The Popeye Express: August 2011

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

If a 15 hour day was good yesterday, how about another long day, this time to Juneau and back. Fortunately, this fast ferry, as it is known, stops for whale and seal sightings. We are not to be disappointed. Pulling out from Haines, it is about a 3 1/2 hour trip to Juneau. Let's see what we find.

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

Notice we're enjoying yet another day of liquid sunshine! The sea life doesn't seem to care. They barely muster a yawn as we pull close.

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

Our first sighting or Orca! They aren't impressed and swim away very fast. We barely get this picture.

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

After docking at the small boat harbor, about 13 miles north of downtown Juneau, we board a waiting bus which gives us a whirlwind tour of Juneau. We tried to get some pictures of the more colorful parts of town on this gloomy day.

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

Now inside the Capital Building, we sign up for a guided tour of the capital. Our tour guide does a splendid job of showing us the highlights.

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

Finished with our capital tour, we take a walking tour until it's time to meet our bus. The town is teeming with tourists, as is evident with the cruise ships at the dock.

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

Our bus has now deposited is a few miles north to the Mendenhall Glacier. This is the visitor center of the U.S. Forest Service.

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier turns out to be one of the more beautiful glaciers seen on this trip. The blue ice is evident, and it is interesting to watch it flow out towards the inside passage.

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

Back to our ferry dock, it's now time for the long return trip to Haines. Can't believe we will have gone on two 15 hour days trips in a row. We're feeling our age!

From Fast Ferry to Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier

For further information: City of Juneau
For further information: Mendenhall Glacier

Monday, August 22, 2011

Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway AK

From Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway

Less than a mile from the Jewell Gardens, on the other side of the river, is the infamous Gold Rush Cemetery. Located adjoining the railroad tracks, and tucked away in a beautiful forest, the paths lead to both the grave sites and the Reid Falls.

From Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway

Shown above is a tour guide at the grave site of town hero Frank Reid who was killed in a dual with Jefferson (Soapy) Smith, the town scoundrel. Sadly Smith was killed instantly while Reid, was shot in the groin, died many days later in complete agony. Smith's grave, shown next, is on the other side of the cemetery surrounded by iron bars.