2011-32 Cruising from Seattle, Washington to Juneau, Alaska
Hello All,
Our next adventure found us on a cruise into the panhandle of Alaska, better known as “Southeast Alaska.” Now you might be asking yourself, why would someone who spent 28 years in the great state, want to take a cruise there. That’s an easy question to answer, the state is absolutely gorgeous. Additionally, having flown all around Southeast Alaska and taken the state ferry through the area numerous times, there were still two places that had evaded us--Skagway and Glacier Bay National Park. This cruise would rectify that void.
After boarding the Golden Princess we went up on deck where lots of folks were meandering around while waiting for their luggage to be delivered to their staterooms and the ship to castoff. What had started off being a lovely day in the Pacific Northwest was rapidly changing with clouds moving into the area. This is not an uncommon phenomenon in this part of the country.
Our next adventure found us on a cruise into the panhandle of Alaska, better known as “Southeast Alaska.” Now you might be asking yourself, why would someone who spent 28 years in the great state, want to take a cruise there. That’s an easy question to answer, the state is absolutely gorgeous. Additionally, having flown all around Southeast Alaska and taken the state ferry through the area numerous times, there were still two places that had evaded us--Skagway and Glacier Bay National Park. This cruise would rectify that void.
After boarding the Golden Princess we went up on deck where lots of folks were meandering around while waiting for their luggage to be delivered to their staterooms and the ship to castoff. What had started off being a lovely day in the Pacific Northwest was rapidly changing with clouds moving into the area. This is not an uncommon phenomenon in this part of the country.
When the ship dropped lines
and cast off we bid farewell to the city of Seattle.
With the clouds moving in and
the wind from the ship’s movement it was becoming a bit nippy on deck, so we
decided to check the ship out. As usual, we found it to be elegant and very
well appointed.
The ship’s route followed the
Inside Passage, a magnificent 1,000-mile protected waterway of convoluted
passages between islands and fjords that begins in Puget Sound in the state of
Washington, and then tracks through Canadian territorial waters before reaching
the state of Alaska. Southeast Alaska is the northern terminus of the Inside
Passage. This was an important travel corridor for North American Indians in
their canoes as well as steamships during the gold rush era. Today it is an
important route for ferries and cruise ships.
Southeast Alaska has a land area of 35,138 miles. Although this is only 6.14 percent of Alaska’s land area, it is larger than the state of Maine. The majority of Southeast Alaska’s area is part of the 16.8 million acre Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S. In fact, it is the largest remaining coastal temperate rainforest in the world. It is blanketed with majestic Western hemlock and giant Sitka spruce.
Temperate Southeast Alaska consists of pristine water, snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, glaciers, and forested islands. Known for its mild rainy climate, the area is a prime habitat for deer, bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises, whales, and many other species.
After steaming through the night, all the next day and the next night, early the following morning we were cruising down Gastineau Channel towards Juneau, our first port of call. Juneau is the capital of Alaska, and even though it has a population of only 31,215, it is the largest city in southeast Alaska. Even more astonishing, it is the third largest city in the entire state!
Southeast Alaska has a land area of 35,138 miles. Although this is only 6.14 percent of Alaska’s land area, it is larger than the state of Maine. The majority of Southeast Alaska’s area is part of the 16.8 million acre Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S. In fact, it is the largest remaining coastal temperate rainforest in the world. It is blanketed with majestic Western hemlock and giant Sitka spruce.
Temperate Southeast Alaska consists of pristine water, snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, glaciers, and forested islands. Known for its mild rainy climate, the area is a prime habitat for deer, bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises, whales, and many other species.
After steaming through the night, all the next day and the next night, early the following morning we were cruising down Gastineau Channel towards Juneau, our first port of call. Juneau is the capital of Alaska, and even though it has a population of only 31,215, it is the largest city in southeast Alaska. Even more astonishing, it is the third largest city in the entire state!
The United States Coast Guard
was escorting us down the channel into the capital city. They make us feel
proud wherever we see them.
As we approached Juneau it
really looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. We have learned that
when dealing with the weather in Southeast Alaska you have a fifty percent
chance that it is going to be a rainy ugly day. On the other hand you have a
fifty percent chance that it is going to be a lovely day. The weather
prognosticators seemed to be working with us this day.
Our captain maneuvered the
ship till we were abeam town and spun it around 180 degrees. He then thrust the
ship up to the dock. Since Gastineau Channel is one way in and out this
positioned us for an easy departure.
Lots of folks were out on deck snapping photos. Most were bundled to the hilt with parkas, scarves, and gloves. We had to laugh when we saw this Alaska Native girl and her dog standing on the dock. She must have been thinking “…come on folks, this is summertime in Alaska.”
Lots of folks were out on deck snapping photos. Most were bundled to the hilt with parkas, scarves, and gloves. We had to laugh when we saw this Alaska Native girl and her dog standing on the dock. She must have been thinking “…come on folks, this is summertime in Alaska.”
Since we have visited Juneau
many times in the past we chose not to book any shore excursions offered
onboard ship. We made the decision to walk around town and check it out on our
own. We had the entire day in port so we could explore at our leisure. Here
Miss Barb has her camera in hand ready to get on with our venture.
It is an easy walk into town.
Bottom line, you get off the ship and you are there. And, it is very clean.
One of the first things we
noticed was a Mt. Roberts Tramway car passing overhead. The tram takes only 6
minutes to whisk passengers from 27’ to 2,000’ where you are rewarded with some
spectacular views of the area. Additionally, there are sub-alpine loop trails
that you can walk on top to see nature at its best.
Here’s a bit of trivia for
you. Juneau is the only United States capitol city that lies within a
rainforest. In 1913 Alaska’s first legislators met in the local Elks Lodge. The
first law passed by the Territorial Legislature gave women the right to vote.
Alaska didn’t become a state until 1959.
This is the infamous Red Dog
Saloon. Founded during Juneau’s mining era, the saloon has been in operation
for decades. For a time, “Ragtime Hattie” played the piano in white gloves and
a silver dollar halter top. Later, in territorial days, the owners would often
meet the tour boats at the docks with a mule that wore a sign saying, “Follow
my ass to the Red Dog Saloon.” Today it
is still a popular stop off for lunch or some liquid refreshments. Now you know
more about the saloon than you probably ever wanted to know!
Since it was such a lovely day
we decided to catch a tour bus from downtown out to the Mendenhall Glacier. It
was only eight dollars roundtrip and we could spend as long at the glacier as
we wanted. But more on that adventure later.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns