Alaska - Day 1

It is chilly and cloudy, but it is not raining as we have arrived in Juneau, Alaska. It was a very, very early departure this morning (3:45 from Marshall and much earlier from Sioux Falls), but our flights went well, all of our baggage arrived, and we even had 15-20 minutes to get
something to eat in the Seattle airport before our second flight. The views from the plane were clear and scenic on our first flight, especially. Before we landed, we saw Mt. Ranier and other mountains close to Seattle, ships in the water, miles of trees, and lots of snow on mountain tops. On our second flight, we also saw mountains, valleys, rivers, glaciers and trees. Until the clouds covered up the view. It wasn't until we started our descent into Juneau that the steep forested mountains, the ocean and the water of Gastineau Channel were visible. The colors in Alaska are more vivid than we can describe. You'll just have to see them for yourselves! And the airport activity is unique with sightseeing helicopters, float planes both flying and on the ground, private planes of all sizes, and of course the Alaska Airlines jets. The scenery as we drove between the airport and downtown was a real treat with as many as five eagles (two mature, three immature) in one tree. Everyone is now settling into the hotel, putting on an extra layer of clothes and heading out for a number of sightseeing choices. Cameras will be in hand. Pictures of even the Alaska license plates (the state is celebrating its 50th year and has a commemorative plate) have already been taken. - Laurel Johnson, Tour Director