What a gift to wake up this morning to a clear, sunny day in Juneau with temperatures up to 68 degrees by mid-morning. A late departure gave us time to sleep in or walk about the area. Our city tour included a drive past the state capitol (one of the few capitols without a dome, but the
only one with jade pillars in front), government buildings and the governor's mansion. Our first stop was at the McCauley Fish Hatchery. The holding area and the long fish ladder were filled with very active chum salmon. Our visit there included a fine talk about the process of hatching new salmon and how they need to "imprint" on the Juneau waters in order to return there after becoming adults and ready to spawn. Inside the building we were able to taste smoked salmon, look at a number of aquariums filled with Alaskan sea creatures and admire the mounts of bald
eagles and bear. Even better, we saw a number of bald eagles on the tour. Our second stop was at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The impressive glacier, nearby waterfall, walking trails (some saw a porcupine up in a tree eating leaves) and visitor center displays were a highlight.
Our final stop was at the Alaska Marine Highway terminal. We learned it used to be called the Alaska State Ferry System, but then it was difficult to get money to help with funding. By changing the name, they could get federal highway funds! Everyone who worked at the terminal was so helpful. Our tickets were printed and waiting, they loaded our luggage for us on the baggage carts, and they passed us through without asking to see our photo I.D.'s. It was so pleasant. The "fast ferry," officially named the Fairweather, has been out of commission for 3 1/2 weeks while they waited for parts from Germany. Now back in operation, today was its
only day of making the Juneau - Skagway run for all the summer months. That meant that we got to Skagway in 2 1/2 hours, arriving by 4:00. Our bus driver for the rest of our time in Alaska was at the terminal to meet us, our bags were brought up almost right to the bus, and after checking into the hotel, we had the rest of the afternoon and evening for local sightseeing. The National Park Visitor Center is a real highlight with all the displays and movies about the Klondike Gold Rush. Three cruise ships in town mean that gift shops will be open until the ships depart, so shoppers are beaming!
only one with jade pillars in front), government buildings and the governor's mansion. Our first stop was at the McCauley Fish Hatchery. The holding area and the long fish ladder were filled with very active chum salmon. Our visit there included a fine talk about the process of hatching new salmon and how they need to "imprint" on the Juneau waters in order to return there after becoming adults and ready to spawn. Inside the building we were able to taste smoked salmon, look at a number of aquariums filled with Alaskan sea creatures and admire the mounts of bald
eagles and bear. Even better, we saw a number of bald eagles on the tour. Our second stop was at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The impressive glacier, nearby waterfall, walking trails (some saw a porcupine up in a tree eating leaves) and visitor center displays were a highlight.
Our final stop was at the Alaska Marine Highway terminal. We learned it used to be called the Alaska State Ferry System, but then it was difficult to get money to help with funding. By changing the name, they could get federal highway funds! Everyone who worked at the terminal was so helpful. Our tickets were printed and waiting, they loaded our luggage for us on the baggage carts, and they passed us through without asking to see our photo I.D.'s. It was so pleasant. The "fast ferry," officially named the Fairweather, has been out of commission for 3 1/2 weeks while they waited for parts from Germany. Now back in operation, today was its
only day of making the Juneau - Skagway run for all the summer months. That meant that we got to Skagway in 2 1/2 hours, arriving by 4:00. Our bus driver for the rest of our time in Alaska was at the terminal to meet us, our bags were brought up almost right to the bus, and after checking into the hotel, we had the rest of the afternoon and evening for local sightseeing. The National Park Visitor Center is a real highlight with all the displays and movies about the Klondike Gold Rush. Three cruise ships in town mean that gift shops will be open until the ships depart, so shoppers are beaming!
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