Juneau 20 May

Scenes of Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier and Dog Sled Camp

We rose early, had an early breakfast and completed our shopping early. As there were a number of cruise ships in town, all the shops were open early. We then left for the helicopter base and 'suited up' for our adventure on the Mendenhall Glacier.

The views for the helicopter were spectacular and breathtaking and then we saw the dog sled camp. It was an incredible sight with 200 dogs and their carers camped on the glacier. Each dog had his/her own white igloo. The snow was very deep and we sank up to our knees when we tried to follow our guide.

We then had the opportunity to ride in the sled and on the back of the running boards to 'mush'

the team. What an incredible experience! At the end of our run we were introduced to each dog including Rockstar.

After another memorable flight back to the base we headed back to Juneau and stopped at the Red Dog Saloon for a drink. This was a little disappointing as it was very touristy, busy and dark.

Hubbard Glacier 19 May

All passengers were excited at the prospect of cruising beside the Hubbard Glacier.

The Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska at 3 miles across and 3-400 feet tall. We were fortunate to have a magical day with the weather. We had sunshine and clear sky which afforded spectacular views of the glacier as the captain manoeuvred within two nautical miles of the shore. The crew told us all that there are generally only a few days a year where the weather allowed views like this and we were there on one of them.

Our on board naturalist, Bret Nixon, who knows the area well having spent a lot of time involved in research in the area took over the commentary from the bridge keeping us well informed as we progressed and pointing out ice falls, birds and wildlife. We viewed from the front of the ship for a number of hours in awe.

We had expected it to be beautiful, but you really are overwhelmed when you experience it. We were able to hear to ice crackling as it melted in the water and viewed some ice falls from the glacier. The staff served hot chocolate and Baileys in travel mugs to keep it warm as we were cruising.

After we had left the glacier, we spotted a whale.

Sitka, 18 May

Views of Sitka

Bald Eagle at Raptor Centre

Performers at Naa Kahidi Native Dance Performance

We disembarked at Sitka a beautiful southeastern Alaskan city nestled on the west side of Baranof Island. It is flanked to the east by snow-capped mountains and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. We joined the Native Cultural, Historic and Raptor Tour.

Sitka is small but picturesque and its inhabitants proud of their Tlingit Indian and Russian heritage. Our guide was a Tlingit Indian who said he did not appreciate his heritage until he became a tour guide. He is now ensuring his children know about and appreciate their heritage.

There are not many examples of Russian buildings left but we did see the original Bishop's house (a small wooden building) that has been restored. Even the mansion of Count Baranof who headed the Russia-America company and where Alaska was handed over to America is no longer standing. We did, however, see St Michael's Cathedral (Russian Orthodox) which is a replica of the one which burnt down in 1996. The icons and other precious religious items were saved by the townspeople.

We had good seating at the Naa Kahidi Native dance Performance held in a traditional style Tlingit Clan House. The performance began with a resonating box drum, the aroma of burning cedar and the star of the show a remarkable 5 year old boy. The dancers entered in their traditional regalia and performed ancient songs and danced passed down through generations. We learnt of the two main clan divisions the Raven and the Eagle. At the end we all joined the dancers around the fire pit in the middle of the clan house.

We then proceeded to Sitka National Historic Park and after a picnic lunch of local produce were

escorted through the rainforest along totem-lined paths and were told about the rainforest ecology, totem significance and the Tingit/Russian history and traditional edible and medicinal plants.

We then visited the Alaska Raptor Centre, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to educating the public and providing medical treatment for birds of prey. After an interesting lecture we viewed many of the raptors-in residence including bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.

Crusing the Inside Passage 17 May

It was a beautiful day's cruising the Inside Passage on one of the world's most spectacular waterways passing forests of spruce and hemlock and the many mountains, islands and inlets.

We attended lectures by naturalist, Brett Nixon, who was both entertaining and informative. Brett is a scientist who has researched many of the animals in the area and is a cold weather survival expert. He has been employed to train marines in cold weather survival techniques. His first lecture was on Alaska as a whole and the whole auditorium was enthralled at his presentation. His later lecture was on sea otters and it was just as interesting and informative.

Tonight was one of the formal nights on the cruise, and after the late sitting for dinner we watched the Broadway Spectacular show.

Victoria to Seattle 16 May

The Empress

Victoria Town Hall

After breakfast at the Empress we were taken a short distance to transfer to the Victoria Clipper which took us to Seattle (approximately a two hour trip) so that we could embark on the Infinity for our Alaskan voyage.

As the Infinity set sail we watched on deck as we pulled out of Seattle with the Sky Tower and St Helens in the background.

We attended the traditional ship's welcome and danced on deck then went to a martini tasting ( six different martinis). Dinner consisted of a delicious five course meal. The food was plentiful, well presented and service was excellent. Our Cabin was spacious and as the sun set we sat on our balcony watching the view.

Victoria 15 May

Victoria town hall

Whale watching on the zodiac

The Empress Hotel

Water taxis on Victoria Harbour

After breakfast at the Empress we went whale watching in a high speed zodiac. this was an exciting experience and we all looked like snowmen we were so rugged up in the special suits, hats gloves and life jackets. We did not spot any whales but we saw eagles and their nests, harbour seals and sea lions.

The afternoon was at leisure, so we enjoyed a little time exploring Victoria which is a very pretty city with plenty of old world atmosphere.

We dined at the Empress, then we walked around Victoria at night. The parliament building is particularly beautiful at night as it it lit with many lights and all the horses and carriages were ready to take tourists on a city tour added to the atmosphere.

Vancouver to Victoria 14 May

Burchart Gardens and Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park.

This was an interesting day that started with breakfast at the Vancouver Aquarium. The tables were set up in front of the beluga whale tanks. It was fascinating to see these creatures who were so large and white. They enjoyed swimming belly up. I think they were as interested in us as we were in them as they kept swimming up and wanting attention.

After breakfast we were able to see sea otters and many of the other marine animals that can be found in British Columbia.

We then travelled by clipper to Vancouver Island and on to the beautiful Burchart Gardens. These gardens are the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen and include a Japanese, Italian and rose garden. The roses were not yet in bloom, however, the tulips were nothing short of spectacular. This is a garden you need to visit a number of times at different seasons.

We travelled on to Victoria and had an orientation tour of this beautiful city and then arrived at the famed Empress Hotel which is as good as its reputation.

We had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, a franchise restaurant. It provided three courses for $15 and was very good value.