Day 4 – Friday 19th May - Cruise Ship Volendam to State Capital Juneau

Once again Mary heads for classes while I read in bed, shower and dress with cooler weather in mind.  Once again the sea is calm and we are closing on the coastline having crossed open sea overnight.  We have also passed from Canada into the USA in the past ten hours and have had to adjust our watches.  We know what day it is because they change the mats in the lifts each morning and today it says “FRIDAY”.

We are entertained at breakfast by porpoises and orcas close to the ship and although we see them I don’t have my camera with me.  By the time we have finished the marine action has ended!  The ship docks on schedule at Juneau and as it is raining we are ready with waterproofs to head ashore.  We have pre-booked the Juneau Glacier Shuttle bus, opting for this rather than taking an organised trip with Holland America, as we shall have greater flexibility.  The driver of our bus is a wit and we have a humorous running commentary all the way up to the glacier as he also points out a number of American Bald Eagles on posts close to the road, definitely worth his tip!

Mary in front of Nugget Falls
We go to the visitor centre where we view an excellent video of the glacier and then with slightly improving weather we head out and take the path first to the viewpoint where we watch arctic terns; and then on to Nugget Falls.  Views of the Mendenall Glacier are fabulous with its ice blue fissures and the falls are ribbons of white water thundering over the edge and shrouding the beach in mist and spray.  A great spot for photos!

As we walk back towards the visitor centre we meet Helen and Simon who point out a beaver on a small islet just off the beach path.  We spend some time watching it on the sand and then as it swims around the lake.  Final spotting of the afternoon is an American Bald Eagle in a tree overlooking the path.

We are dropped off in the centre of Juneau and we walk back via the numerous shops selling tourist items.  Most of it is complete tat!

Once again we call in at the Ocean Bar for pre-dinner G&Ts and discover that Helen and Simon have been in the next bar.   Another very enjoyable dinner with them before bed.

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