2009-8-18 Juneau

After a night and full day at sea, we arrived in Juneau bright and early on Tuesday. 

Having been here before, I knew we could fairly inexpensively get to Mendenhall Glacier. With everyone in our group being on somewhat of a budget, I was trying to come up with cheap excursions to do on our own. There were crowds of people waiting for their busses and tours. We caught the shuttle to the downtown area where we bought tickets for the Glacier Express Shuttle for $6/person/each way and were on our way to Mendenhall Glacier.

I knew this was where we would be able to get pretty close to a glacier by land. Even though the day was overcast and dreary, the glacier was still impressive. David made the comment that he now knows were Tidy Bowl comes from!

A fellow cruise critic meet and greeter was here, too, and offered to take a group picture of us. This was after Ken tried to disappear into the bushes behind us. He had stepped back off of the trail and ended up hip deep in bushes. Bruised (physically and mentally), he made it back up ok and was even able to smile for the picture!  Carolyn elected to stay on board the ship---as did Uncle Joe. 

Again, I didn't make it to the visitor's center here at the park, but we did manage to spend a couple hours wandering around outside.

The sign here shows the different hikes and such that can be taken around the area. When Dad and I went here with our excursion, we were taken on an environmental hike into the woodlands.

Just another look back at the glacier.

Another area we spent awhile at was the boardwalk near where the shuttle from Mendenhall picked us up. There are resident bears here that sometime make their appearance. This little guy walked right up to David and stuck it's nose through the 3 foot high (or so) link fence that was along side the walkway. David thought about petting it, then regained his senses.

The salmon were running this time of year. Not sure what kind these guys are, but there were lots of them.

Our ride back on the shuttle was extremely entertaining although I'm not sure the driver meant to be. His stories had poor Carol doubled over in stitches half the time.

Back downtown, David wanted to go up the Mt. Robert's Tramway. He had been told that it was not to be missed. I had done this with Dad, too, but on a much sunnier and warmer day. I knew there was a restaurant up there and hiking trails. We forked out the $28/person and rode the tram. At the top, we did have a snack of nachos and some sodas in the little restaurant. Then came right back down. It wasn't the best of weather to be hiking the trails. The views aren't as impressive as they are on clearer days.

David and ken did make friends with a tree while up there.

Our cruise ship is the one all the way to the left in this picture. Gives a little perspective to the height of this mountain. This picture was taken at the platform where the tram lets you off.

Here's a view of the shopping district near the docks.

A bear even got in a picture I was taking of Ken in Juno.

After some shopping, the 5 of us headed back to the ship. It was a fun day in Juneau. Cold and overcast, but interesting non the less. Soon we would be heading out of the bay like this ship before us.

I can see why Juneau is such a popular port.  It has so much to do and see.