When you all read this I will be sailing the inland passage to Alaska for the second time in my life.  I am fortunate to be able to do this.  The first time was over 10 years ago and it was an incredible experience at that time.  Why?  Because, even though I was over 400 pounds and could barely get around I was able to enjoy the majestic scenery of Alaska, the glaciers and Vancouver, B.C. 

What’s going to be different this time?  These are just the differences I have thought about before taking the trip.  I am sure many, many more will come to light as I explore Alaska, Victoria and Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.  Here goes:

• Getting through the airports will not be so exhausting that I have no energy left to enjoy the first afternoon/evening on the cruise ship;
• Speaking of cruise ship, I will fit in the bathroom and the shower with ease in those tiny cabins;
• I will actually be able to bend over in the shower and shave my legs, if I choose;
• I will not be living from meal to meal, with dinner being the most exciting time of the day for me;
• I will plan to exercise each day in the fitness center on board the ship instead of looking for a place to sit down and grab a piece of ……;
• If I choose to dress up for formal nights I will have a great time doing it and strutting my stuff in elegant evening wear on the arm of my adorable husband;
• When we helicopter to the glacier to hike around I will only need to purchase one seat on the helicopter rather than one for each cheek;
• I’ll actually walk around on the glacier instead of standing in one place fearful that if I fall on the ice I will not be able to get up;
• I am looking forward to using my own two legs to wander around Butchart Gardens while docked in Victoria, instead of figuring out a way to be driven around because I can’t walk;
• I’m looking forward to meeting folks from all over the world and sharing relaxing good times with them instead of hiding from the world in shame and embarrassment.

All in all, this will be a great trip at less than 1/2 the size I was the first time around.  I am excited to live new experiences in my new refreshed, invigorated and much healthier body.

More on my trip when I return with lots of pictures.