Here’s Joel and me kayaking a very big lake (see picture below), an activity offered by our cruise ship while in Prince Rupert two days ago. We were placed in kayaks with no instructions, no leader to speak of, and it rained intermittently. I got soaked from the rain and from water falling from the paddles. Joel and I paddled and paddled and paddled for 2 hours as we followed some kayakers, while we kayaked ahead of others (none of us felt sure where we were supposed to go). When all 40 of us got back to our cruise ship, I knew where I was going…straight to the Destination Desk to show them my soaking wet clothes and to give them some advice for the kayak company. After showering and getting relaxed, I was surprised to realize that my memories were all good…beautiful lake, surrounded by gorgeous trees…and no aches or pains! Jane, our personal trainer extraordinaire, should be proud.

Our Regent Cruise ship was ultra-deluxe with great food and lovely service. Our suite was spacious and had its own deck. One of their activities, a rain-forest walk which was followed by boating right next to whales (!) was superb. The entertainment was perfect, and the various lounges were out of House Beautiful, with wine and treats flowing all day and all night. So why… oh why…did I feel less alive with each passing day? Joel and I both came to the conclusion that we are not cruise people. My feet only touched the earth (or kayak) for approximately 16 of the 168 hours that made up that week.

Thank goodness we did not come straight home. Being here at Abigail’s, a charming boutique hotel in Victoria (see picture above), we are once again marching to our own drummer. We actually just completed a 4 mile walk to tour a beautifully restored Victorian-era 25,000 sq. foot home (Craigdarroch Castle…you can google it, if you like). The first thing I did, just 5 minutes into our walking trip, was to hug a tree! It’s so good to be down to earth again.