Roads Less Traveled

I slept well on my first night. Breakfast burritos are served at the table, though for early risers a continental breakfast is available from 6:30AM.

At 10, the naturalist gives us a run down on what to expect for the stops today. Jason is a young Midwestern guy who looks like the boy next door. He’s been on the boat for 2 seasons and has two science degrees. He is knowledgeable about Alaskan history and geography and is able to field the few questions we have about the Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears we’ll be seeing. We learn that these huge carnivores are close cousins of both Grizzlies and Kodiaks and that they can weigh over a thousand pounds. Continue reading →

The Island Spirit is tiny as cruise ships go-more like a yacht really, except it has a more “expedition” than luxury feel to her. There is a favorable ratio of 16 passengers and 11 crew on the vessel when we leave the port in Juneau. As soon as we’re clear of the dock, it’s happy hour, and they aren’t stingy with the free drinks. I like it already!

Continue reading →

I love Alaska. I always have. That’s why, when I had a chance to take a small ship cruise to our largest state for the third time I didn’t hesitate. I’m typing this from my hotel room in Juneau, and I spent my first full day here exploring massive Mendenhall Glacier in the Tongass National Forest as well as the peaceful and bucolic St. Terese Shrine just outside of town. Continue reading →