July 26, 2025

ICY STRAIT POINT, ALASKA, USA

We arrived to a drizzly quiet Port and since we were the only Ship in town, they choose to not operate their much toted Gondola and Zip lines, giving us very few options for excursions. Most of our fellow passengers opted for a Bear walking  tour and struck out while we went for the more adventurous option of driving 4x4's through the forest, with the hope of seeing some wildlife. The tour company bent the rules for us and still took our small group of 4 (they called in some of their off duty guide friends, to join us in making the minimum count of 6 ) and off we went. Our guide, was training another guide, and both were super informative and eager to share lots of knowledge with us! We started with a lesson in native berries and these Salmonberries were just ripening and delicious! We saw wild life, just not all that we were hoping to encounter. Still a fun time riding through the muddy trails!

Besides the tour we walked around the Port, explored the Salmon Cannery Museum and shops, and hiked the trail along the coast. We spotted some whales, but got no photos, as it happened so fast! 

By Pat Patrick • October 1, 2026
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!
By Pat Patrick • September 29, 2026
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.
By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.