TRAVEL BY FERRY

Friday-Saturday, 6/21-22/2013. 

The Alaska Marine Highway is a ferry system that connects southeast Alaska + Bellingham, Washington.  Normally (we're not normal), you should make reservations far in advance to travel the ferry system.  Due to cancellations; however, we were lucky to reserve ferry space to chosen islands and towns (and stay a few days each).  This will save us 736 miles of driving, give us a break + experience other adventures.

JUNEAU is Alaska's capital and the only way here is by plane or boat.  It has incredible scenery and is a popular cruise ship port.  There is gold mining history, native heritage, summer and winter sports, wildlife, waterways, rainforests, glaciers...the list goes on. 

Humpback whales have a plate of keratin, or baleen, attached to the upper jaw which works like a strainer to catch their food.  They have no teeth so can only eat the tiniest of seafood.   Krill and small baitfish are prevalent in Juneau so they love it here and eat about a ton of food per day!

Today, June 21, is Juneau's longest day--  18 hrs and 18 min. of daylight (shortest day is in December with 6 hrs and 22 min. of daylight). 

Motorcycle into historic downtown district for shopping!, visit the state capital, and have lunch at the Rookie Cafe.  (Erin and Kate, you would love the food here!)-  the tomato, red pepper and curry soup and  panini with goat cheese, beets, and sliced green apples was scrumptious!  "RV Cafe"  dinner...grilled ribeye, mashed potatoes, and medley of brocolli/cauliflower/carrots. 

Next morning and it's rainy!  Have you tried oatmeal with walnuts, a bit of brown sugar, skim milk and Pensey's orange peel! (or you could use a bit of fresh orange peel).  So good!  The weather has cleared.  At noon, take RV into main Juneau area.  After bagging up lunch and snacks from Breezy Deli and Market, hit the highlights.  Totem poles are fascinating and each tell a story.

From the top : 1) Bald eagle represents US and purchase of Alaska from Russia,  2) Russian Priest represents Christianity and Russian influence in Alaska,  3)  Man is shown harnessing the power of the universe represented by the figure of the sun,  4) Long ago the Raven released the power of the sun, moon and stars for man.

 

My new best friend.

The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery explained a lot about the life of a salmon.  To summarize the process at the hatchery:  1) eggs are collected from the female salmon and milt from the male salmon.  Once fertilized, they are rinsed and placed into incubation trays with a constant flow of fresh water.  Substrate is added to act as artificial gravel for the hatched eggs (alevins) to hide, feed from their yolk sac and grow.

 2) When the yolk sac is depleted, they are called salmon fry and ready to be transported into salt water rearing pens.  The fry spend 9-12 weeks in the rearing pens and memorize (imprint) the characteristics of their surroundings.  3) Once released, the salmon will spend 2-5 years cruising the Pacific Ocean. 

Adult salmon will only return to their place of birth (or location where imprinted) when ready to spawn.  Eggs and milt are collected and the process repeats itself!

The mission of Juneau's hatchery is to enhance salmon resources and promote public understanding.  The cycle of life and death of salmon in this location... as well as in their natural habitat...is incredible!

Rob, how about a 5,000 gal saltwater aquarium? 



Stop at scenic Harbor Park where the fishing is good and the eagles are at home.

Between Glacier Hwy and the Lynn Canal and overlooking Pearl Harbor is Shrine Island, access to the St. Therese Chapel.  Stone structures, called Stations (Way of the Cross) are prominent along the trails.

Very interesting...the Shrine Chapel, Columbarium, gardens, labyrinth, and retreat cabins.  It is a special, peaceful place for spiritual healing and direction.




Back to RV site for dinner of grilled baby back pork ribs, brown/quiona rice and leftover veggies.  Early to bed....