Juneau - The Capital of Alaska

Traveling from Destruction Bay to Skagway was a glorious trip.  Finally the greens were greener, the blues bluer, and the snow on the mountain top sparkled like glass.  As we rode along Hwy 2 South we saw a spectacular lake which was named Emerald Lake or Rainbow Lake by the Native Americans.  It had a luminous glow that is caused by micro organisms that live in the lake.  

The next day after arriving at Skagway we took a cruise to Juneau which is the state capital.  It can only be reached by boat or plane and in the 1980’s there was a effort to move the capital closer to Anchorage, but the effort died after it was found that it would cost over 2 billion dollars to make the move.  While in Juneau we ate at the Red Dog Saloon which still reminded one of the old west. Inside there was an eclectic collection of items from the past.

On the ride back to the dock where we were to be picked up by the boat, we stopped at Mendenhall Glacier.   We walked a trail that allowed great views and photo opportunities of this huge glacier.  The area receives over 100 feet of snow annually.

After boarding the ship we saw more whales and sea lions, and saw Elder Rock Lighthouse which is the oldest original lighthouse in Alaska and the only remaining octagonal lighthouse.  If you find this interesting, is it up for sale by the Coast Guard.