Let me start by saying that photos are coming...today was fabulous! The weather is sunny and about 70 degrees. You take these kinds of days and Juneau and get after them...that is exactly what Sarah and I did.
We checked out of the Westmark at around 10:30 and promptly made our way to the Mt. Roberts trailhead at pretty much the highest point in Juneau. The trip to the trailhead was a hike itself. We took our time on the hike, stopping to rest regularly...and often, and it was strenuous, but beautiful. There were a couple of points where we could see Juneau, the cruise ships, and Gasteneau channel through breaks in the trees, but by and large we were just hiking through alpine rain forest on a sunny day.
Once we made it to the top we hung around the visitor's center and the raptor center there, we took the tram back down to town and the cruise ship area. The docks were teeming with tourists looking to spend money. Needless to say, Sarah and I got out of there quick.
We drove out to the valley and had lunch at Donna's Restaurant (see alaskafoodie.com). Man did it satisfy after a good long hike. After lunch we drove out to the Shrine of St. Therese to see it in the sunshine and all it's splendor. It is beautiful, and I got some pictures of the shrine, chapel, etc. Before we left though, I got several shots of some Rufous Hummingbirds who migrate through the area this time of year. I can't wait to see how the photos turn out. Sarah had a chance to sun herself and rest while I ran around chasing hummingbirds.
Next, Sarah and I drove further out to revisit Eagle Beach. We walked along the banks of Eagle River until we both needed to rest, so we both took about 30 minutes to nap in the sun.
We are now sitting in the Juneau Airport waiting for our flight and our journey home. It has been a great trip. I have never gotten to spend time in Juneau getting to do something other than coach swimming. I could get used to it.
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