On the second night we had anchored in a cove in Pavlof Harbor. We were told that animals sometimes come down to the water. Sure enough we saw a couple of bears. They were a LONG way off and I was only able to get a picture using full telescopic extension.
A little earlier we had passed some seals that were soaking up some rays.
On the third night we pulled into Juneau. We were going to have most of our fourth day open to explore Juneau. Anchored across from us was a National Geographic cruise ship (a little larger than ours) and a Hollland America Line cruise ship. The National Geographic ship looks almost like a dinghy next to the MAMMOTH cruise liner.
Granny and I decided to get a taxi and go to the Glacier Gardens Rainforest. When we got there, I was surprised to find that this was a privately owned attraction. Each group (our group was just the two of us) has its own guide and is taken for a ride in a multi passenger golf cart. We went up the mountain and around the beautiful gardens stopping at various places to enjoy the views. A unique feature of the gardens are the "upside down" planters. They are actually trees that have been turned upside down and the root area has been transformed into a planter.
After the Galcier Gardens, we taxied back to the harbor area and decided to have lunch at Tracy's King Crab Shack. Granny and I shared a "combo" - 1 King Crab Leg, Bisque and 6 Mini Crab Cakes. It was delicious! Imagine! Alaskan King Crab in Alaska!
We had seen Glacier Gardens. Now it was time to leave Juneau and see the real thing. On to the glacier!
Before moving on, I thought it might be interesting to look at a couple of comparisons between Alaska and Palm Beach County. The total population of Alaska is estimated at about 738,000. That compares with a total population of about 1,300,000 for Palm Beach County. Now take a look at the size of both places. Palm Beach County has an area of about 1970 square miles compared to an area of 666,300 square miles for Alaska. The population density of Palm Beach County is about 660 people per square mile. That compares with 1.1 people per square mile for Alaska! A LOT OF ROOM TO MOVE AROUND!
Our cruise, like most Alaska cruises, takes place in the extreme south-east portion of Alaska - the Inside Passage. When I look at the map, I wonder why this is part of the US and not part of Canada. However, it is part of the US and maybe one of the most beautiful and scenic parts.
One of the great advantages of going on a small ship cruise is we can go into areas the large ships can't. Even our ship has to be careful and take advantage of the tides because some of the spots are very shallow. We are going to view the glacier - up close and personal. And yes, we are BOTH going.
You can see the glacier in the background of the picture of us. We were able to get quite close and saw a number of pieces "calve" off the glacier. Look at the icebergs floating. Yes, it is cold! That's why we were viewing from the bridge.
Everything was going great until Granny stepped back, tripped and banged her head on threshold between the bridge and the area behind the bridge. It was a bloody mess!
We were VERY fortunate that two of our fellow passengers were VERY well trained nurses. They took over immediately and attened to Granny's injury. It was decided that Granny should be taken to the hospital for a scan and examination to insure she was OK.
Our captain was right on top of the situation and contacted the Coast Guard who flew out to take Granny to the hospital in Juneau.
Christine and Carol getting Granny ready for her trip to the hospital.
Granny's transport has arrived. They knew she was a "basket case". And sure enough, there she goes. Not too bad for private transport.
