Juneau, AK

Forward lounge on Fairweather

After leaving Sitka, we boarded the high-speed ferry for Juneau.   This thing went 35-37 knots cutting through the inside passage.   Saw several whales, but by the time someone said where to look, the ferry was already past them.   Did see some Orcas though.   That was totally cool.  Took a picture, but you can't really tell what it is, so again you will have to take my word for it that we actually saw them.



Wake from engines on high-speed ferry

Coming into Juneau

When we arrived in Juneau it was rainy (again), but that wasn't anything new.   We set up camp at the Mendenhall Campground on the outskirts of town.   Beautiful wooded sites, with lots of space between campsites.   Even on Memorial Day weekend the place wasn't full.  On full bear alert, we waited to spot a bear, but no such luck.   I guess we weren't tempting enough.

Went out to Mendenhall Glacier to explore.   Boy, that was something to see.  Again a geologist's dream come true.  AN ACTUAL GLACIER!!


Mendenhall Glacier in background

Hiked out to the glacier to get as close as we could.  Could have taken a helicopter ride over the glacier and actually landed, but again you know me and flying.  That certainly was NOT going to happen.   I'm just fine with my sightseeing on the ground.   The glacier was pretty impressive up close and Nugget Waterfalls was stunning.  You could walk right up to it and feel the mist on your face.   Rather chilly, but what an experience.  One lady, on the trail, told us to look for mountain goats along the edges of the falls, but didn't see any.



Mendenhall Glacier

Nugget Falls



Mini-Icebergs in lake in front of glacier

The lake in front of the glacier was a light blue and murky from the silt coming off the glacial melt.  Great kayaking lake Jennifer and Susie.  David said that he was going to put on his wetsuit and sit on a chunk of ice, but I think it was too cold to even do that.

After viewing the glacier we went into Juneau (along with the other thousands of people off the cruise ships) to just look around and do a little shopping.  There were 5 cruise ships in at one time. 

Cruise ships in port

All kinds of tour deals to be had

Couldn't resist taking picture with Sarah

Roads in Juneau (way too narrow)

We drove out to a local gold mine thinking that we would be able to go in and take a tour.   The sign said that they were open, but it appeared they were ONLY open for people off the cruise ships.  Rather disappointing.   But the drive there was interesting.

Road out to gold mine



After wandering downtown, we went out to the Shrine of St. Therese.  Beautiful setting on a small island.  Very peaceful.

Did our usual wildlife searching.   Found a porcupine and some arctic terns.   No bears, moose or other large mammals to be seen.   Will continue the search.  Headed out of Juneau on the last leg of our ferry adventure, destination Haines, AK.   This is only a four hour trip.   Will update again when we can.  From Haines we are driving north towards Anchorage, so cell phone service and I know wifi service will be next to none.  

Arctic Tern

Yes, that is a porcupine.  He/She did not cooperate taking pictures

More later, as we continue northward in our ongoing quest for adventure.   Well OK, not really a quest, but you get the idea.   Love to all,  Felicia and David (aka Mom and Dad)