Oftentimes when people think of cruising they think about Caribbean getaways and beach trips. Maybe they think of Europe and cruising the Baltic. Or maybe they think of crossing the Atlantic on an ocean liner as their relatives did in the past. There are many regions to cruise, but today I want to focus on one region alone. One that just so happens to be right in our backyard.

Alaska has always intrigued me. It’s part of the United States, yet it feels so disconnected. Maybe it’s because of the weather, but then again there are snowy landscapes and cold temperatures in many US states. Maybe it’s the landscapes. Maybe it’s the wildlife. Likely it’s a combination of all of these things.

Driving to Alaska from Seattle…

Ever since Home Depot made the scene in 1978 a popular three-letter acronym came into play, DIY. This is short for 'Do It Yourself' and I must admit this practice has been the catalyst for many marital disagreements between otherwise harmonious partners.

Some DIYers are more skilled than others, while there remain a few people that should not be allowed to buckle up the old tool belt or even attempt to climb a ladder… no less screw in a light bulb. (I’m just saying.)

Personally, I have been known from time to time to analyze a home-based project before determining that it is well within my mechanical…