15th May 2025
A bit of an early rise to start the day but with great reward and we didn’t need to change out of our pyjamas yet as the magnificence was just gliding by outside our balcony.
By about 7 we are smack bang in front of the Dawes Glacier, apparently this is the closest the ships have been able to get since about 2018. ( we are also out of pyjamas and on deck now)
The captain performed a 180 to turn the ship so everyone can have a peak,I can’t imagine that was an easy feat and I reckon as we turned the passengers at the bow of the boat could have almost touched the granite cliffs beside us.
We have tickets to go on the Goldbelt tramway. Initially, i thought this would be similar to the Gondola that took us across the point in Icy Strait but as we look up we can see it’s actually a cable car that goes quite steeply to the tree line above Juneau town.
As the weather appears to be closing in, we decide to head up there first and explore later.
There is a cafe and gift shop as expected but also a theatre where we are fortunate to hear a cultural presentation from a local Tlingit man followed by a short film. It was really interesting and explained a lot about Totem poles, their reason for being and the stories they tell.
There are the 2 tribes within the culture. The eagle and the raven and On the totem pole there is an eagle or raven at the top then under there are carnivores under the eagle and omnivores under the raven.
Geoff and Lisa simply had to go to the crab shack and partake in the giant crab claws, well in the form of snow crab with rice and coleslaw.
Interesting that in all the souvenir shops there is loads of ivory and furs etc. The local indigenous people, only are legally able to use it in their wears for selling. mostly gathered from Walrus tusk.
Bit of a rest before sundowners at 6pm
At about 4.30 ( and yes both the sun and I were up and awake.) started making its way through the Endicott Arm.
We sail so close to the tall granite cliffs beside us, the water is superbly turquoise and big chunks of ice float by. We are hoping to see some critters out and about but no joy there this morning.
By about 7 we are smack bang in front of the Dawes Glacier, apparently this is the closest the ships have been able to get since about 2018. ( we are also out of pyjamas and on deck now)
It is spectacular and with a little bit of early morning sunshine peaking through, it really is something special.
The captain performed a 180 to turn the ship so everyone can have a peak,I can’t imagine that was an easy feat and I reckon as we turned the passengers at the bow of the boat could have almost touched the granite cliffs beside us.
After all the excitement we head off for some breakfast and to share and admire our photos and continue watching what was on offer outside, including a couple of whales mucking about in the distance.
We have a fairly quiet morning pottering about as our arrival into Juneau isn’t until about 1.30pm although we always seem to arrive early into port.
Finally we arrive and first impressions, another quirky town. Full of saloons and crab shacks and a bit rainy and chilly, we’re wearing lots of layers.
What is interesting is that this quirky town is Alaskas capital city.
We have tickets to go on the Goldbelt tramway. Initially, i thought this would be similar to the Gondola that took us across the point in Icy Strait but as we look up we can see it’s actually a cable car that goes quite steeply to the tree line above Juneau town.
As the weather appears to be closing in, we decide to head up there first and explore later.
It’s fabulous and only takes a few minutes. The views you can imagine are amazing and as we get to the top we are shrouded in fog.
There is a cafe and gift shop as expected but also a theatre where we are fortunate to hear a cultural presentation from a local Tlingit man followed by a short film. It was really interesting and explained a lot about Totem poles, their reason for being and the stories they tell.
There are the 2 tribes within the culture. The eagle and the raven and On the totem pole there is an eagle or raven at the top then under there are carnivores under the eagle and omnivores under the raven.
When marring they must marry from the other totem, and children follow their mother’s totem. At the end of life there are “rules” where the other totem pay for burial, but at a set time (40 days) after they have passed.
Back to sea level again and did some wandering.
Geoff and Lisa simply had to go to the crab shack and partake in the giant crab claws, well in the form of snow crab with rice and coleslaw.
Interesting that in all the souvenir shops there is loads of ivory and furs etc. The local indigenous people, only are legally able to use it in their wears for selling. mostly gathered from Walrus tusk.
Certainly not my favourite shops at all.
Enjoyed a delicious Hot Chocolate in one of the cafes before heading back onboard.
Bit of a rest before sundowners at 6pm
We popped into the theatre for a couple of songs ( tonight they are performing Broadway songs) and stayed for a bit before heading to the Ocean view cafe, 14th floor which Lisa has affectionately named the “ Canteen “
It was such a fun night before grabbing a nightcap and heading back to our rooms.
Comments
Post a Comment