Our next port of call was Juneau, the state
capitol. The most remarkable thing about
this city is the fact that you can only get in or and out of the state capitol
by boat or plane. It is built at sea
level with high mountain ranges completely surrounding the city. Otherwise, we found this to be the least remarkable
place we have been in Alaska. Like
Skagway, much of its income is derives from the tourist trade, mostly from
cruise ships. When we arrived, we found
the port virtually full of cruise ships.
When we disembarked, we had to walk the gauntlet of
tour operators lined up in small booths on the pier head. It reminded us of the red light district of
Amsterdam. When we stopped to chat with
some of them, I mentioned this fact.
They just laughed and said that they had heard this before.
The downtown area is just off the piers and an easy
walk. There were lots and lots of gift
stores among the few buildings dedicated to the workings of the state capitol. We walked the streets and followed some
locals into a coffee shop for a caffeine fix.
Anneke was pleased to find that they made a very nice cup of cappuccino
that rivaled the artists onboard ship.
After quickly getting our fill of the shopping
delights, we visited the state museum which is devoted to the native cultures of
Alaska. This was an interesting look at
the people who lived in this wild land for thousands of years.
11 comments:
Great pictures from the museum. We enjoyed Juneau. We wanted to ride the tram but it was raining when we were there so didn't do much.
I'm normally not a museum visitor, but the Native American exhibit looks like a good one.
I would love that museum. I am sure it is unlike any we have visited. The history of Alaska and its people would be fascinating.
I see people walking in pants and sweatshirts. Could you give us an idea of what the temperature is like day and night? Thanks.
Wow loved the picture of the plane against the snow covered mtns. I'm sure it wouldn't be thriving so much without all the tourists and their spending. Great pictures.
Seeing all those cruise ships you have to wonder what Juneau survived on before the Alaska cruise boom.
This is better than the Gold Rush for those merchants especially with 'big spenders' like you on shore, Chuck!
Isn't it amazing that all these cities in Alaska can be walked from one end to the other in very little time? I remember being surprised at how small they all were.
What gorgeous pictures you have posted! Look at all the money those shoppers are bringing to those towns!!
So did you cause the ship to list after coming back from buying all those souvenirs?
You'll have to go back to Juneau and get out to Mendenhall Glacier ... if it's still there that is ... you never know these days with so many glaciers receding fast.
I traveled extensively in Alaska back in 1979. Thanks for bringing back some excellent memories!
I love love love your photos. I really want to see Alaska now!
Candy
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