Home at last. The final chapter

We board our ferry on Friday and arrive in Juneau about 3 am today - Monday. Are we happy to be home?  You betcha. 

We had a few hours of fog but mostly all sunshine and blue skies. A few hours of rock and roll but not much.  

Commanding the bridge of the ferry COLUMBIA. 

Just before lunch Sunday the pilot sent for Ellen and I beckoning us to the bridge to join him.  When we got there the officers of the deck snapped a beautiful crisp salute.

"Welcome to the COLUMBIA, Captain Cook, sir "

It was impressive. I have not been a real officer for 40 years so the title was honorary.  But a nice touch none the less. 

They asked me to confirm my qualification and training.  I repeated what they already knew: 2 years as a US NAVY DENTIST.  

"You are good to go sir.  Attention on deck ! Captain Cook has the helm!"

I immediately directed them to overtake the barge in front of us passing them on their starboard.  

I pointed out what appeared to be pirates at 3 o'clock but the first mate suggested it was a gill netter and not a threat. 

I also spotted a possible submarine approaching from 9 o'clock but the first mate said it was a rock that had not moved much in the last 20 years.  

The crew of the Columbia has been reading the Blog of our travels and were fascinated with our exploits of tipping. Cow tipping. Tree tipping and Harley tipping.  So at their request I demonstrated for them some FERRY TIPPING FROM THE HELM.  

The crew bought dinner for Ellen and I. 

Ah. It was indeed a good day and a warm welcome home to Alaska by the crew of the COLUMBIA.   Thank you and bless you all who make your  living at sea. 

Captain Cook takes the helm. 

Demonstrating ferry tipping. 

Stevens Pass to Bellingham

We took a slow scenic drive across from Wenatchee over Stevens Pass to Bellingham. We will camp for two nights in Ferndale waiting for our Ferry Friday.  We have driven coast to coast and back.  

We are ready for home.  We miss Juneau. No photos today. 

Cave B Winery and Lake Chelan Winery

We drove part way across Washington Tuesday. We lucked onto a jewel of a winery with and excellent restaurant and breathtaking views. 

Then we drove to Lake Chelan winery for dinner. 

All in all it was a super great day. 

Chelan campsites and hotels were all filled so we drove down the mountain to the edge of the river and found plenty of excellent campsites. 

Idaho- Gary and Lupe, Ross and Sheryn

We had a warm reunion with the Barrett family.  We all grew up together and it's been a long time.i loved to go to Gary And Sheryn's house to talk with their dad and to see what their mom was cooking. I was a regular their.    We did get to see Gary and Lupe this year in Juneau.  Gary and I were roommates at San Diego. And he got me interested in Dental School.  He was a very strict Methodist in college. No alcohol at all - unless someone else bought the beer.  :-). Then it was ok.