Day 3

As would become the habit I tip toed out of the cabin whilst the rest slept in. The transformation of the scenery was dramatic as we steamed up the fjord to the Juneau, state capital of Alaska. Snow covered peaks lined the narrow waterway and within an hour at least 5 pods of Humpbacks had been sighted. The ship berthed at 1300 and we joined our first cruise tour which was a bus trip out to Mendenhall Glacier National Park. The glacier was only about 12 km out of town and was a spectacular sight complete with mini-icebergs in the lake. We stopped at a “rainforest garden” complete with golf buggy ride. A bit of “wally world” operation although the ride was rewarded with a spectacular view of the town.

On return to Juneau we hopped on the Mt Roberts Tramway (really a cable car) and were transported to a winter wonderland high above the cruise ships. Liam was less than impressed with being hit by his first snowball the shock overcoming him until he finally figured out that he could fire back. We went for a walk through the snow and the reaction of Isabel was especially beautiful. A tremendous day and Alaska and great introduction to Alaska.