Black bears in Alaska

North America-Alaska-Ketchikan One of my main goals for going to Alaska was to see black bears catching wild salmon in the rivers. I  had seen it before a few times on television. So took a float plane to Prince Wales island which is about 15 minutes from Ketchikan . Had about a 10 minute walk to a river. Waited about 40 minutes or so and hey presto a black bear appears. Spend about 2 hours there and seen about 6 bears. One was a mother with cubs. It was amazing and fantastic to see. I had planned to go earlier in the season , but you can only see bears from end of July ( which is when this trip was ) onwards. This was the second week the bears had started coming down to the river. A great add on trip and worth it and the great views from the old plane as well. 

I think the caption beside the stamps says it all. - Alaskan black bear goes fishing for salmon in Southwest Alaska. 

Ketchikan Alaska

North America-Alaska-Ketchikan This was my first stop on the cruise starting in Vancouver. I had a few hours in the afternoon to look around after my visit to see black bears. It was a very nice to just walk around and take it all in. First time to Alaska and my last part of the North America to visit on this journey . 

A small post office with a shop. No selection of stamps. This is a standard Global stamp for mail outside USA and Canada. 

Victoria - British Columbia

North America-Canada-Vancouver Island-Victoria My final card from Victoria. This beautiful sunny day setting was exactly like it was on the day I was here. Lovely gardens and well kept streets. Well worth the trip from Vancouver 

I had ran out of stamps so just purchased these stamps from the local post office. No other selection available. No postmark on this one. 

Empress Hotel - Vancouver Island

North America-Canada-Vancouver Island-Victoria This is the famous Empress hotel where I had afternoon tea. It was very nice, but nothing we would not have in Europe. But loved the history of the hotel . 

This card past the Canadian Postal system with no cancel. Not the first time . 

Victoria British Columbia

North America-Canada-Victoria  It is the Parliament Building for British Columbia. It is an impressive site especially coming by boat from Vancouver. Very well maintained city 

A standard Definitive stamp. I posted this locally and at least it got a postmark unlike the rest. 

Vancouver Cruise Port

North America-Canada-Vancouver This is the stepping stone to my next trip Alaska . So this postcard showing a cruise ship is perfect. Starting a Holland America cruise. My last one with them was around South America. I had seen quite a bit of Vancouver on my last two trips. Liked the city and the vibe. 

Visited a main Post office. Very modern looking and had a full selection of stamps. One showing 50 years since the moon landing. I remember watching that on TV in blank and white. Those were the days..... 

Calgary - Canada

North America-Canada-Calgary Had a new direct flight from Dublin to Calgary and then on to Vancouver. So only a airport stop. I had always wanted to visit  here, but could not do on this time. 

Posted this card in Vancouver when I arrived there as could not buy any stamps at Calgary airport to mail the card from there.