports she will visit: Santa Barbara, San Diego, Manzanillo, Huatulco, Puerto Quetzal, Corinto, Fuerte Amador, Manta, and cruising the Straits of Magellan.

You've got to look closely at the photo, but behind the ship you can see Mt Rainier in the distance.

The weather today has been absolutely perfect. Mostly blue skies and very comfortable temperatures. After snapping the Zaandam, I couldn't resist a photo of the Space Needle. Seeing it from this angle is a little bit unusual. The Needle has been undergoing a $100 million remodel. They are nearly finished but the restaurant, near the top, has not yet reopened.

Harvest Moon 2018

Nearly Full Harvest Moon
6:06 AM September 24, 2018

Tradition has it that this month's Full Moon be called the Harvest Moon. According to timeanddate.com September's Full Moon will occur in Seattle this evening at 7:52 PM. The photo above was taken this morning at 6:06 AM just before moonset. The scene is looking out from Seattle across Puget Sound to the west with Elliott Bay Marina in the lower part of the photo.

Autumn in Seattle Once Again

One of a series of postcard images copyrighted by S S Porter in 1906, featuring the change of seasons, seems especially appropriate for today. We like the bears and rabbits and the drawing nailed up behind them. Be sure to notice baby bear carrying the most important thing: LUNCH.
(The Autumn season, in Seattle, begins today, September 22nd, at 6:54 PM PDT.)

Almost Full Moon glides to the western horizon and shines
across Puget Sound.
September 21, 2018  2:31 AM

After a really long break we're trying to get the office here at John's Island open again and get the crew (me) back to work. It's challenging but we're hopeful!

Summer Break Continues

Snapped about 20 minutes before moonset, July 27th
July Full Moon over Puget Sound
Royal Carribean Explorer of the Seas (left) and
MS Bob Hope, at anchor (right)
July 27, 2018, 5:08 AM

Update from John
August 5, 2018

Hello Blogging Friends! I hope all is well with you. This summer I'm taking a somewhat longer break than usual regarding all internet activity. This is partly due to some travel but also because I'm finding it healthy to take occasional breaks from the 24/7 news cycle. My current plan is to resume posting here on the blog sometime in the early fall, when, once again it will be more enjoyable to be working inside rather than enjoying the great outdoors. Take care and be well.

Happy 4th of July!

To all friends, followers, and visitors ... Happy Independence Day! Today is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Scarce American Flag Postcard
by artist Ellen Hattie Clapsaddle
(January 8, 1865 - January 7, 1934)
She was the most prolific souvenir/postcard and greeting card artist of her era.
Note: 48-star flag prior to July 4, 1959.

Here at John's Island we are in the midst of a summer break. We'll be back for more fun posting in the blogosphere and will catch up with your blog in the not too distant future.

Back of the unused card.

In the meantime, let us leave you with the following fascinating fact ...
Americans consume roughly 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July — enough to stretch from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles five times.
     -- Wikipedia

Rock n Roll

Welcome to John's Island

Rock And Roll Marathon

The Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon took place on June 9. This year the runners went right by my place. It was neat to see thousands of folks running by. This popular race has rock bands set up every few miles along the route.

Great day for a marathon.

About an hour after the race started I went down to the street. The guy in
red shorts has just passed the 1 Mile Marker and is taking a moment
to chat with one of the race officials. One mile 
in an hour and three minutes. Nice pace!

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Farmers Market is Back

The Magnolia Farmers Market is Saturdays, June through October.
Here, on June 2, the strawberries look great!

$15 for a bouquet of flowers ... how does that sound?

Got a kick out of the little boy waiting for his breakfast
of mini pancakes. These things ARE delicious!

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Flowers are Back

A few snaps of flowers in the neighborhood taken on walks ...

Do you like irises?

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Woodpecker is Back

Do you remember the woodpecker story from my March 10, 2016 post? He's back! He loves to perch on the neighbor's chimney and alert the entire neighborhood to his presence.

Check out more critter pics at Saturday's Critters. Thanks to Eileen for hosting!

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Cruise Ships are Back

The Alaska cruise season is underway. Ships are in port here in Seattle nearly every day for the next few months. My best photo ops are in the early morning as the ships arrive.

Holland America Amsterdam
June 10th  5:07 AM

Carnival Legend
June 12th  5:23 AM

Holland America Eurodam
June 2nd  5:03 AM

Carnival Legend
June 12th  5:27 AM

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas
June 15th  5:01 AM
Be sure to note the Giant Screen TV Midship!
Wonder if anyone was watching at 5 AM?

Washington State Ferry
June 10th  5:06 AM

Historic Ship Watch

The Palaces of the Pacific

As you can imagine, my fascination with ships is carried over to my collection of vintage travel memorabilia. The Palaces of the Pacific brochure is fairly rare. It was published by the Great Northern Pacific Steamship Company in 1915. There are some really neat pages detailing tours to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Brochure published 1915 by
Great Northern Pacific Steamship Company
for
SS Great Northern
SS Northern Pacific

Palaces of the Pacific
between
San Francisco and Portland

Typical interior page.
Love the lower photo of cruisers on deck.
Note the attire!

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Sky Watch

May 28th  5:02 AM
As the full moon was slipping below the clouds I unexpectedly caught
the AirLift Emergency Helicopter as it passed through the scene. 

A sunset over the Olympic Mountains from the archives.

Check out more sky pics at Skywatch Friday  Thanks to Yogi for hosting!

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Looking Back

Snapped this five years ago today - June 16, 2013
Volunteer Park, Seattle, WA
Lilly Pond

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Closing Thought ...
Maturity consist in no longer being taken in by oneself.
     Heimito von Doderer

Thank you for stopping by John's Island.