Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Wordy Wednesday - Juneau, Alaska

Juneau - Wednesday September 7 - cute, colorful views from the ship.  We exit the ship at 10 for our excursion. it's a rainy intro to Alaska's capital. Not a big city at all. We board a bus and head to the Macaulay Hatchery. The life of a salmon is fraught with danger - the odds of living are ridiculously low. And yet, millions of fish manage to survive and make their trek to spawning  grounds and return to this same place. Amazing nature story and miles of swimming involved.






Next stop - Mendenhall Glacier. Lovely park. We do a two mile roundtrip hike that involves stunning views. With a loud rush of water, we hear Nugget Falls. Clear air, gleaming blue ice glimmers in the distance. We are not close enough to touch the glacier. The path has us standing across the body of water. Refreshing stop.

Now on to my favorite - a real gem. Glacier Gardens.  This guy had a vision - he converted a part of rainforest into a private garden and developed it into a wondrous place. The most creative aspect was the Flower Towers - upside down trees with the stumps filled with blooms. It's glorious
The tram ride is a two mile journey through the rain  forest and up 580 feet. There's a towering canopy with ferns, lichen, huckleberries, blueberries and flowers below. This is Tongass National Park.  One native saying - "When the grass turns to cotton, fall is forgotten. Winter comes."  We could see that transition in September.

Back to Juneau by 3 with some time to walk around. I recommend a fish and chip snack break at the Alaskan Brew Company. Yummy and fresh cod.

Time to go board the ship. And conquer with another Name That Tune  Victory. Yes, I'm bragging. I'm giving you something to achieve if you decide to cruise on Holland.


Each day gets better and better. What's in store in Skagway?

15 comments:

  1. That sounds fantastic. I briefly thought about moving to Juneau when I lived in Washington. The climate is perfect for me. I'd love to visit someday.

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    1. It seemed small and tidy. Alaska has character

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  2. Another fun day! I would have enjoyed it all, especially visiting the salmon hatchery!

    betty

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    1. The hatchery was interesting but I loved the gardens. Wow.

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  3. Wow, he really went to town and made his vision come to be.

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    1. It was beautiful and we were near the end of the season. Quite a vision

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  4. Is that what that is? Upside down tree with flowers. Rather clever.
    That would've been an awesome hike.

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    1. it is really clever. I bought the guy's book that tells how to do it - not that we will, but his story was also awesome and proceeds helped the place.

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  5. I'd love to see the Glacier Gardens--that sounds fantastic!

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    1. as much as you like flowers, you would love the whole areas

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  6. Glad your are really enjoying yourself! The scenery is beautiful.
    Barbara from Life & Faith in Caneyhead

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    1. this was last September. We would be freezing to death now in March!

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  7. Hi Joanne - it does look to be amazingly fun - and I saw those upturned tree stumps - so was glad you told us about the planted flowers ... sounds delightful ... cheers Hilary

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  8. You would get a kick out of seeing it, as much as you enjoy nature

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  9. Awesome pictures and a wonderful read Joanne.

    Yvonne.

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