Alaska - The Last Frontier

My Aunt Char and I decided to visit Juneau, Alaska in early May to see my folks, my brother Dave, and sister-in-law Karen. It had been almost five years since we were all together in Alaska (see Bears and Unbirthdays and Eagle River and the Crab Feed) and just over three and a half years since some of us were together in the San Francisco Bay Area (see Thanksgiving Fun and Filoli at Christmas). Two and a half of those years were spent in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. With encouragement from Dave, Aunt Char and I made our plans to travel and booked our flights.

Neither of us had been on a plane for several years, so our travel skills were a little rusty. Plus, we'd heard so many harrowing tales of fights breaking out on planes over masking, crowded seating, and frequently-cancelled flights, so weren't sure what to expect. My husband dropped us off at the Oakland International Airport and we started our journey. Our flights turned out to be uneventful, and my brother and sister-in-law met us at the airport. They helped us with a car swap and quick "hello" at my folks place, and then we checked into our Extended Stay America hotel (within walking distance of the Juneau International Airport) and settled in.

Alaska Airlines - ready to fly

Our first outing was to Mendenhall Glacier about 12 miles "out the road" with Dave and Karen. The glacier has been receding for the last 70 years since our family arrived in Juneau, and the vegetation growing up during that time. It's been a wonderful lesson in natural history and plant succession, and always interesting to look for changes each visit. Cruise ships were scheduled to start arriving the next day, so the Visitor Center was closed and we had the glacier to ourselves. We walked out to the Scenic Overlook to snap some pictures and enjoy the beauty under overcast skies. We finished the day at my folk's place with a home cooked pot roast (one of Mom's delicious specialties); French vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, a splash of brandy, or both; and great conversation.

Walking the serpentine path to the Scenic Overlook

Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls

Taking pictures like a pro

Selfie at the Scenic Overlook

Visitor Center at Mendenhall Glacier

The next day Aunt Char and I headed to Overstreet Park to see the Tahku whale sculpture and walk on the Seawalk along Juneau's Waterfront. We caught the tail end of a celebration for the 30 new totem poles that are being installed along the Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) leading to downtown Juneau. The sun came out, the mood was festive, and the totem poles were stunning. Some had motifs that I didn't recognize, which made me curious about their origins (perhaps from a different part of Alaska, or modern designs mixed with traditional). We could see three cruise ships down channel, including one arriving, and another leaving. We all regrouped at my folk's place for dinner, conversation, and a look at Ancestery.com (along with a bowl of French vanilla ice cream and toppings). Back at the hotel, Aunt Char and I reflected on the day and read our novels.

Tahku appears to leap out of the channel

Festive crowd at Overstreet Park

Haida Raven Pole
(Carver: TJ Young, Haida Master Artist, Hydaburg)

Tsimshian Pole
(Carver: David R. Boxley, Tsimshian Master Artist, Metlakatla)

Ishkahittaan Pole - detail of a frog
(Carver: Jon Rowan, Tlingit Master Artist, Klawock)

Lots of cruise ship activity in Juneau, Alaska (I count three)

On another day, Aunt Char and I did a few errands and then headed for town to visit my brother and sister-in-law. They've been enjoying afternoons around the fire pit, so we were glad to get in on that. We visited with son Richard and his dog Rex, swapped stories and memories, and watched for wildlife (a raven came around hoping for a handout). Back at my folk's house we enjoyed delicious takeout from Canton Asian Bistro, ice cream with toppings, conversation, and then watched a couple of episodes of Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators. At the hotel, Aunt Char and I finished the day companionably reading our novels.

Fireside reflection

A hopeful visitor

On our last day in Juneau, my Dad recommended we drive up to Eagle Crest, the local ski resort on Douglas Island. After a few errands, Aunt Char and I drove out Douglas Island to see the grand sweeping views of the Chilkat Mountains. On our way back we drove up to Eagle Crest, enjoying the tail end of the snow season. The resort was closed for the day but we could still see the two main ski lifts and the paths down the mountain. We picked up Mexican food from Mar y Sol in downtown Juneau, and regrouped at my folks' place for a delicious dinner, margaritas, ice cream and toppings, and conversation on our last evening together. Back at the hotel, Aunt Char and I packed up in preparation for an early morning departure (but still found time to read our novels)!

View of the Chilkats from Douglas Island

Kayaks

Selfie on Douglas Island (Mendenhall Glacier in the distance on the right)

Eagle Crest Ski Resort on Douglas Island

Still some snow on the mountains

Family fun and fabulous Mexican food from Mar y Sol

Aunt Char and I made our early morning flight with no problems. We simply walked across the street to the airport (I've never done that before), checked in, and then ate breakfast at Tailwind Concession (avocado toast for Aunt Char and a breakfast sandwich for me). We enjoyed our flights and brief stops at the Seattle and Portland airports, and then seeing my husband at the Oakland International Airport when we arrived. It was difficult to say goodbye to my family and beautiful Juneau, Alaska, but it was so good to be together after such a long separation. I have so many wonderful memories of our reunion and look forward to the next one!

The house that Mom and Dad built

View from the yard (notice the island flower bed to the right of the stairs)

Skunk cabbage poking up through the ground

Fiddleheads on Mom's favorite stump

The woods in the side yard

The trip boosted our confidence and desire to travel further afield again. Aunt Char booked another trip as soon as we returned home, this time to Phoenix, Arizona to see family!