Photography @ Sea: The Next Step: Upon my suggestion, my parents attended the "Photography @ Sea: Beginners" seminar Sunday morning. They both enjoyed it immensely and learned a few things about using their digital camera. I had spent several months leading up to our trip studying photography on my own and didn't think there would be anything new in the beginners course, so I didn't join them. However, Peep and I decided to see the advanced lecture. While it was all still review for me, Peep did learn some things about taking photographs in modes other than fully automatic or the scene modes.
Juneau: Our first stop in Alaska was in the state's capital, Juneau. For every city we visited, cruise goers had the option to purchase shore excursion through Princess Cruise Lines. There are many options. My parents decided they would treat all of us with a trip to see Mendenhall Glacier. The ship pulled into port about noon and our excursion was scheduled to leave at half past, so we had an early lunch and gathered at our pre-arranged meeting place. To get off the ship we needed to present our all-important cruise card, which is also used as a room key card and to charge purchases made onboard to your room account. We again had to present our card, plus go through security screening, to get back on board after our time in port.
Mendenhall Glacier: Once off the ship, we found the tour bus that would take us to Mendenhall Glacier, located twelve miles outside downtown Juneau in Tongass National Forest. The tour guide, along for the bus trip only, was informative and quite entertaining, making it a pleasant ride. Once we arrived, we were given a time to meet back at the bus and then left on our own. Stepping off the bus we were immediately greeted with breathtaking views of the glacier forming one edge of Mendenhall Lake. To the right of the glacier, a huge waterfall poured into the lake, and had a path leading up to its base. We all decided this would be our first destination.
Nugget Falls: The trail to Nugget Falls was 3/4 mile long on flat terrain, so it was an easy hike for the entire family to make. Once at its base, the towering 278 feet high waterfall makes a big impression. The falls themselves are fed not only from rain but also from the melting Nugget Glacier. Once done viewing the falls, we all headed back the way we came along the Nugget Falls Trail.
Steep Creek: We next headed across the parking lot and onto a boardwalk that crosses Steep Creek, a tributary that flows into Mendenhall Lake. The path on the opposite side of the creek was closed due to the sighting of a bear and her cub around the time of our arrival at the glacier. By the time we arrived there, though, the bears were nowhere to be seen. We were, however, able to observe sockeye salmon swimming up the creek to spawn. Lastly, we entered the visitor center wearing the bracelets given to us at the beginning of the tour. We then headed back down to the parking lot to board our bus for the return trip. Instead of taking us all the way to the docks, the bus driver dropped us off in downtown Juneau.
Downtown Juneau: Once in the city, we all split up to tour on our own. Peep and I walked around the entire downtown area, seeing such sights as the Juneau Arts and Cultural Center, Alaska State Museum, Governor's House, Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Alaska State Capitol, and the famous Red Dog Saloon and Tracy's King Crab Shack. Since our time in Juneau was limited, we didn't take tours of any of the downtown locations.
The weather was great, it was clear and sunny the whole time we were in port. The locals all mentioned how lucky we were - it had rained for 2 1/2 weeks straight prior to our arrival. In fact, the weather was nice the rest of the trip. At each night's entertainment, the Cruise Director made mention of the unseasonable weather we were getting. We were very fortunate.
Production Show: Motor City: After dinner back on board the Golden Princess, Peep wanted to go see the production show "Motor City". Just as they had the night before my parents decided to join us after hearing our plans. They had both seen the show a couple of times before on previous cruises, but enjoyed the dancing and singing enough to see it again. The show featured music from Motown.