Recently, I was able to make it to America’s last frontier: Alaska, the 49th state! It is one of the most beautiful places. I saw eagles, bears, and porcupines in the wild—what an amazing experience!
Be prepared for cold weather, even in August, the month I went. I’m glad I brought rain boots and many layers. (In the photos, you can see how bundled up I am.) Juneau is in a rain forest, so, as you might expect, it rains almost every day. Most of the time the thermometer hovered around the 50s and 60s, but a couple of times it shot up to 70s: a Juneau heat wave. You definitely will not be sitting on a beach here. Make sure you pack smart.
I flew into Juneau where my sister lives, and set out for some sightseeing the next day, since it’s a long flight to Alaska. First stop was Mendenhall Glacier, a must see if you are in Juneau. It is a glacier located in Mendenhall Valley on protected land that is beautiful and full of wild life. When I was there, I got to see a porcupine…I’ve never seen one in the wild. You have to be careful since bears are there, but Mendenhall is full of tourists so that keeps the bears at bay. I recommend hiking to Nugget Falls, a waterfall by the lake. The lake formed from the run off from the glacier, and the glacier continues to retreat due to increases in temperature. The effects of climate change are apparent in Alaska since the ice is melting. Also, the view from Mendenhall Glacier’s visitor’s center is amazing as well, so make sure you check it out before you leave.
Later, I walked around downtown Juneau to see the state capital. Nearby, I saw the tribute to William Seward, the Secretary of State that negotiated the sale of Alaska from Russia for two cents an acre—great buy! Side note: read a Team of Rivals for more information on Seward’s time as a cabinet member during Abraham Lincoln’s administration.
Alaska has a different feel. The downtown has beautiful colored homes that are some of my favorite shades of purple and blue. The governor’s home has a totem pole in front of it. In downtown, there’s some small fun stores where you can get souvenirs like whale tail earrings (they are big there, so I couldn’t resist). At 60 Degrees Coffee and Tea, I got to try chaga in my tea. It is a rare fungus found in Alaska that’s supposed to be full of anti-oxidants. You can also grab a drink Red Dog Saloon, where there’s even sawdust on the floor, a great homage to the Wild West. The nerd in me even found a comic shop.
I enjoyed the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which is devoted to Alaskan indigenous culture and art. I have a thing for masks, so I had to see Alaska Native Masks: Art & Ceremony exhibit, which was also creepy at the same time. There was even a sign to warn visitors since powerful spirits are associated with shamanic objects. At the institute, there is even a recreation of a traditional clan house, Shuka Hit. The institute works to preserve native culture, while educating the public about it as well. There are maps on display showing where the different tribes are located in the state. There are many tribes that live in Alaska so it was great to learn more about native history and culture.
My last stop of the day was at Alaskan Brewing Company, where I got a sampler of some of their beers. I really liked the Tree’d beer that has spruce in it—so refreshing! There was another delicious one with cherry. These beers are all over the state, and you have to try them, if you like beer. I recommend creating your own sampler. I believe you can take a tour there if you are so inclined.
The next day I got to go whale watching, which I had never done before. I was saving this bucket list item for Alaska. Seeing whales in the wild is an amazing experience. You have to keep your eyes peeled since they quickly surface to breath, then dive back down to eat, and it can take from 10-15 minutes for them to come up again. The scenery on the boat ride was beautiful! We passed different glaciers like Eagle, which you can see in the photo below. I also saw seals swimming in the wild, which was another new experience. There is a reason most people go whale watching when they visit Alaska, and you’ll find it on all the lists of things to do in Juneau. It was two hours well spent.
After that a hot chocolate was needed, so my sister took me to one of her favorite spots: Glacier Gardens Nursery. Most people take the train up the mountain for a beautiful view, but we decided to relax at the cafe. The visitor’s center (where the cafe is also located) has fun décor, and is filled with floral art. I loved how there were umbrellas all over the ceiling. The gardens were pretty, and it was the perfect spot to have a warm drink, and take in the beautiful surroundings. After all that, it was back to my sister’s place to relax and enjoy the beautiful view from her living room. The next day we were heading out for a road trip to the interior of the state, so keep reading for more adventures!
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