Where's Liz? Juneau, Whales and Rainforest Trails

[Liz]

Arriving at Juneau, Alaska’s capital, accessible only be sea or air.



This local young man was our guide on a hike through a rain forest, part of the Tongass National Forest.



Past some lush green foliage and rushing streams.



Past other trails with no time to explore.



Past markers showing where the glacier once stood at various times.



These cone-shaped roots provide food for bear.



Really more of a stroll than a hike…easy terrain.



And what would a rain forest be without rain?



The trail ends at the mouth of the Mendenhall Glacier. Can you see the waterfall to the right of the glacier? We watched helicopter tours taking people to land on the top of the glacier.



Blue ice again



You can see the walkway below the visitor’s center where you can walk closer to the glacier.



Anybody want to touch it? (Feels like ice)



Back to the harbor to board our whale-watching boat.



And we saw some whales.



Tails



And tails



“Let me up!”


“Excuse me…”



Just “lion” around.



Back on the cruise ship there was a lot to watch. A sailing regatta. These three are sailing the home stretch with full spinnakers out. Wanna make a guess who won?



Nope.



Sea planes landed and took off continuosly.



Time to leave Juneau



As we made our way out of the harbor it was apparent that some time or other the elements have been harsh on this place.



No longer shipshape



Weather worn



Coming next, Ketchican

[Bethers]

Wow again. Each part of your journey I just sit here with my mouth gaping open as I look at your pictures and read your captions. I'm so glad you take all the pictures, and keep track of what's what, etc - I can't thank you enough for doing this for all of us.

[avalen]

absolutely fabulous, I'm really speechless with the beauty of Alaska,
I'm saving my pennies.

[Gentleladybear]

Liz some great pictures. I did the helicopter tour up on the Mendenhal Glacier. That was exciting to actually stand on a glacier. One day I will have to share all the pictures and sourvenirs I brought back from Alaska. I have an eskomo doll made by a local. The girl's name was Mosquito, and she wrote a letter to me when she shipped the doll to me. That is a cherished item.

Love your pictures, your whale pictures turned out a lot better than the ones I took. Keep those pictures coming.

Nan

[pattyk]

Beautiful pictures as always, Liz. You have a real knack for taking them.

My DH and I took the helicopter ride to the top of the glacier. It was raining when we got to the heliport. It stopped as we got up into the air. From the top you could see forever. It was the most awe inspiring thing I have ever done. You could look down the cracks and see the bluest blue I have ever seen. The pilot was also able to take us up over the ice fields. They're not always able to do that.

[mtngal]

Fantastic photos, I love the rock marker of the ice. Do you know if it was place in 1916 or added later? Maybe this is a dumb question, I don't really know
how it all comes together! Were you sad when the trip ended? I know I will be when your travel journal ends! Thanks for all time and effort you are putting into this for us, Diana

[retiredhappy]

Wow what a great trip!!!! I loved the seals and the whale tails.

[Cedar518]

I'm amazed at the 250 years to travel 13 miles,... glacial speed! And green plants growing where there was ice not yet 100 years ago. We can have no doubt about the changing climate of our planet.