Juneau - Alaska's Capitol is a Great Starting Point to Explore the Frozen North

I arrived in Juneau on Sunday, May 9th, on a bright sunny day and a temperature of 56 degrees. This was my first visit to our frozen north and I had a mental picture of needing snow shoes and being greeted by a friendly Eskimo family!

Nothing could have been father from the truth. This northern pioneer village and Alaska's capitol could have been a fishing village anywhere on America or Canada's northern coasts.

That's not to say this state capitol lacked its own charm. The natives ( and I use the term loosely as most we spoke to had moved to Juneau from the southern states) were wonderful, friendly and helpful. The town itself bustled with tourists from the two visiting cruise ships anchored a short walk (or bus ride) from the main shopping area. Shopping was fun and like all the others visiting for the first time we stocked up on gifts for friends at home. The highlight however for me at least was our bus ride to the Mendenhall Glacier! During the 12 days i spent in Alaska, my visit to the Glacier was the only truly 'Alaskan' experience of my trip! Helicopter trips are available but were not within our budget. Just a 15 minute bus ride from the center of Juneau brings you to the foot of this massive 12 mile long ice field. Stretching as it does from the Juneau Ice field to the Mendenhall Lake and eventually the Mendenhall River, the views from the visitors center are magnificent and provide great photo opportunities. In 1794, when one Capt. Vancouver toured the area the glacier covered the entire valley. Climate change has significantly altered the layout today.

The Gastineau Channel separates Juneau from Douglas Island, a community that according to records at the time was the worlds largest commercial gold mining operation, and visitors can still visit the ruins of the Tredwell Mine. In 1984 a bridge was constructed that now links Juneau to Douglas.

The Mt. Roberts tramway lifts passengers over 1,800 feet above the city offering spectacular photo opportunities of the view across the channel, and the city below.
Juneau is of course like most Alaskan towns, landlocked! The International Airport and the Marine highway system are the only means of access.

If you'd like to know more about this historic city you will find all you need to know at the Juneau Convention and Visitors web site http://traveljuneau.com

Life's a journey - enjoy the ride.
Dr. Peter J. Shield PhD (http://pjshield.com )