It was July 2008, and my wife and I were enjoying a three week exploring holiday in Alaska, We were in a group of around 15 people, mostly Brits, and were travelling around this wonderful state, and doing exciting things like kayaking along semi frozen rivers, fishing for supper, looking for bears (and finding them). Most visitors to Alaska never get to see Denali, as it is often covered in cloud, but we were lucky,

During this trip we took a boat trip to Glacier Alley, a full days journey around some of the most marvellous scenery you could wish for. The boat was very busy, with around 80 to 100 passengers, and being July there were families and couples aboard.

We spent some time siting inside, (in the warm) drinking coffee and chatting while watching the scenery glide by. Every few minutes I would go outside and walk around the deck to make sure we weren't missing something. It was quite cold outside and anoraks were needed.

As I progressed along the outer promenade, the boat lurched with a wave and I lost my balance and ended up bumping into a lady who was leaning of the deck rail. "So sorry." I ventured to her. She straightened and turned to me with a broad smile, "If the rest of you is as hard as your elbow, my name is Linda!".

Stunned, for a second, I blurted out "You're a Doll!".

Without further thought I continued my walking along the deck.

My mind was now racing, and my body was responding to those thoughts. I returned to my wife and the journey progressed, but I could not dismiss Linda from my thoughts.

I kept a look out for Linda, and she came inside, and sat with two men of her age, and I presumed one was her husband.

After some lunch, the boat made a stop at a small island and we were invited to disembark for a short walk.

The island stop was quite brief but most of the passengers took advantage of the chance to stretch their legs. my wife and I included.

When time came to reboard, my wife and I got separated, and I found myself standing next to Linda, I wanted to take in her features and remember that friendly face and smile.

It was crowded and jostling to climb back on board the vessel, and I deliberately invited Linda to go before me, and when she did I followed right close and place my hand on her bum, and gently squeezed - what a sensation, she pushed back on to my hand, as she enjoyed the intimate contact.

The trip was memorable for lots of reasons, but Linda outshone the scenery.

Leaving at the end of the journey she made a point of getting my attention and gave me a big smile and wave.

I was hoping I had a photo of her among all the glacier pics.