Wonder to Alaska July 14-21 2014

[motheroftheyear]

Enjoying so much and anxiously waiting for the next installment. We leave in a week!

 

[nouche1]

Your photos are beautiful! Love the ones of the ship pulling into port.

 

[pinksand]

Taking this cruise in 2 weeks and I'm loving your trip report. Your photos are really outstanding!

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Thank you all. Will try to get this done for those of you going soon. Very envious of you.

The next day was a sea day and we really didn’t have anything planned. We had tickets to go see the Frozen characters but totally forgot about it and missed our appointment time. My oldest daughter had never been able to go to Palo and we had made reservations for her and 2 other young adults in our group to enjoy brunch. My wife and I wanted around the ship and wound up at Tritons for lunch. Later on in the afternoon our group had put together a mixology class. We had a lot of fun with making drinks.

Walking around deck 4

Lunch at Triton's
Seafood appetizer

Grilled Cheese with turkey

Chicken Salad

Key Lime Pie

Chocolate Mousse cake

Came back to the room and our Steward had set up Teddy to enjoy the cruise.

Drinks for Mixology

About the time we were done with Mixology we were transiting the Inside Passage near Prince Rupert.

That night we were at Tritons for formal night. It was the Golden Mickey menu. Again everything was wonderful.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

On our next day we were going to visit Tracy Arm fjord. A bunch of us went up to the front of the ship on deck 10. It was very cold since the wind was blowing. Later I wondered to the back of the ship and found that some of us had gotten tables at Beach Blanket Buffet. So many of us to sit around and enjoyed the barbecue and the scenery as it went by. It was such a beautiful sunny day. We have been here on another cruise back and 2006 and it was very overcast. I heard that the front of the ship was quite crowded but I knew that the ship would turn around and you would get the same views on the way out.

Heading to Tracy Arm

I am going to continue on the next post to add more pictures.
Our huddled group at the front of the ship

They were serving hot chocolate up at the front

We did spot some whales and grabbed a shot just in case we did not see any in Juneau.

Looking for bears on the coast

The lunch menu for the BBQ in the back at BBB.

Steak grilling

Sausages

Chicken

Saw our first iceberg

Then we start down the fjord

Glacial water is very green almost like the Caribbean because of all of the silt.

Waterfalls are everywhere.

Looking up the fork where the North Sawyer Glacier is located.

Passing by the small island in the fjord.

Starting to see seals on the icebergs. I got some better pictures later on the way out from deck 4.

Mountains jutting up all along the fjord

The icebergs are getting bigger

The Wonder launched one of the life boats to go out and get an iceberg to bring back to the ship as well as some photographers.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

And then we arrived at South Sawyer Glacier

Blue iceberg. Glacier ice is blue until it is exposed to the air then it turns white.

Glacier up close

The glacier calved once but we missed it.

On the way back out of the fjord I went down to deck 4 to get a little closer view of the seals on the icebergs as well as some of the waterfalls.

Lifeboat coming back to the ship

Seals

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

The next morning we arrived in Skagway. Weather was overcast but it wasn’t raining. We had about 30 of us looked on an excursion with Chilkoot tours. We had two small buses that drove us up the Yukon highway with stops along the way. Once we passed over into Canada and then return on the White Pass & Yukon train back to Skagway. Once we got up to White Pass the overcast skies disappeared and was quite beautiful.

Wonder docked in Skagway

Skagway Street Car tour (this is not ours)

Another view of the Wonder in port

Our first stop along the Klondike highway was Pitchfork falls. Our driver timed it perfectly so we could catch the train going over.

A few miles up the road we stopped at another waterfall

Another waterfall up in the mountains

A cantilever bridge we went over. Only one side is attached since the road moves so much from earthquakes.

We next stopped at the welcome to Alaska sign so everyone could take family pictures.

We finally made it to the top of White Pass summit and the clouds began to clear. This are is more arctic tundra than down below.

We then had to stop at the border for passport check. The secret is to make here prior to the train arriving since the border agents can only do cars or train at one time. We were the last vehicle through before they closed the border.

When the train gets to the top they switch the engine instead of turning the entire train around.

We had a short time before boarding to sneak down to Summit lake and snap a picture.

Train station of Fraser

Engine connected so we could start boarding. Our two buses had our own car on the train which was nice.

Our conductor

The had a cute little pot belly stove in the car to keep you warm. It was really not that cold but it was a nice touch.

Then we started down the the hill.

Soon we passed the border.

We did not go over this old trestle

Pitchfork Falls from the train

Looking down the cliff to the Skagway river below.

Finally back down to river level and our return to Skagway

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

We walked around Skagway after our train ride and then decided to go back to the ship for lunch. We had a 3 PM Mushers Camp excursion planned.

Downtown Skagway with the Wonder parked in what appears the middle of the street.

Visitor Center covered in driftwood

Walking back to the ship

This is pretty much the entire town of Skagway.

We boarded another small bus which took us on about a 30 minute ride north of Skagway to the base camp. We then boarded a Unimog vehicle to climb up the hill to where the dogs were located. Once we were to the top we boarded what I would call large golf cart type vehicles for our dogsled trip through the forest. We probably went a little over a mile on maybe a 20 minute ride.

After the ride we were able to get out and talk to the dogs. I guess everybody is under the impression that these are Siberian Huskies and not Alaskan Huskies. These dogs are bread for their endurance and ability to handle cold weather. All of them are in training for the Iditarod race during winter.

When we finished talking to the dogs we once again boarded the Unimog for the trip down the hill. At the base camp we then listened to a short talk by one of the musters the participated in last year’s Iditarod race.

After that we got to go look at some of the Alaskan husky puppies. My girls were very excited to do this. They had some puppies that were born just earlier in the week. Then we got to hold some that were a few weeks old.

We then boarded our bus and returned to Skagway. It was a long day a lot of fun. Dinner that night was back at Parrot Cay.


Off to Mushers Camp. A 30 min bus ride to here and we had to walk to the main camp.

Main Camp

From here we took a Unimog up the hill to where the dogs were.

This was our dog sled

Off we went through the forest

We got to get out and meet the dogs

They were very friendly

Back down the hill to the base camp. Half way down we stopped a lookout to take pictures. A Princess ship in port can be seen.

Musher giving a talk on how they take care of the dogs.

Then on to the puppies. This was was less than a week old.

Then some puppies that were a few weeks old

Then we walked back to the bus for our ride to the ship

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

The next day we arrived in Juneau. We had booked a whale watching tour with Orca Enterprises for 11 AM. This really didn’t give us enough time in the morning to head out to Mendenhall glacier like I wanted. We visited there in 2006 so I didn’t feel that bad about. My wife and I hopped on a bus and went into town since I needed to find an ATM machine. We went back to the ship and waited for our excursion bus to pick us up.

Ran into Capt Guus as we were getting off the ship

Really wish we could have gone up on the tram since it was such a beautiful day.

We had reserved an entire boat for our group and were really excited about seeing some whales. We had used orca in 2006 and had a really good experience with them. Again we had Capt. Larry who is quite a character. The boat we were on was extremely fast so we were able to go quite a distance away from Juneau to find whales. We saw one after about 20 minutes. I was hoping that there would be more and we took off and went for another 15 minutes or so. When we came around this one island there were several boats parked along the coast. All of a sudden there were about 10 to 15 humpbacks all bubble feeding. We watch this for almost an hour. It was truly amazing.

On our way back to Juneau we were able to sea lions, Eagles and harbor seals.


Off to Auke Bay the catch our boat

Our boat with Capt Larry

Whales ahoy

Whales bubble feeding

Making a big splash

Next we stopped by a buoy to see some sea lions

Mendenhall Glacier

After her return to Juneau we had just enough time to head over to Tracy’s crab shack. This is something that I read about and really wanted to experience. We ordered one of the combinations which included one King crab leg, for crab cakes, a bowl of crab bisque, and garlic rolls. The crab was unbelievable. Nothing like you would get on the ship.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

That night was Pixar night and I actually got out taking some pictures of the characters. It was also semi-formal night and we ate at Triton's again.

I took my flash to dinner so I got some good pictures of dinner. My DW with her 3D glasses on. Only the front of the menu is in 3D.

Later that night I went out to get some pictures of the ship

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

The next morning we arrived in Ketchikan. We were very excited because we had booked an excursion through Southeast aviation to take us to Anan Creek to see bears. In our 2006 trip we never did see any bears so this time we wanted to make sure that we did. We arrived in port earlier than the 11:45am time that Disney had us in port. Jim from Southeast had called and left a message to call him as soon as we got into port. We called and he came and picked us up and took us back to their dockside office. We then boarded the 6 seat Beaver float plane. We were in the air by 11 AM. It was a 45 minute flight North to Anan Creek. It was a 1st time for all of us and a floatplane and was quite an experience. We landed in our pilot pulled the plane up to the shore where we were met by a forest ranger that took our permit and went over some bear facts with us.

Coming in for a landing

Anan Bay

I want to thank my friend Andy for getting this shot since I forgot to.

The trail

Bald Eagles everywhere

Yep, the salmon are running

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

We then started on our 20 minute walk through bear country up to the observation post. The trail was primarily boardwalk with a few spots of dirt but a very easy walk. We were amazed at all the bald eagles that were in the area. There was a chance that we could run into a bear on the trail the likely we do not. We arrived at the viewing platform and checked in with the 2nd forest ranger. A tip is to sign up for a half hour down in the photo blind at creek level. It wasn’t that crowded while we were there so we were able to view from here twice. This creek is where pink salmon spawn from mid July to late August. The area is also by permit only during this time and there is a maximum of 60 people per day that can visit. This is the only area in Alaska that you will find both black bears and brown bears together. It was truly unbelievable watching bears along the creek fishing for salmon.

At one point when we were down in the photo blind a brown bear came underneath us and grabbed a salmon. He then went about 15 to 20 feet away and ate it.

At another point we were up in the observation deck and a young black bear grabbed a piece of salmon and took off up one of the trees. It was a young eagle sitting in the tree and really didn’t pay attention to the bear.

Spotted our first bear

Eagles and bears

This appeared to be an older bear that had seen a lot of action. My girls nicknamed him/her Chubs.

I see you

Chubs gets a salmon

Three year old grizzly right under us in the blind

When our time was up we headed back down the trail again without running into any bears. And our floatplane showed up and took us back to Ketchikan. It was really an exciting day.

Mountain Goats

The Wonder from the air

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

That evening my wife and I took our daughter to her first Palo for dinner. As usual it was a wonderful dining experience.

My DD started off with the Fritto di Calamari

While my DW partook in the Mozzarella and Plum Tomatoes.

I opted for the Tuscan White Bean Soup with Prosciutto and Parmesan Cheese

We ordered the Wild Mushroom Risotto to share just because we could

My DD and I both got the Filet with Gorgonzola and port wine sauce

DW went with the Oregano and Parmesan Crusted Rack of Lamb

We confused DD when we ordered Chocolate Soufflé with vanilla Bean and Chocolate Sauce before dinner came. She thought they were going to bring it out with dinner.

A couple of the masks in the entry way

 

[marciemouse]

Your photography is absolutely incredible. The experience with the bears had to be amazing.

 

[princess aleya]

I'm so happy I found your TR!! I have enjoyed reading it from the begining. You're pictures are AMAZING!!!! I love all the little details you have provided about your trip. I can't wait to hear more, thanks for sharing.

 

[TheChanClan]

I am truly enjoying your trip report thus far! My family and I are going on the Sept 1st cruise to Alaska and reading about your trip is a great preview as to what's to come. Your pictures are quite good! Seeing all the delicious looking food only reinforces the need to pack my running shoes so I can get some exercise while on board.

I am not too familiar with the Anan Creek Bear Observatory but after seeing your pictures I'm fascinated! I wish we could do this! Unfortunately, no one else in my party is willing to go on a float plane, so I think the excursion is a no go. Too bad, it all looks incredible!

 

[mylael]

I love all your pictures, especially the bear pictures, and even more especially the one with the bear & the bird together!

 

[jedijill]

Fantastic pictures! So far you've do e everything I would do on a trip to Alaska....can't wait to read the rest.

Jill in CO

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Sorry for the delay but I had to go back to work to pay the bills. Let me finish this up. Thank you all for the kind comments.

The next day was a sea day and a bunch of us had booked the private dining room at Palo for brunch. If you are following along we had just finished dinner there the night before Always love brunch at Palo because there are so many choices. Since we had a 10am reservation we were the first ones than in. We showed up early and I asked if I could go in before they opened to take a FEW pictures before they started disappearing. Most of the are labeled in the buffet section.

Appetizers

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Palo Brunch Main Courses

Spicy Sausage Pizza

Blue Cheese, grapes and port wine pizza

Margherita Pizza

Goat Cheese and sun dried tomatoes pizza

Regular Eggs Benedict

Pancakes with blueberries

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Eggs Florentine

Oysters Rockefeller

Chicken Parmesan

Seared Tilapia

Frittata