Introduction


I had originally intended to write this blog as we went along, however during the Alaska cruise my computer failed and so this “diary of our trip” has been written from our memories, the notes made in the Tour Daybook, my own written notes and of course the many photographs taken during the four weeks we were in Canada and Alaska.

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Day 5 – Saturday 20th May - Cruise Ship Volendam overnight to Skagway

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Skagway is located in a narrow glaciated valley at the head of the Taiya Inlet, which is the most northern  fjord  on the  Inside Passage .   We have travelled here overnight and wake to find ourselves already alongside the quay with the carriages of the White Pass Railroad alongside the ship.   We have booked a trip on this, supposedly one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world for later in the day, but first we plan to explore the old gold town settlement itself. Mary has her usual stretch class before a buffet breakfast which we take in the Lido Restaurant for a change, then it’s collect camera, waterproofs and we are off the boat and walking into town.   Skagway seems to have more going for it than the State Capital Juneau where we were yesterday.   Here the town is in a much better state of repair, probably because it is now under the protection of the Federal Government and also because it has the “cash cow” of the White Pass and Yuko...
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Day 15 – Thursday 8th June – Whistler Campground at Jasper

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From the summit of Mount Whistler we had seen a group of lakes on the edge of town and the local trail guide suggested walks in that area so accompanied once again by Simon and Helen we set off first for Patricia Lake where the reflections were just stunning.   We stopped there until the beauty was broken by a couple in canoes breaking the reflected images in the water and set off for our next lake, Pyramid Lake. Here we abandoned the RV and took the trail to Pyramid Overlook.  The walk is a combination of 2b, 2h and 2i but is worth the effort when you reach the viewpoint above Pyramid Lake.  We are making our usual raucous noise to deter inquisitive bears, having seen evidence on the path, when we come across Chris and Hilary who are enjoying the view, along with the solitude and the peace and quiet!  Soon ruined that! After the return walk following a different route, we cross the bridge and onto Pyramid Island where once again we take in the impres...
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Day 6 – Sunday 21st May - Cruise Ship Volendam - Skagway to Glacier Bay

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Today we wake early so that we can head up to the crow’s nest for a presentation by the National Park rangers who have joined the ship in the very early hours.   They explain that we are headed into a deep fjord   where we shall see glaciers edging down to sea level and that a running commentary will be made from the bridge pointing out features as we pass and then as we reach the furthest most point from the sea the engines will be cut, the rangers will head out onto the foredeck and we shall get very close to the snout or terminus of the glacier as it calves off into the bay. We enjoy our breakfast then put on warm layers and waterproof and go out on deck.   The whole experience is almost magical and certainly the highlight of our Alaskan cruise. One of the world’s largest protected natural sites, Glacier Bay penetrates deep into the Tongass National Forest.   At least six separate glaciers slide slowly from the mountains down into the icy waters of Glacie...
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