Frimpong takes a cruise to Alaska- by Jan Myers

I have been truly honoured to be offered the opportunity to visit Alaska with Jan and Milana, who were taking their holiday by going on a cruise there this year. When they invited me along I knew I would have a very enjoyable time as you will see in the images that follow. More importantly however, I felt very privileged to visit an area that was the dream of many an intrepid traveller before me. Alaska is the state that extends the shoulder of America in a westward greeting into the Pacific Ocean. It has fascinated many explorers and travellers for many years in search of new frontiers and new discoveries; it has inspired writers,poets,artists and film-makers and above all it is a region where bears are welcomed!

The poet Sheila Nickerson was the state's poet laureate from 1977 to 1981. In the following poem,you will notice how well she understands the essence of the grizzly bear, in this wonderful landscape.

"Home of the North Star,
I roam the night sky
as well as the north woods.
Nothing escapes me.
They have called me
Owner of the Earth,
Pride of the Woodland,
Forest Apple, Light Foot,
believing my strength flows
from a secret honey in my paws.
What they do not know
who worship me in fear
is the hunger:
the immensity of the search."

Setting off on our cruise to Alaska	Cruising in icy country	Cruising the Inland Passage	You need a good warm sweater here
Trying on a new windcheater	Still exploring this fine liner	Whew - now I need to relax for a little while!	A prime seat in the piano bar
Ah, this is the way to relax!!!!!!	Captain Lars and Captain Frimpong	Captain Lars clowning around....	Checking my fur before dinner.....
Frimpong and Dante	Dante shows me the lobster tank	Dante and I are greeting guests....	View from the Internet Cafe.
Wish You Were Here......	No, Tony...I won't sing along!	Crew members	Fellow guests
A night at the theatre	Ready to disembark	Look how high we are!	On the Tram
Now you see how I reached such a dizzy height!	The Red Dog Saloon.	A chilly spot to wait for this fine old train	Here I got a tutorial in reversing a train
This makes me dizzy!