Friday, July 30, 2010

Day 4 Juneau, AK- Alaska Zipline

We went on the zipline excursion.
It was through the temperate rainforest. It was unbelievable!
There were a bunch of zips with the longest being more than 700 feet long.
I think that is part of it above.

Before we were able to zip, we had to get geared up and learn the basics.

Then it was on! Pierce loved it.

I was flying and just a little nervous about the heights.

Gabe thought is was awesome.

What a motley crew.
Sarah, Gabe, Jack, Clay, Pierce, and Sonya

What a cute couple!

We also had to walk on this suspension bridge.
I did NOT like it. Everyone was jumping and I wanted to cry!

What did I do?

Ken is beating Pierce up so he can go next.
I'm pretty sure Pierce won.



Heading back down to the ski lodge and to Mendenhall Glacier.

Day 4 Juneau, AK- Mendenhall Glacier

After the zipline, they took us to Mendenhall Glacier.
This was our first look at a real glacier.
It was beautiful.

Ken, Sarah, Sonya, Gabe, Jack, and Pierce

We went into the visitor center and looked around
but we wanted to see more.

Pierce is too cute.

While looking outside, we noticed a huge waterfall beside the glacier.
We wanted to get closer. Look at the blue in the glacier and the tiny people.
This sucker is HUGE.
But wait, one more picture from the observation deck.

So, we headed out to see the waterfall.
But, it was farther than we thought and the driver was coming to get us soon.
We headed back.
We were still pretty far away.

Gotta walk quickly, so we won't get left.
And head back to the ship.

This is from our deck on the ship, looking back at Juneau.

One of our sister ships still at port.

Day 5 Skagway, AK- White Pass Railway

We had an early ride on the White Pass Railway.
So, we headed out to board the train.
Don't ask me what they are doing! : )

We are off! The sights on the train were gorgeous.

This is looking back at the port.
If you look really hard you can see some of the cruise ships.

This is Bridal Veil Falls.

The front of the train.

This is an old bridge from the early days.
It sure is pretty with the fog and the river.

As we got to the top, we crossed over into Canada.
The flags representing America, Alaska, British Columbia, Yukon, and Canada.

Poppa, Nana, and Sarah

It was really cold outside but this is a cool picture of Clay and Gabe.


Our engines.

Heading back out the tunnel.
It was a beautiful ride.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Day 5 Skagway, AK-Hiking

While on the train, we noticed a hiking trail. We still had several hours before the ship left, so we decided to go hiking. We went on the lower/upper lake trail.

Gabe and Clay went back to the trail head to check on the mileage,

so I took a picture of the cool Pierce.

It was a steep walk up to the lake but it was worth it.
We took the trail that went all the way around the lake.

I saw a family of strange moose.

I loved this section of the trail.
It was very different all the way around.

My boys are so handsome.

Waterfalls everywhere.

We continued hiking. The views were amazing.

Taking a break.

Sitting on the same rock as above and the view, WOW!

The trail looked really cool.
More beautiful views.

I love columbine and waterfalls.

Iris, lake, mountains...

wildflowers

wild children

Almost back.

I saw this mushroom on the way up and had to have a picture.
Got it on the way back.
As we got back to the trail head, the train was coming through.


Heading back to the ship.
Man, we had some views all the time.