Did you know, the only way to access Juneau is by either boat or float plane?! They do have roads (roughly only 70 miles worth) and cars but you can’t drive out or into Juneau unless you bring your car on the ferry. My first excursion was ziplining. “This eco-adventure combines the thrill of gliding above the treetops in a rich rain forest on more than 6,000 feet of dual-cable ziplines, suspension bridges,
and a ground-based trail network; plus a channel crossing aboard an expedition craft, mountain ascent on an off-road vehicle, and aerial exploration of hidden relics of a world famous gold mine. Board a high-speed vessel for crossing Gastineau Channel, passing Mayflower Island and Suicide Falls, with a beach landing at the remote Treadwell Mine site on Douglas Island and direct access to the forest outfitting base camp. Nearly a mile of dual high-tension cables linking a network of platforms mounted in carefully selected old-growth spruce trees. Your guides will progressively ease you into the forest canopy along ten ziplines.
Cross two aerial suspension bridges, with breathtaking views of spectacular Bullion Creek and enjoy unique views of Juneau from the treetops. Discover the hidden ruins of the historic Treadwell Mine (1881-1917), once one of the world’s largest gold mines, and zip over a 150-foot-deep "glory hole." From above, see the ruins of the original mine refinery, where millions of dollars of molten gold was poured into ingot molds. You will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Alaska’s rain forest throughout this award winning, nature-based adventure. The last zipline takes you to a final platform to experience the thrill of rappelling
into base camp.” Joe and Clay were our guides for this excursion and it was only me the ladies from San Antonio, another Stephanie, a gentleman not from our ship.
We boarded a little boat and headed across the inlet to Douglas Island and suited up for our adventure. What a cool experience! Following this excursion I ran back to the ship for a quick lunch and then disembarked to head out on the Alaska Whale’s and Rainforest Trails excursion. Leslie, was our guide for the entire excursion and she was awesome! We first boarded a whale watching boat and headed out to Stephens Passage Man were the whales active today!!! We got to an active whale area and watched the water, we spotted two whales off in the distance playing and started up the engines to head out and get a closer look. Just before we took off two whales surfaced practically right next to the boat! So we spent some time there with those two until they had dove a few times and then we decided to head out to the other ones we originally sighted. These were in rare form, laying on their sides and playing with their pectoral fins above the water. Over the course of the few hours out there we saw roughly 12 different whales, all of which were incredibly active. After we made it back to the dock we boarded a bus and headed out to another part of the Tongass Forest for a nature hike out to Mendenhall Glacier. Leslie continued to share her vast knowledge of the vegetation and wild life in the area. I’m so glad I was able to visit 3 different glaciers and see from afar dozens more. To say, once you’ve seen one glacier you’ve seen them all couldn’t be more false. Each one is so different! We spent some time here and then headed back to the ship. We were actually 15 mins late for all aboard and delayed the ship from departing for Ketchikan. After cleaning up and getting pretty for our second formal dinner I headed up to my fabulous table for one and couldn’t passed on choosing the Surf and Turf, filet mignon and lobster tail! Another seafood first for me, the texture of the lobster was different but boy was it good! I proceeded to follow the rest of my nightly ritual and because of all the dancing (barefoot every night thus far) I’d done, I ripped open blisters on both of my feet (and they happened to be on my big toes and the balls of my feet since I dance virtually on the balls of my feet the each night). But the pain has been totally worth it!
Unfortunately my camcorder holds all the pictures and videos of the whale watching trip...I'll post them as soon as I can upload them.
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