Inn at the Waterfront Juneau

... to repopulate the native population of salmon, they have artificial streams and "nesting areas," which imprint on released salmon fry who in turn return five or six years later to spawn. They spawn up the river, reach the man-made “stream steps,” fight their way all the way up, and then as they’re about to die, they’re taken, killed, and either gutted for their eggs or milked for semen. I ...

... car and board the MV Taku for our two-day journey back to Prince Rupert.  Our last leg brought us the best whale watching of the trip - dozens of humpback whales cavorting in the water - breaching, flipping their flukes (tails) and slapping their flippers on the water. 

We learned a lot on this trip about the logistics of ferry travel (not easy if you don't have your car with you) but wouldn't hesitate to do it again to take the opportunity to see the ports we missed. 

... Hatchery was very interesting. Tons of salmon in the fish ladder. Watched the workers moving salmon into the processing area and putting King Salmon into a separate area. They squeeze out the eggs from the salmon to increase the success rate. Inside there is a fish tank and gift shop.


Alaska Brewing Company was a great place to sample beer. Instead of ...

... that you climb from sea level. We went through cloud filled rain forest up steep rough tracks until we came out of the clouds where we had to cross some of the last remaining snow drifts. At the top we were treated to a wonderful view of other mountains poking through the blanket of cloud bellow us as the sun shone brightly on the snow covered summits. It was such a contrast from the town and was a great hike. A fitting end to our journey through Alaska.

... zip lines, 2 rope bridges and abseiling at the end of the line. I had excellent fun with one zip line going over 300metres long, and another traversing a drop of 50+ metres. If you don’t fear heights i would recommend a zip line tour.

I met up with Kylie later in the afternoon, she reported see humpback whales, seals and eagles (and some bear poo but no bears) and that she had a good time

... and Territorial Building in 1931. Originally housing federal government offices, the federal courthouse, and a post office, it became the home of the Alaska Legislature and the offices for the governor of Alaska and lieutenant governor of Alaska. Through the years, there has been discussion on relocating the seat of state government and building a new capitol, without significant development.

... as it was time to leave, the sow and her cubs came very close - obviously posing for a family portrait! A whale watching trip filled another day and along with ...

... the boat could hold. From this position Dick found it impossible to row, so he sat back and enjoyed the ride while I rowed us out to the icebergs, laughing all the way. I'm sorry I have no pictures to show of this remarkable trip, but I thought it better not to bring a camera along on the maiden voyage. The next time we take it out, we're going to try both facing forward and paddling like a canoe. We'll report back!

... it clear that there is no path alongside that dangerous rock wall, but Jason can make up a slight trace of someone who must have been there before us. I decide to follow the man of my dreams so at least we could slide down together. And now comes the point where I need to show off : ) I'm so proud, I never thought this would actually work. No kidding, and I'm not exaggerating, but it was one of the most scariest things I've ever done. There was ...

... during which we enjoyed ourselves so so very much. We will surely try to turn each of our days off into a special day. So this morning the reality kicked in again, back at work at 6:45 am. Not many customers, so I got to do more cleaning than waiting, but at least the day went by. Clouds, fog and rain are back, so I can't even go to the laundromat, but tomorrow maybe, as Jason wants to take my shift. Let's see if it works : )