Juneau


We expected a major city when we got to Juneau with lots of attractions.  But it is actually pretty small and not very attractive.  Near the dock is the Mt. Roberts Tram which carries you to the top of Mt. Roberts, about 3,000 feet  up.  Pricey, but worth it.  It’s owned by the local native American tribe who respect the land and preserve the mountain top.  Spectacular views and a good walk through the forest.  The weather is still holding and they haven’t had rain for the last two weeks.  Not good for a forest.
There is a restaurant and gift shop at the top and several trails and of course we took the easy one and did fine.

After we came down from Mr. Roberts we walked into town down Franklin street which is the main drag. Lots of jewelry and diamond shops again, divey bars and gift shops.  The public library is on top of a parking garage and the governor’s house (not a mansion) is at the far end of the town up a long hill.  A fair amount of street people and not much energy among the locals.  The Red Dog Saloon, a major attraction, is small, dark, run down and crowded.  The two saloon gift shops are almost bigger that the saloon itself.  We were glad to get back to the ship.

On the way out of Juneau we found out that the channel acts as a funnel for wind and rain so the local natives didn’t want to live there!  They found sheltered coves instead. 

We began to see a lot more marine life as we reached the entrance of the channel.  There were Orca’s and Humpbacks on both sides of the ships for about an hour.  Lots of brown bears were supposed to be on Admiralty Island but we didn’t see any.  The weather was still clear and sunny and the open water areas were smooth as glass.  Exceptional according to the naturalist on board
 
At night we went to listen to Tom Franek, the piano/comedian guy again who is the most entertaining thing on the ship at night.  He did a “name that tune” thing with movie and TV themes.  We got 15 out of 16 and only missed the theme from Top Gun.  Funny and talented guy.

Tomorrow we stop at Ketchikan, the last stop before Vancouver.  Sorry to see this part end, but glad to get back on land and head back home Wednesday.