The day in Juneau was mostly consumed with a Virtuoso Club shore excursion, one that we have taken on several occasions. Unfortunately, it rained on us as we left the ship…and didn’t stop the downpour until long after we had returned to its dry and warm comfort. The bus ride to Auke Bay was the standard 30 minutes where we boarded a 150-passenger sightseeing vessel with two stories of comfortable seats, large floor to ceiling windows, and a young, but knowledgeable crew.
The boat was soon plying the waters of Stevens Passage on our way to Lynn Canal. Within 20 minutes, we approached a large pod of Orca (Killer) whales (photo #1) which were actively swimming among boats containing tourists taking photographs in spite of the steady downpour. We were no different. As soon as our boat was close enough to put its engines into neutral, a steady stream of camera-toting passengers made its way to the rain-drenched back deck throwing caution to the wind with their sometimes expensive cameras. Jerry was no different. We spent probably 45 minutes along side the pod of Orcas, but no spectacular photo opportunities ever occurred. We did, however, get some fairly nice pictures. The Orcas have a distinct dorsal fin standing straight up on their backs along with some white patches.
Soon a rather small island appeared that was literally infested with Stellar sea lions (photo #2). As the captain slowed the engine, we could hear hundreds of the beasts uttering their guttural growls. They presented better photo opportunities than the Orcas had, simply because they were lounging on the beach, frolicking right off shore, didn’t appear anxious to relocate, and there were dozens of them everywhere.
Then, we were back on the lookout for more whales…and weren’t disappointed. Very shortly, a pod of Humpbacks along with their calves appeared off our bow. We began to shadow them, and they performed. Within a half hour, we saw many whales’ tales on their way to deep dives. The best photo opportunity was near the end of the wildlife viewing time of our excursion. Three Humpbacks worked their way from about 50 yards off our port stern to within just feet of the back of the boat. They crossed to the starboard side, but before they disappeared into the deep and cold waters, they did a dive for us…showing us their tails no more than 20 feet off away (photo #3). It was, perhaps, the closest we have ever been to the final dive of a Humpback.
Orca Point Lodge, on remote Colt Island, was our next destination. We enjoyed a sumptuous barbeque of grilled wild Alaskan salmon and chicken, with all the accompaniments. It was delicious (photo #4).
Our boat then whisked us back to the dock at Auke Bay, and we were bussed back to downtown Juneau. Six of us decided that our day in Juneau could not end with a bus ride. So, we walked through the swinging double doors of the world-famous Red Dog Saloon and onto its sawdust floor…where we enjoyed a nightcap (photo #5) before making our way back to the Mariner.
Even though it rained on us all day long, our time in Juneau proved to be very enjoyable. We know we will return some day.
The boat was soon plying the waters of Stevens Passage on our way to Lynn Canal. Within 20 minutes, we approached a large pod of Orca (Killer) whales (photo #1) which were actively swimming among boats containing tourists taking photographs in spite of the steady downpour. We were no different. As soon as our boat was close enough to put its engines into neutral, a steady stream of camera-toting passengers made its way to the rain-drenched back deck throwing caution to the wind with their sometimes expensive cameras. Jerry was no different. We spent probably 45 minutes along side the pod of Orcas, but no spectacular photo opportunities ever occurred. We did, however, get some fairly nice pictures. The Orcas have a distinct dorsal fin standing straight up on their backs along with some white patches.
Soon a rather small island appeared that was literally infested with Stellar sea lions (photo #2). As the captain slowed the engine, we could hear hundreds of the beasts uttering their guttural growls. They presented better photo opportunities than the Orcas had, simply because they were lounging on the beach, frolicking right off shore, didn’t appear anxious to relocate, and there were dozens of them everywhere.
Then, we were back on the lookout for more whales…and weren’t disappointed. Very shortly, a pod of Humpbacks along with their calves appeared off our bow. We began to shadow them, and they performed. Within a half hour, we saw many whales’ tales on their way to deep dives. The best photo opportunity was near the end of the wildlife viewing time of our excursion. Three Humpbacks worked their way from about 50 yards off our port stern to within just feet of the back of the boat. They crossed to the starboard side, but before they disappeared into the deep and cold waters, they did a dive for us…showing us their tails no more than 20 feet off away (photo #3). It was, perhaps, the closest we have ever been to the final dive of a Humpback.
Orca Point Lodge, on remote Colt Island, was our next destination. We enjoyed a sumptuous barbeque of grilled wild Alaskan salmon and chicken, with all the accompaniments. It was delicious (photo #4).
Our boat then whisked us back to the dock at Auke Bay, and we were bussed back to downtown Juneau. Six of us decided that our day in Juneau could not end with a bus ride. So, we walked through the swinging double doors of the world-famous Red Dog Saloon and onto its sawdust floor…where we enjoyed a nightcap (photo #5) before making our way back to the Mariner.
Even though it rained on us all day long, our time in Juneau proved to be very enjoyable. We know we will return some day.
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