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As the sign says, welcome to
the Capital City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), Alaska. Juneau is located in
the Panhandle of Southeast Alaska, 900 air miles north of Seattle and 600
air miles southeast of Anchorage. The current population of Juneau is
33,026. The economy is based on government, tourism, mining, and fishing.
Juneau is one of the most beautiful state capitals in the nation.
As we disembarked from the ship, here was this sign
with Pam sitting on the bench in front:
There is a lot to see in this city! Tourists can
experience incredible outdoor activities like glacier flightseeing, whale
watching, fishing, and kayaking amidst the stunning Alaskan landscape.
There’s also a wealth of cultural attractions, including museums, historical
sites, art galleries, events, festivals and plenty of local shopping. Find
information about Juneau restaurants, hotels and sightseeing tours as well
as travel planning tools, itineraries, maps, and more!
The excursion we picked involved leaving our big boat
for a smaller boat and heading into the ocean to chase - or rather - get
close and personal with some whales and to see the Mendenthal Glacier!
This was really an exciting adventure. We headed first to an island where we had a great lunch at
the Orca Point Lodge.
There was a small strip of land (maybe 20 feet wide) that connected the part
of the island we were on (for our lunch) with another part of the island
that was full of bears! Yes - several bears per square miles! In
fact, we were told that the bears outnumbered the people who lived over
there. We were all warned NOT to go to that side of the island
sight-seeing. No one was crazy enough to do that!!
After the great meal, we headed to the ocean and we
found lots of whales! I am sharing some pictures and videos
- including a video of some breeching whales (where a bunch of them all come
up at the same time breaking the surface with their mouths open! It
was quite a sight to behold!!
Then, we boarded the coach and heading off to
Mendenhall Glacier and Visitor Center. This part was a great
experience as well - and the glacier was something to behold!
In the Visitor Center, they had telescopes for getting a close-up view of
the glacier itself.
Enjoy the images and videos.
Leaving ship on our bus to the boat dock |
Our driver - nice and knowledgeable!! |
Leaving Juneau for whale watching trip |
Yes - there is a Walmart in Juneau! |
Beautiful body of water on this trip!! |
Approaching the boat dock |
Driving down the ramp to board the boat |
On the boat heading out to sea |
Orca Point Lodge where we had a great lunch |
Pam and I at the lodge for lunch
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At the lodge (restaurant) for lunch |
Back on the boat - let's find whales! |
Pam, Bill and Mary on whale-watch!
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There are two whales!! |
There are two more! |
Is it a shark or whale fin? Yikes!
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On the way to Mendenhall Glacier |
We arrived at Visitor Center |
Let's check out the glacier
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Mendenhall Glacier - wow!!! |
Lots of folks checking it out! |
Inside visitor center
|
Big piece of ice broke off and floating |
Getting souveniers |
Departing Juneau's dock |
Leaving Juneau |
Bill on their adjacent veranda |
Pam on our veranda as we leave Juneau |
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