Our Pacific North West Cruise

We were invited on this cruise by Debbie & Steve Opfer to help celebrate their parents' 60th Wedding Anniversary. (Steve is on the left, with Dan (Debbie's twin) & wife in the center) There were 3 older couples and 9 of us "young ones!" Don Converse (at right), had liver cancer, so the family knew that this would probably be his last big vacation.
Our ship left the Port of Long Beach on Sunday afternoon, June 14 at 5:30 p.m.

Here are Kirk & I at the first "dress-up" night dinner. The food was delicious and our server, a Christian man from the Philippines, was excellent!

Betty Kimes & I worked out a few times in the on-board gym.

Here's Kirk as we got closer to the Astoria Bridge in Astoria, OR. I can't imagine trying to dock a ship that size! It would be like trying to park a city! We pulled in to Astoria at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and were met my Vicki & Michael Sullivan.

Vicki was selling here handmade porcelain beads, necklaces, silver jewelry & other lovely pieces there on the dock. They moved to Astoria last year after living in Whittier for all of their lives. Michael graciously took us in his car and showed us around the town. First he took us to Fort Clatsop where Lewis & Clark wintered on their famous trek west from 1802-1804.
(If you live in the Portland area, Micahel IS a Santa Claus. I can connect you with him, if you want him to come to a party, etc.)

Here, Michael & Kirk are reading the scoop about the berries, fish & fresh water that L&C found in this area.

Here is the re-creation of Ft. Clatsop. Because L&C kept such detailed notes about their findings & surroundings, historians were easily able to rebuild this fort to their specifications.

Here is the outdoor cooking area.

Michael then drove us up to "The Column," a 125 foot tower at the top of the hill. Here is part of the expansive view from that hill. I believe this shot is looking toward the Columbia River.

Here is a sample canoe from L&C's time there.

Our room had a lovely balcony! We propped the door open everyday to get fresh air and to hear the sound of the ship swishing through the water. Here we are pulling into Victoria, BC.

Betty, Lynn Weber & I spent most of the day touring Victoria on the Big Bus. It has the roof off, so you can see easily the sites. Since we had all been there before, we didn't really want to walk all over. Kirk & others rented mo-peds and spent the day zooming around the city.

Here were are leaving Victoria, BC. We also did the Big Bus in Vancouver, BC. It's a great way to quickly see a city. Then you can go back to specific places, if you want.

We had a beautiful sunset as we left Vancouver. That night, Don was taken to the infirmary, as he was getting weaker each day. The doctor confirmed that his liver & kidneys had quit working and that it was a matter of time before he passed away. He boldly told the doctor that he was a Christian and was not afraid to die. He had no regrets and he knew he would go to heaven. The doctor was quite amazed at Don's attitude. Don went back to their room, where he died peacefully at 6:30 the next morning, Friday.
Friday was supposed to be the night we celebrated their anniversary, but of course we didn't. It was bittersweet. We were all glad to be there to support the family, yet it was sad for all of us. The ship employees took care of so many details and the Converse family are/were impressed with their care and respect for privacy.
We sailed for 2 more days, and arrived back to Long Beach on Sunday morning, June 21. Don's memorial service was on Kirk's birthday, June 25th. It was a happy occasion as we all remembered him as a man who loved to share Christ with others, who loved his Lord & his family.

Astoria on Dwellable