Cruising in the Pacific

Dear Library Followers


We’re on our way, leaving the Port of Seattle, for the waters of our largest state, Alaska! The ship loomed gigantic as we drove up to the dock. She (ships are called “she”) has 12 decks and carries 2,000 passengers. I was really excited as we boarded. I had to tell them that I DID NOT have a runny nose, nor did I have a FEVER, so I DID NOT have to see the ship’s doctor!

From Deck 5 I could watch the workers load all the baggage and the containers of food for our voyage. The cranes lifted hundreds of pounds at a time as they transferred it from the dock to the ship.

Before we could “sail away” all the passengers had to muster…gather at certain places on the decks and learn what to do in case of an emergency. I am so glad they have enough smaller boats on this large ship for us to use if we need to.

We walked through the ship from bow to stern, top to bottom, to survey our home for the next week. Everything we need is here…restaurants, play areas, resting places (lounges), entertaining areas (theaters), a chapel, a LIBRARY!!, shops, a swimming pool…BRRRRR. I will have plenty to keep me busy.

Our stateroom has its own balcony and chairs, so I can sit outside and watch for whales with my binoculars. I have my own fur coat to add extra warmth…but it is still pretty cold as the ship moves through the ocean. Last week, this ship passed though pods of whales migrating north to Alaska to feed, and 300 humpback whales were spotted!!! I need to look for a “puff of smoke” above the water, that is the whale exhaling water from his blow hole. Each whale is as long as a schoolbus and weighs 90,000 pounds!!


The lady naturalist onboard told us all about the trip, the names of the different bays , straights, and arms of water, and the animals we should watch for. Of course, I KNOW all about the different bears in Alaska…the black bears and the brown bears. I’m sure you can look them up in a book or on the internet.


Well, back to my whale watching! I’ll keep you posted!


Your Traveling Reporter.


L.L. Bear

PS!!! Whales have been spotted!!! Do you see the pectoral fin (side fin) in this photo? WOW!!! AND porpoises, too…right outside our balcony!

L.L. Bear sez: Remember to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets

June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music

June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales

June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns

July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals

July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad

July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories

July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event