Now I've had a chance to think on my favorite sightseeing time away from a cruise I would think back to a warm memory from May '09 Ketchikan, Alaska when I did a shore excursion with HAL that was an afternoon sea kayaking.

The weather was wonderfully warm, around 15 C or around 60 F, and we spent a few hours first learning how to kayak and then explored the small coves and bays around the area under a bright sunny, cloudless day. I really loved the experience as it was so tranquil it was relaxing even though you were physically putting out some degree of effort which I noticed later in the day in my arms and shoulders. Our group of around ten with guides even managed to sneak up on a small deer on an island we passed and it seemed to stare back with almost as much curiosity as we were showint it.

The guides were friendly, professional and added to the whole experience paddling over to take your picture, explain the area, etc. so it made for a very pleasant day and has made me consider taking a longer kayak trip maybe in B.C. or Alaska. I'm no photographer but one shot I took with my little Canon digital turned out quite well so have used it for screensavers, etc. as it's a warm memory on a cold Canadian winter day.

FWIW I enjoy trying different things while on shore excursions such as sea kayaking or rock climbing, both of which I tried for the first time in Alaska. I'm reading the shore excurions list for an upcoming HAL E.Carib cruise in Jan. '11 and am drawn to more of the slightly active variety like snorkelling or scuba but the hard part seems deciding which ones to take.