Belle France/ Beautiful France

If you saw my last post or if  you follow me on Instagram, you will know that Bill and I have been on a magical trip to France. 

I have a confession to make. I've always thought that the allure of France may be a tad overblown. 

I mean, you can't enter a Michael's or Target without seeing the Eiffel tower on some sort of trinket.

 How could one place be so magical, romantic, gorgeous, quaint, precious, and beautiful? 

I have no idea but France is all of those things and much, much more.  

There is rich history at every turn.

There were sites so beautiful that I literally wanted to cry.

There were times when I couldn't believe I was seeing what I was seeing.

There was design, 

fashion, 

unbelievable art,

iconic cuisine,

breathtaking gardens,

and architecture.

There were times when we gasped at the beauty.

I am completely captivated.

France, beautiful France.
I'll be back with more.
Thanks for stopping by.
Katie 

Bucket List

You will probably be sick of me by the time I am finally finished blogging about our trip to Alaska. 
I have come to the conclusion that it should be a mandatory trip for every American. 
Alaska is breathtaking!
I am sure it will be considered one of our favorite vacations.
We are so blessed and thankful to have been given the opportunity. 

Fireweed

  
We learned so much about the state, the flora and the wildlife.  

It was a bucket list experience.
Cruising wasn't on my list but

I will confess that I used to watch The Love Boat.
Those early impressions were indelibly printed on my memory. 
I fully expected there to be scads of people lined up waving goodbye to loved ones. 
There were a few.

I realized that I needed to set my Love Boat inspired notions aside until we found this in our room. 



We all celebrated as we set sail.



There is an aspect of this trip that gives impetus to other bucket list experiences. 
Most of us had the feeling that we had to do as much as we could fit in. 

A huge thrill was riding on a float plane at our first stop in Ketchikan. 

The day was foggy, cold and rainy. It was exactly the kind of weather I imagined. 
We landed on a lake and stepped out onto the floats.
 This picture taken of my husband sums it all up.

I think I may be moving to Alaska!



Magical and Beautiful!

We also took a helicopter up to the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. 
I have always wanted to ride in a helicopter.
It was fun, scary and exhilarating.

I was thrilled I didn't lose my lunch!

We spent about a half an hour looking around. 

and taking pictures.

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour

We also took a train up into the mountains. 
It's something I have wanted to do since I watched Jillian's season of The Bachlorette! 

I don't really care for heights.
I don't really care for risk.

White Pass Scenic Railway

I am very afraid of scenic overlooks and mountain passes.
Absolute panic attack-afraid.

White Pass Scenic Railway

For some reason these fears were never factored into whether I would do these excursions because we were in Alaska!

White Pass Scenic Railway

They were part of the bucket list.
 I've gotten some major stuff crossed off so I guess I need to add a few more things to it.
Zip lining through a rainforest?
I hope so. 
What's on your bucket list?  
Katie 

Linking with,
French Country Cottage