ALASKA #3 and STILL GREAT

[kadancer 82]

That tour looked amazing, beautiful and scary all at the same time.  The scenery is just breathtaking.

[Grumpy and Grandma 739]

Next stop was JUNEAU the capital of Alaska and another city only accessible by boat or plane. Again our favorite Excursion here is the trip to Mendenhal Glacier and the whale watching tour. This year is was again enjoyable, but not as “whale filled” as the last two trips.

 

We boarded the bus right at the pier and our bus only had 28 on board which was also our whale tour. It seemed strange since the boat holds 150. We found out while on the boat they had another tour after ours and would only have 16.

 

So as we head down the road to the Glacier we encountered the usual wildlife along the way.

 

 

 

We pull into the drive and you can see the Glacier off in the distance.

 

 

Linda and I head up to the Visitors Center and I got a few pics of the interesting facts and the Glacsier from there.

 

 

And a picture of the Glacier as I’m standing next to that sign.

 

 

The red arrow on this map shows where we are standing and helps put the area in perspective.

 

 

Another interesting fact

 

 

A close up shot.

 

 

 

The waterfall just to the right of the Glacier

 

 

The kids after the got back from the 1 mile hike to see the waterfall up close. They were awe struck with what Mother Nature has done.

 

 

Another collage of facts before we head out.

 

 

On the boat heading out to find our whales and a sea lion cuts across in front of us.

 

 

One of several Light Houses in the area.

 

 

 

Our first and unfortunately only sighting, so we just followed mom and baby for a while.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Glacier in the area as we are working our way to find the sea lions.

 

 

Another light house

 

 

We find the “boys” all hanging out together. The Capt said these are all males.

 

 

 

 

Also found out that sea lions can use their flippers to basically walk while seals have to rock on their bellies to move forward.

 

 

 

A couple more eagles as we head back to the ship.

 

 

 

We also passed Thunder Mountain, which is so named because of the avalanches. It is where Walt got the idea for Big Thunder Mountain as he visited the area regularly. Unfortunately I was sitting on the wrong side of the bus to get a picture.

 

The kids got off the bus in town and did some more sight seeing as well as making a stop at the “local brewery”.

 

We are almost back to the pier.

 

 

 

Coming up next, KETCHIKAN. Our last stop and few more interesting facts.

Edited July 25, 2019 by Grumpy and Grandma
corrections to pic links

[fladogfan aka Gretchen 259]

Good photos, lots of eagles, sorry only the two whales but cool one was a youngster.

The weather looks very nice.  Did you hear a reason why the groups were smaller?

[Grumpy and Grandma 739]

38 minutes ago, fladogfan aka Gretchen said:

Good photos, lots of eagles, sorry only the two whales but cool one was a youngster.

The weather looks very nice.  Did you hear a reason why the groups were smaller?

Thanks. Weather was great. They say it is always 'hit or miss" for the whales as it's a big area to cover.  

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

So pretty.  Didn't know that, about Big Thunder Mountain.   

Growing up in the PNW, this all looks so familiar... just much larger.    Seems like a very peaceful cruise.