Juneau
Balance poses in the stretch class were a piece of cake with the help of calm waters as we made our way into Juneau, also known as America’s most scenic capital, just before breakfast. Informative bus drivers drove us to the impressive Mendenhall Glacier, a short distance from our docking area. First off, many of us viewed a black bear close to one of the bridges making his way along the water’s edge eating berries and grasses. It seemed he did not mind all the attention of the visitors close-by, as well as numerous cameras clicking away.
The glacier is an impressive arm of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice field, and one of the few that you can reach by car. It is even more stunning with a bright sunny day. After walking around the trails and viewing the glacier from numerous lookouts, including a great visitor center, we made our way back to the city to explore the Alaskan State Museum. Considered one of the best in the state, it highlights Northwest Coast Indians, natural and Alaskan history, with over 27,000 artifacts, works of fine art and natural history specimens. One of the current exhibits was an impressive display of hats and headgear worn throughout early Alaskan history from ceremonial to purely functional and fashionable.
The rest of the morning and early afternoon allowed time to meander the streets of Juneau, where many enjoyed some good shopping opportunities and lunch off the ship if desired. Sitting outdoors at the Loading Dock with the warm sun on our faces and sipping on Alaskan ale was truly a memorable treat!
All aboard at 14:00 had us heading south towards our next adventure. Sun-deckers and those snoozing were soon called out on the bow to view not just a few, but numerous orcas and humpbacks whales, feeding in these nutrient rich waters of Stephen’s Passage. Obviously enough food for both, they were traveling in close contact with each other, and seemed oblivious to us as well. We were surrounded by whales, “whale soup” one might say, which provided many opportunities for the photo-taking guests and also for those who chose to sit in the lounge and watch the action from the comfort inside National Geographic Sea Lion!
What a day! How spectacular to wake up in Alaska to sun, bear sightings, glaciers and whales, and then- an alpenglow sunset on the mountains—YES!
