Glorious Glacier Bay

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Another perfect weather day as we sailed into Glacier Bay.  The entire morning was spent taking in this spectacular park.  We had rangers aboard (I saw their little boat dock with us; and watched them board).

There it is.  Wow.  I met lots of people of different nationalities who I would hang out with throughout the cruise; and who would buy me drinks.  Who am I to say no.  I also enjoyed taking photos of people.  I am amazed at how many people speak English; I mean, I don't speak Chinese or Russian. 

One view after another.  We saw mountain goats earlier at Lamplugh Glacier but I was unable to get a shot.

We saw sea lions frolicking for us.  The white piece is a bit of the glacier; we saw some of it break off.  Neato peato.

Marjorie Glacier.  The ranger told us it's a healthy glacier.  None of this existed 200 years ago.

So much to take in and appreciate.  In the afternoon, I sat in a chair near one of the bars to read a Smithsonian Magazine that I borrowed from the ship's library.  I met a widow from the U.K. who runs a business out of South Africa.  She likes Trump.  I met fellow Americans who can't stand his tweets but like what he is doing for the country in terms of the economy.  Hmm. Anyway, she bought me 3 glasses of wine.  Who am I to say no.... Later I went to Karaoke night.  It was a scream.  Some truly talented individuals and some god awful (stick to shower singing, please).  But I admired their courage.  Until the next adventure....

Skagway

Friday, May 10, 2019

I'm here in Skagway about to do a tour of the Klondike Summit.  Once again, we are blessed with good weather.

Our handsome tour guide Paul is as humorous as our guide Kyle in Juneau.  Paul hails from Monterey; each spring he drives his RV along with his companion, a blind dog.  Had he asked me out for a drink.... Right off the bat, he said that all the stories we heard in Juneau were not true and he would give us the inside scoop.  He was too funny.  I appreciated that he pointed out locally owned stores as we went through town. Each year Holland cruise line (if I remember correctly) hosts Prom night for the high school students.  Sweet.

It was breathtaking. The area has had quite a few significant earthquakes the last few years.

We went into Canada; Paul played their national anthem.  We returned back to the U.S. -- he played our anthem.  I've been wanting to do a train ride across Canada....

Omg, on the way back to town, we saw a baby bear!!

Taking in the history.  I also bought a t-shirt from one of the locally owned shops.  And yes, locals sound like Sarah Palin.

Another scene depicting the Gold Rush era.

I enjoyed my visit to Skagway. I don't recall what I did in the evening aboard ship. We do have television, so, I watched a lot of movies during down times. Til our next destination....

Sailing into Skagway

Friday, May 10, 2019

Sailing to Skagway, and once again, the Golden Princess is right along side of us.

I forgot to mention that while in Juneau yesterday, I saw many eagles, either in trees or flying.  Females can weigh up to 16 lbs.  An amazing bird, beautiful in flight.  I also forgot to mention that on our tour, we passed the Governor's Mansion; it looks like the White House.

A view of Skagway from our ship.  Skagway was founded in 1897.  It is 90 miles northwest of Juneau.  Today's population is approximately 1,036.  During the height of the Gold Rush, the population was 10,000.  There's much to see and do in this town including dog sledding, Klondike Summit, White Pass & Yukon (Canada), and the historic town itself.  I should have mentioned earlier that one purchases shore excursions for each port city visited.  There are many exciting adventures from which to choose.  I'm sorry to have missed the whale watching in Juneau.