I had a computer workshop this morning on editing photos. Was useful in that I found out how to use a 'brush tool'.
We went to lunch early in preparation for docking at 2pm. While at lunch we were told that we had been held up because of the rough weather and would not arrive until 3. It was raining as we arrived which, apparently, is not all that unusual for Alaska. Once off the boat, we looked for Damian’s friend Lev, who works in the tourism industry here and had said that he would look after us as far as a tour was concerned. Found Lev and he told us that he had us on a complimentary whale tour. We didn’t expect it to be complimentary but certainly didn't complain. Thanks, Damian and Lev.
The boat was about a 20-minute bus drive north of Juneau. Our bus driver (looked about 16 but was probably early 20s) was a bit of a card with a dry sense of humour about Alaska. ‘If you look out the bus to the right you can see the Mendenhall Glacier – can’t see it too well today because it’s raining and the widows are fogged up” etc. Had a couple of people on the bus asking the driver where Sarah Palin lived, was she there etc. The bus driver wasn’t all that complimentary – said she was no longer governor.
Whale trip was great, despite the rain. Saw 9 humpback whales, many of them quite close to the boat. Also saw harbour seals, steller sea lions and a couple of bald eagles.
Back in Juneau, we tried to ring Lev so that we could have a coffee with him but had trouble with the phone. When I dialled the number it said you are trying to ring an international number put a 1 in front. When I did that it said you are not ringing an international number don’t put a 1 in front. Go figure!
Did a bit of shopping. Apparently, Alaska is the shopping capital of the world – fewer taxes or something up here. The ship has some ‘favourite’ shops where they guarantee the authenticity of jewellery, carpets etc. Actually purchased a silk carpet square (70% off US prices because it is the end of the season) for when we rip up the carpet at home and replace with timber. Even with 70% off it still cost an arm and a leg!!) Shipping back to Australia was included.
Back on the boat about 8pm, too late for tea, so we ordered in-room dining. I had a steak sandwich, Jill a wrap. Left shore about 9:30 and will be in Skagway in the morning.
