Bob's Alaska Trip--currently in Juneau headed south

I haven't been able to update due to intermittent internet service and general lack of spare time.

The land tour was interesting but involved lots of time in transit. More on that later.

Glacier Bay: We had a fabulous day in Glacier Bay. This is one destination where a balcony is definitely worthwhile. The weather was unusually warm and the sky was blue. This was quite a change from the near constant rain in the interior of the state. The naturalist and ranger commentaries were broadcast on the TV so we could sit on the balcony and still hear the commentary. The scenery is amazing. Princess offers an "Ultimate Balcony Champagne Breakfast" via room service. Great food--wait for the pictures to be posted when I get home.

Skagway: 4 cruise ships disgorged 8000+ passengers into this small town. Many went on the train trip up to the White Pass while thousands others milled around the shops of this historic town. Only several dozen ventured up the hill behind town for an adventurous hike. We took the three hour hike up to Lower Dewey Lake and were rewarded with wonderful views (and sore legs). We were advised against circumnavigating the lake as the trail disappears and the journey requires scrambling over rocks for quite a distance. We ignored the local advice and survived.

Juneau: we took the shuttle bus to the Mendenhall Glacier and did another adventurous hike. Beautiful trail with great views of waterfalls, icebergs and the glacier. Came back to the ship early to hear a lecture by the first woman to win the Iditerod race, Libby Riddles. Tonight is another formal night featuring the captain's cocktail party and lobster.

more later . . . .