Day 7, 6/27/2002, Sunrise 3:56am - Sunset 10:06pm, Temp @ Noon: 65º, partly sunny skies
Juneau
Jou know the capital of Alaska?
Woke up this morning as we slipped by several small houses on the shore of Gastineau Channel. Each had a boat pulled ashore in front of it. We prepared for a full day in the state capital. First we boarded a small bus for a quick tour of town and were dropped off at the entrance to the Mt. Roberts Tramway. The 'tram' is a cable car that took us 1800 ft. above Juneau where we were led on a nature hike by our affable guide Betsy. We scaled another 300 ft. through twisted, tree line trees and alpine meadows and enjoyed superb views of Juneau and the whole Gastineau Channel. The trail looped back to the tram and after visiting a gift shop we headed back down into town. Mom had been looking for a good rain hat. Betsy had one and determined we could probably get one like it at the Foggy Mountain Shop downtown. We found the shop and found a hat then visited several other shops along the way back to the ship.
Late in the afternoon we caught the bus to an Outdoor Salmon Bake. Upon arrival we were told the food would not be ready for a few minutes and were invited to walk up a short trail along the crystal clear, Salmon Creek to a waterfall and old mine entrance - good place for a few pictures! We returned to the outdoor eatery and filled our plates with Salmon being cooked over alder wood, baked beans, 'dirty' rice, salad and corn bread. I took the opportunity to try my first Alaskan brew and we sat down to enjoy the entertainment provided by a lone woman folk singer with a guitar. I don't recall that she spoke her name but I think (after some web searching) that she might be Katie Henry.* I do recall that she performed a song called "Ice Worm Wiggle" that 'belongs' to the "Glacial Erratics" a three woman, Alaska folk band so she might be one of them. Good music, and an engaging performer with good words about preserving Alaskan heritage and environment, whoever she was. I had second helpings of Salmon, rice and corn bread; we topped off our dinner with a piece of blueberry cake. We got back to the ship in plenty of time to watch a woman who did not, running towards the dock.
Since I left home I had been looking for a single use, panoramic camera (preferably Kodak, brand) but had not found one anywhere we'd been. Back on board, I went down to the photo shop and purchased a Konica, Film-In Panoramic, single use camera to prepare for the sights to come.
* If the singer happens to see this and wants to 'fill me in', I'd appreciate it!
Created on ... July 12, 2002