Remembering Three Seasons in Alaska

I've been home from my extended trip to Southeast Alaska for a month now, and am back in the swing of things. Here in Oakland, we've had a heat wave, lots of cool, crisp fall days, a sprinkle of rain, and are now on the cusp of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Before plunging into this busy season of the year, I'm looking back at some of my experiences from three and a half months in Juneau with my family and in my childhood home. The visit spanned the end of spring, all of summer, and the start of fall.

Pause in the rain in downtown Juneau, Alaska 

Reflections on Rain

Southeast Alaska experienced an especially rainy summer, which was continuing right into fall when I left. In my youth, rains were typically misty, interspersed with partly cloudy skies. More and more, Juneau is experiencing Atmospheric Rivers that bring hard downpours. After many years living with perpetual drought, it was wonderful to be back in the rainy climate. I enjoyed the many moods of rain, as well as the benefits, like running the tap until the water is hot enough, taking long showers, and listening to the music of rain in the night. (It was still hard to shake some of my water frugal ways - like letting a leaky faucet drip). As in my youth, when the sun comes out, Alaskans drop everything and change their plans to take advantage of it!  

The shed out back, through a heavy downpour of rain

Out and About

Mom and I took lots of outings to favorite places through all the seasons (Mendenhall Glacier, North Douglas, Thane Road, Eagle Beach and Eagle River, Amalga Harbor, Jensen-Olson Arboretum, Shrine of St. Therese, Sunshine Cove). In addition, we hiked around the Auke Lake area and drove around the UAA campus, by Chapel by the Lake, out Fritz Cove Road, and up to see new residential developments and their views.

Hiking around the Auke Lake area

View of the airport from a newer housing development

Mendenhall Wetland Refuge

Social Fun

We spent time in the Juneau Pioneer Home, visiting Dad and participating in fun events like TJ on Piano, the Alyssa Fischer Trio (including Tom Locher, the piano guy), Brock on Guitar, Bread Making and Tasting, Chair Yoga, Enchanted Forest, and Senior Day. My sister Marianne came from Bend, Oregon for a wonderful visit, and we spent time with my brother Dave (relaxing in his home, meeting his friends and family, dinners out, and attending the fun-filled Wearable Art Extravaganza). I also reconnected with childhood friends, Ulla and Annetta, after many years apart.

Fall foliage at Juneau Pioneer Home

View from Hangar on the Wharf

A sunny summer afternoon on the deck

Delicious dinner at Mar y Sol

College buddies

A gathering at Canton Asian Bistro

Downtown Juneau

We usually try to avoid visiting downtown Juneau during the busy summer months. On days with 4-5 cruise ships in town, the population soars by thousands of people, making it difficult to navigate, find parking, and do errands. But we managed several excursions into town for Cruise Ship Spotting, the Annual Food Festival & Farmers Market, and a musical performance at the Alaska State Museum. We were also able to drive through charming downtown Juneau on days when only two ships were in town.

Downtown Juneau near the end of tourist season

Tahku whale sculpture

Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) leading to downtown Juneau

Plants & Wildlife

We experienced lots of birds, from Pine Siskins, Robins, Blue Jays, and Warblers, to Ravens, Sea Gulls, Ducks, Geese, and Eagles. I saw a bear that ambled through my parent's yard, and Mom and I spotted one that worked its way through the underbrush out the road on one of our drives. I enjoyed seeing the wildflowers during the short bloom cycle, gardens and containers with exotic plants, and the rainforest plants of Southeast Alaska.

Fresh spruce tips in Spring

Alaska daisies in Summer

Alaskan wild rosehips in Fall