We visualized ourselves hauling suitcases across the docks, and heaving them onto the small deck. But it turned out so much easier. Our hotel shuttled us and suitcases directly to dockside, and the crew manhandled all the luggage. Even at the other end in Juneau, we expected to struggle to find our hotel, but all the folk here are so helpful, in this case a bus was laid on to take all passengers downtown, then the driver offered to drop us at the hotel door. Too simple. All we had to do was sit back and enjoy the scenery.
And spectacular it was too. I think when we arrived by cruise ship 3 weeks ago it was night-time, so this is the first time we’ve seen this stretch of water. It was made more interesting because of the fishing boats. The salmon are “rising”, and our ferry trip coincided with a 48 hour period the local fishermen are allowed to net “sockeye” in commercial quantities. The ferry captain had to keep a sharp lookout for netting lines, often zigsagging his course to avoid them.
It was raining of course when we were in Juneau last time, so we were unable to go up the cable car to overlook the town. Not only did we manage it in the best of conditions this time, but we also did it just before 4 cruise ships docked and spewed out many thousands of passengers - yippee! We nigh on had the place to ourselves. Different story when we came back down. Never mind! We scored.
The bright red building near the marina at about 8 o’clock is our hotel.
There are a lot of things about Alaska we will miss:
The very occasional really nice meal among them! Juneau, as with most of Alaska has been pub, after pub, all selling the same beers, and virtually identical bar food. Tonight we found a decent Italian restaurant that sold what they call “Italian pies” (ie pizza’s), tapas and good wine.
Finished the evening off with a sunset stroll back to our hotel.
It was almost warm enough to go in for a swim!!
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