Sept 25, 2009 - Whittier to Juneau

Experienced very heavy seas crossing the Gulf of Alaska in the MV Kennicott - 80 knot winds and 25 foot seas...lots of passengers hurrying around the boat looking for a restroom QUICK...As we try to sleep on the floor in the aft lounge, I watch Jeanne sliding back and forth with the pitch and roll of the vessel...the whole ship shuddering with each big wave. 

We make port in Juneau after a two day crossing. The town is situated at the northern end of Gastineau Channel, and backs up to steep, wooded slopes; Multi-colored houses spread up the slopes behind the waterfront. Exploring the town on foot, climbing up Gold Street to the simple wooden St. Nicolas Russian Orthodox Church - complete with the copper onion dome atop the belfry - and then to the Alaska State Capitol Building.

At Mendenhall Glacier, hiking along the lakeshore to Nugget Falls, out onto the flats below the cascade where it pours into the lake; View from here of the immense "cutting edge" of the Mendenhall Glacier, intense blues.the glacier cuts a wide path down to the lake; Kayakers paddling between the stray ice bergs floating in the lake.
 

Hiking Perserverance Trail, following the steep, narrow canyon of Gold Creek behind the town...On the hike in, we come upon a large black bear sow leading two cubs across the road.  Passing remains of many old mining camps and claims. The town of Juneau was founded here when prospectors discovered gold in the creek.  The trail traverses up the side of the canyon wall, then crosses the creek, continues back to a huge bowl, Silverbowl Basin.   - from here, lovely views of the surrounding high peaks.