From the beginning. I had planned a self-guided tour for Juneau. I was not disappointed.
First, I took the Goldbelt Tram (link) and saw great views of Juneau. Constructed in 1996, they used funds from a Native claims settlement to construct the tram.
Tlingit theatre at the top gave a real informative video and talk. We were given a 2-sided card about Tlingit language. They are a matriarchal society. When married, they both live with mother’s family but respect father’s family.
Below are views from the Tram. Click for full size photos.
After that I walked into and around town. I visited the Sealaska Heritage Institute (link). I only visited the exhibit area. Within was a full-size reproduction of a Tlingit clan house and the other rooms contained women artists, salmon fishing and other history. There were interactive videos. They constructed Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) along shore of Juneau. Read about it at the same link.
I took several photos in town. My main goal was always to visit the Alaska State Museum (link). The shortcut from the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church area included a multi-story wooden stairway path, which I am guessing might have been over a 500 ft drop. It was pretty. I had lunch in the museum, a wrap which was very tasty. The gallery exhibits were historically in order around the building including many artifacts and photos.
Back to the Majestic, I had covered 3.55 miles so far today.
Late afternoon our group went Whale watching on a “Harv and Marv” excursion in Auke Bay, Alaska. It was truly wondrous! Enjoy the photos and videos below!
In preparation: Humpback whales swimming and blowing and diving.
The final feed: Humpback whales coming up together, the excitement of our crowd oof watchers!