When we got off the boat in Haines, Alaska there was a huge preserve for them. It was so amazing to see their 10 foot nests and to see them swoop down and fish in the river. They are HUGE BIRDS!
HAINES, ALASKAWe had an elderly neighbors in Arkansas (who were adopted grandparents for our kids) named Haines. "Papa Haines" told us about how he helped build roads in Alaska during the war and how he'd see the bear fish in the river.
So, we rented a car and drove on the Haines freeway and went in search of bear at ChilKoot Lake
We hadn't been out exploring long at the lake when Trevor, who perfected his bear growl years ago and has frightened many people in the process, spotted the grizzly (left corner of the bridge)
She was out fishing with her cub. We were so excited and scared we forgot to take pictures!
The lake was gorgeous! We almost didn't get to go because all the rental cars were booked but a nice lady agreed to call this hotel and managed to get us a car. (We think it was the managers own personal vehicle as we had to have it back by 5pm)
These flowers were like 6 feet tall and hid all kinds of wildlife
Our cruise ship Holland American Lines - the Veendam
JUNEAU, ALASKA
The morning we disembarked in Juneau, the capital was RAINY. Even without proper raingear, we didn't let it stop us. You can only reach Juneau by boat, there are no roads that lead to it. But to reach the top of Mt. Roberts you can take a Tram or a steep path we opted to hike up.
It was damp and misty but quiet and peaceful
The trail was muddy and had lots of drop offs
Found a little covered bench and the kids took a small breather and to dump the water out of their shoes
We had a pack of cross country runners zip past us and they asked us if they were on the right trail to the top... we hope they eventually made it.
At the top the view was cloudy so we stopped and got some hot chocoalte and a snack to refuel.
We took the tram back down and the clouds parted so we could see the city below
It was chilly, 50 degrees and I had to tell myself these were SUMMER flowers and temperatures.
KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
This was a shopping port and the excitement level dropped except when they found Salt Water Taffy
We wanted to go see the Totem pole park but we didn't have time to take the city bus out there and get back before our ship pulled out of port
Brendan thought he has spotted a snake but it was part of the huge sea kelp anchors
We saw lots of jelly fish swimming around seeminly undisturbed by the sea planes landing everywhere
The kids laughed at the funny t-shirts while shopping like Nat'l bird of Alaska and it was a huge mosquito or "bald is beautiful" and it showed a bald eagle with a comb over
Our cruise ship Holland American Lines - the Veendam
JUNEAU, ALASKA
The morning we disembarked in Juneau, the capital was RAINY. Even without proper raingear, we didn't let it stop us. You can only reach Juneau by boat, there are no roads that lead to it. But to reach the top of Mt. Roberts you can take a Tram or a steep path we opted to hike up.
It was damp and misty but quiet and peaceful
The trail was muddy and had lots of drop offs
Found a little covered bench and the kids took a small breather and to dump the water out of their shoes
We had a pack of cross country runners zip past us and they asked us if they were on the right trail to the top... we hope they eventually made it.
At the top the view was cloudy so we stopped and got some hot chocoalte and a snack to refuel.
We took the tram back down and the clouds parted so we could see the city below
It was chilly, 50 degrees and I had to tell myself these were SUMMER flowers and temperatures.
KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
This was a shopping port and the excitement level dropped except when they found Salt Water Taffy
We wanted to go see the Totem pole park but we didn't have time to take the city bus out there and get back before our ship pulled out of port
Brendan thought he has spotted a snake but it was part of the huge sea kelp anchors
We saw lots of jelly fish swimming around seeminly undisturbed by the sea planes landing everywhere
The kids laughed at the funny t-shirts while shopping like Nat'l bird of Alaska and it was a huge mosquito or "bald is beautiful" and it showed a bald eagle with a comb overIf we didn't eat pizza all the time we may have made a stop here.... or maybe not...
Ketchikan reminded me of an old wild west town.... you could have a near showdown with the cross walk guards. You stepped one foot onto the street without his permission, or show of his "walk" sign, you needed to be prepared for verbal bullets hitting you. But if you respect the "law enforcement" in town, it was a fun place to hang out.
Ketchikan reminded me of an old wild west town.... you could have a near showdown with the cross walk guards. You stepped one foot onto the street without his permission, or show of his "walk" sign, you needed to be prepared for verbal bullets hitting you. But if you respect the "law enforcement" in town, it was a fun place to hang out.It was a fun week exploring our northern most state. Alaska was truly fascinating!! However, it is one of those places, for me, I love to visit but think I'd die of cold in the winter. But hey if I had a nice bear coat, Ugg boots, musk ox sweaters and seal mittens I might survive the dead of ....Springtime maybe?
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