Learning to be a Rebel...or at least how to use one

Monday, June 11, 2012

Alaska: Juneau

Itinerary

May 18-21 Anchorage

May 21 Board Cruise in Whittier

May 22 Cruise Yakutat Bay | Hubbard Glacier

May 23 Cruise Glacier Bay

May 24 Skagway

May 25 Juneau

May 26 Ketchikan

May 27 Cruise Inside Passage

May 28-29 Vancouver

In Juneau we had a whitewater rafting excursion booked but when we got off the ship we found out it was cancelled because not enough snow had melted and the water wasn't moving fast enough. We were disappointed but there are so many things to do in Juneau we decided to pick something else. We decided on a city tour and a trip out to Mendenhall Glacier. The city tour was about 45 minutes long and our tour guide was very knowledgeable! We had one stop to check out a vantage point where we could take pictures of our ship across the bay. When we got back to the city tour we hopped on a bus that took us out to Mendenhall Glacier. It was a cloudy day but no rain so we couldn't complain! The glacier was really neat (I am fascinated by them!) and we walked to the edge of the water to get some pictures. There was also a beautiful waterfall that you could hike to. We saw an eagle that was perched in a tree! After the glacier, we headed back into town and stopped to get a drink at the Red Dog Saloon (keep in mind it was only 10:30am!) but everyone but Justin and I had time to kill before their salmon bake. After drinks we parted ways and my parents, Mark & Diana, and Keith & Allison went to their salmon bake and Justin and I walked around the town and shopped and had a great time!

Coral Princess

Dad

ICE!

Mom & Diana!

Me & the glacier!!

Biig waterfall

Visitor Center @ Mendenhall Glacier

Glacier & Waterfall

Mom, Diana & Dad

Mom, Diana & Me

The whole gang!

Eagle on his perch

Downtown Juneau

Red Dog Saloon

Inside the Red Dog Saloon

Crazy bar...sawdust on the floor

mmm...Glacier Brewhouse Root Beer

Justin's Glacier Margarita...10:30am

Walrus Oosik

Holland Boat - us leaving port

Justin & I on formal night

Father-in-law & Son-in-law with matching hair-do :)

Mom & dad relaxing on the balcony

Friday, June 8, 2012

Alaska: Skagway & the Yukon Territory

Itinerary

May 18-21 Anchorage

May 21 Board Cruise in Whittier

May 22 Cruise Yakutat Bay | Hubbard Glacier

May 23 Cruise Glacier Bay

May 24 Skagway

May 25 Juneau

May 26 Ketchikan

May 27 Cruise Inside Passage

May 28-29 Vancouver

Skagway was definitely my favorite port! We were blessed with picture perfect weather, it was great. We the White Pass Railway up to Fraser, BC and then had a private bus tour. The train ride was very scenic and fun...although we got stuck for about 45 minutes because our engine was having issues and the next train had to come save us (so much for eco-friendly engines...they don't work!). Once we got to Fraser we hoped onto our private bus and had the BEST tour guide - Mike. He took us to some spots the big buses aren't able to visit and we were also the only people at every spot because he knew how to time it. We made a couple stops (welcome to the Yukon sign, a few scenic lake spots) and then he took us into Carcross where we had lunch. After lunch we walked around the property and visited the husky puppies and goats, as well as the museum with "stuffed" animals. My favorite part was the puppies and holding a week old baby goat!! After lunch we went to Emerald Lake...the most beautiful place I've ever seen! Then we started our trip back to Skagway, we made some scenic stops in the Yukon, in BC, at the Alaska/Canada border (as well as the real border crossing). On our way back our guide spotted a bear and we stopped and followed him for about 30 minutes. The bear was about 10 feet from our bus and could have cared less! It was a cinnamon black bear...he was so cute I just wanted to hug him!! Once we got back to Skagway we walked around the town and headed back to the boat. Perfect day!!