Donna Hull

Alan and Donna

The travel bug is like an itch you can't quite scratch. We call it itchy feet. St. Augustine of Hippo, put it more eloquently, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page."

Come join us as we read the pages in our travel book and scratch our itchy feet!

I blog about baby boomer travel too. You can read more at: myitchytravelfeet




Travel Blog Posts


A Rainy Day in Seward

Published: November 2nd 2009North America » United States » Alaska » Seward
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Alan and Donna
September 16th 2009

After yesterday’s glorious outing in Hubbard Glacier, the weather gods pay us back with a rainy, overcast day in Seward. It’s the end of the road for some cruisers as the first segment of our url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/ Vancouver to Singpoare cruise ends. But, it’s just the beginning for another round of new guests. Alan and I look forward to catching up with our cruise friends, Jack and Sue, who are joining us for the Seward to Osaka portion of this adventure. Since Regent has not offered any excursions, I catch up on writing assignments while Alan walks the dock in the rain. Later, we learn that other cruisers rented cars for a wet drive out of town to view mountain scenery. The weather c... read more



Alan and Donna icon
Alan and Donna
September 15th 2009

It’s another early morning start today when url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/ Mariner goes exploring in Hubbard Glacier. Although Alan arrives in the Observation Lounge before 7 a.m., the prime window seats have already been saved with passengers’ cameras and coats. When I join Alan, Mariner is just entering Disenchantment Bay. On a clear autumn day, the Elias and Fairweather Mountain Ranges poke their glistening white peaks into a deep blue sky. Hubbard Glaciers jagged ice glows in the morning sun. We’re in luck to be the only ship here. Mariner has no viewing competition as the captain pirouettes the ship round and round so that all have a spectacular view. Gold, Platinum and Titanium cruisers (those with many days cruising with Regent) are invited to an outside area on the 8th deck for a specia... read more



Charming Sitka

Published: October 2nd 2009North America » United States » Alaska » Sitka
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Alan and Donna
September 14th 2009

Mariner passes by small, heavily forested islands as we approach through Sitka Sound this morning. Our destination? An Alaskan town where Russian influences mix with the Tlingit Indian culture in a scenic setting. While many passengers have chosen water or land adventures, Alan and I are taking a break from sponsored excursions. Sitka is just the place for a long walk on a beautiful, sunny day. After taking the tender to town, we walk past St. Michael’s Cathedral before browsing the gift shops. Continuing through the harbor area, Alan and I soon reach Sitka National Historical Park. Inside, Tlingit craftsmen demonstrate woodcarving, mask making and other native crafts. Eighteen totem poles decorate the forested trails of the park. Although signs warn of bear encounters, Alan and I are disappointed when we don’t meet any. Walking on ... read more



Alan and Donna icon
Alan and Donna
September 13th 2009

When Mariner docks in Skagway on a foggy morning, Alan and I wonder if we’ll be experiencing a repeat of our Juneau experience. But, the ticket says our Speedcat to Glacier Point excursion happens rain or shine. So off we go to paddle a canoe to the face of Davidson Glacier. As soon as we board the high-speed catamaran for the 1-hour ride to Glacier Point, it’s obvious that we’ve made the right decision. Our guide (whose name I forget to write down) is entertaining as well as knowledgeable. While the boat zips through the water, we watch for sea life and admire the views of hanging glaciers and waterfalls that decorate the deep fjord. Once on shore at Glacier Point, the group boards school buses for the short ride to a staging area to gear ... read more



Alan and Donna icon
Alan and Donna
September 12th 2009

Alan headed to the Observation Lounge at 7 this morning to make sure that we had ringside seats for url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/ Mariner's cruise up Tracy Arm, one of Alaska’s scenic fjords. I met him about thirty minutes later for our coffee with a view. As the ship sailed beside the sheer granite cliffs of the narrow fjord, lecturer, Terry Breen, provided the commentary. But, environmental regulations applying to Tracy Arm meant that her remarks could not be broadcast on the outside decks of the ship. So, the only way to hear Terry was to be in the Observation Lounge. You can imagine that our coffee came with quite a crowd, along with the spectacular view. Our good weather luck allowed Mariner to cruise 18 miles up Tracy Arm, much farther than ships are usually able to maneuver. ... read more



Now Alan wants a seaplane

Published: September 18th 2009North America » United States » Alaska » Ketchikan
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Alan and Donna
September 11th 2009

Remember when we visited New Zealand and Alan wanted a jet boat? Now he’s added a seaplane to the list. It all started when we docked in Ketchikan on a misty, gray day. Holland America’s Westerdam ship passed by our balcony, and passed by our balcony, then passed by our balcony some more. What a huge ship. I peaked over the railing to see that our ship, Mariner, was wedged between the Westerdam on the left and a large RCL ship on the right. It was going to be a busy day in port. Colorful buildings spill down the hillside in Ketchikan, coming right up to the dock, making it easy for cruising shop-a-holics to wander from jewelry store to jewelry store. Alan and I hoped to leave most of them behind as we searched for ... read more



Alan and Donna icon
Alan and Donna
September 10th 2009

Surprise! Alan and I are back on a ship again. This time, we're cruising on Regent Seven Seas Mariner url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/ starting in Vancouver and ending in Singapore . In case you didn't count up the days, there are 52 of them (excluding crossing the International Date Line). Today, we're cruising the Inside Passage on our way to Alaskan ports. The sun is shining and we're pleasantly surprised that it's warm and sunny enough to enjoy breakfast on the back deck of La Veranda. As we sip coffee, heavily forested islands slip by. And, the sea is so smooth that it feels like Mariner is sailing on glass. Yesterday, we flew from Tucson to Vancouver, keeping our fingers crossed that we'd make it to the ship on time. We were among the last to check in. A ... read more



Visiting the World's Oldest Desert

Published: September 4th 2009Africa » Namibia » Walvis Bay
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Alan and Donna
November 24th 2008

It's a cold day, shrouded in clouds as Mariner arrives in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Groups of unemployed men, lounging around the docks, add to the gloomy atmosphere. As our tour vehicle leaves the port, topless women from the Himba tribe, known for smearing red ochre on their bodies, spread their wares on the ground outside of the port gate. The only way to visit them is to walk through the dock area and out the gate, as our tour vehicles won't be stopping. We're headed out on the Treasures of the Namib Desert excursion. The vehicle drives through what there is of the town of Walvis Bay before continuing on to Namib-Naukflut Park. The hot, dusty drive introduces us to desolate hills and valleys reminiscent of a lunar landscape. Alan and I realize that we've chosen ... read more



Alan and Donna icon
Alan and Donna
November 21st 2008

Yesterday was shark day. Today, it's the penguins' turn and they prove to be better subjects. The group has loved Birkenhead so much that Ngaire, our travel agent, arranges for a late check-out plus lunch around the pool area. We're thrilled to spend a few extra hours in this beautiful location. The back patio overlooking the ocean has been calling Alan for a little early morning whale watching. This morning he makes it down for the spectacular scene. I catch up with him for breakfast and a cappuccino. Then we explore the property before lunch beside the pool with three tables of travel friends who are all looking forward to our cruise from Cape Town to Rio. Of course the tomato appetizer, fish cake and brownie dessert were delicious. The entire Birkenhead staff waves goodbye as ... read more



Alan and Donna icon
Alan and Donna
November 20th 2008

Great white sharks. Who wouldn't mind adding them to their life list of wildlife sightings? The main reason Alan and I are here in Hermanus is to see them. Oh, and to stay at the wonderful Birkenhead House . We wake this morning to the sound of the ocean. Will it be too windy for our great white shark viewing adventure? After an omelet breakfast in the dining room, we sit on the back patio watching whales playing in the ocean. Steps from the property, a walking path meanders along the coast. It's tempting to stay here for the day to explore on our own. Ngaire, from Brown and Keene Travel, gets the call. There's some wind but the adventure is a go. Soon our small group is boarding the White Shark Ecoventures... read more






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