Prince Rupert to Juneau, Alaska

6/9/11

Boarded the Taku Ferry using the Sea Alaska Pass (allows one to hop on , hop off at 3 ports from Prince Rupert to Skagway) at 5:30 am. The Inside Passage was especially beautiful when going through the narrows. There was a 3 hr. layover in Ketchikan so I disembarked and did the tourist thing for few hours. The ferry left Wrangell after a brief 1 hr stop around 11:30 pm. This part of the journey is the most dangerous as the ferry has to navigate through narrow passages at night with many small islands in the middle of the passageway. There are multi-colored lights on both sides and on the islands in the middle. They are called the Christmas Lights. It was beautiful along the 72 mile trip but little scary. About ten of us stayed up until about 3am when we finished navigating the passage. Then slept on the floor in between the rows of seats until about 7 am. Cheaper than a cabin.

Juneau ferry to Haines, Alaska

6/10/11


Incredible day. 1 hr before arriving at Juneau I saw a humback whale breach (leap halfway out of water) right in front of me. Luckily I was at the front of the ferry taking pictures when it breached. I got a good picture which I will post as soon as possible. The ship actually had to swerve to keep from hitting the whale. Arrived at Juneau port which is actually 14 miles outside Juneau at 1:30 pm. Then bought ticket to Haines and continued on the Inside Passage at 3 pm. Arrived at Haines at 7:30 pm and hostel owner forgot to pick us up. We called him and he apologized for the misunderstanding. Stayed 2 nights in Haines and it is very beautiful though not much to do. Met nice girl from the Netherlands, Claire, who continued on to Skagway on the fast ferry with us 2 days later.

Skagway, Alaska

6/12/11

Caught the 1 pm fast ferry to Skagway. Only a 40 minute ride but beautiful. Found the Skagway Home Hostel without too much trouble. Did not like the co-ed dorm so moved to the male dorm inside the owner's house. Much nicer and only $5 more. There are fewer than 1000 residents of Skagway but sometimes more than 10,000 tourists when 3-4 cruise ships arive at the same time. Skagway was the starting point for most that arrived for the Alaska Gold Rush. The town's main street is Broadway and most of the buildings have been preserved and leased out to jewelry stores, gift shops and restaurants. Went to the Bonanza Saloon to watch the Mavs beat the Heat. Great game but did not care for the $5.50 beer but do what you gotta do. Will be here 4 nights and then to Juneau for 6 days.