Windfall Fisherman

The “Windfall Fisherman” is a life-size, bronze brown bear statue

by local artist R.T. Wallen.

Today is also "Theme Day" for the City Daily Photo Community. This month's theme day topic is "Statues." If you would like to see more statues from around the world, just click the link below.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Storm/Sky Watch

It’s not uncommon for storms to roll in especially since Juneau is located in the largest temperate rainforest in North America. The Tongass National Forest covers approximately 17 million acres, which includes most of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

If you would like to see more Sky Watch photos from around the world, just click on the link.

Sloped

Kayaks

Kayaking is a popular recreational sport for locals and visitors. The protected waterways around Juneau provide the perfect environment for paddling. The weather can be very unpredictable and can change quickly, so it’s always best to dress appropriately, wear a life jacket, carry a survival kit, watch the weather, go with an experienced kayaker, and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Lampposts

The City of Juneau has been busy putting up the lamppost flags in preparation for the upcoming tourist season.

Salmonberry Blossoms

The Salmonberries (Rubus spectabilis) are blooming all around Juneau and the surrounding area. Hopefully, with all the blossoms I’m seeing we’ll have a good crop. I can’t wait to pick the berries in late July and August to make jelly. We’ve tried raspberry/rhubarb jelly, which was wonderful, so this year I want to try salmonberry/rhubarb too.


If you would like to see more flowers from around the world, just visit the Today’s Flowers link.

Beautiful Weekend

On a clear day (like yesterday), there is a beautiful view of the Mendenhall Glacier and Towers from the North Douglas Boat Launch.

Sky Watch

Today was a glorious day all around. Our kids were off from school today because it was “Take Your Kid to Work Day,” so after our daughter’s eye appointment, in the morning, we met up with their Dad at the Goldbelt Hotel. He had spent the morning in a business meeting. He's a Network Administrator for the Goldbelt Corporation.
      After we had a wonderful lunch at the Hanger, my husband needed to do some work on the computers at the gift shop at the top of the Mt. Roberts Tram. The kids and I were invited to come along since it was "Take Your Kid to Work Day." Wow! What a wonderful opportunity for them. I must say, as a photographer, I wasn't complaining.
      What an amazing day especially for Sky Watch Friday. It was a partly cloudy day, with off and on rain showers in the morning, but it didn't rain once on our adventure. I’m so grateful we are able to experience the view. Thanks Goldbelt!
      If you would like to see more Sky Watch photos from around the world, just click on the link.

Breakup

The ice on Mendenhall Lake has broken up leaving behind massive chunks of lake ice and bergy-bits (a.k.a. small icebergs). It wont take long before the lake ice empties into the Mendenhall River.

If you would like to see more Watery Wednesday photos from around the world, just click on the link.                                                   

Sitka Black-Tailed Deer

On Friday I took a drive north of town (a.k.a. out the road). Little did I know that they are doing road construction just past the Amalga Bay turn off to Eagle Beach, but once I made it through the construction the scenery was back to normal. After exploring one of the beaches at low tide, I discovered these deer grazing on spring greens near my car.

Visit Camera Critters for more photos of animals and critters.

Sky Watch

A Bald Eagle is harassed by a sea gull as it attempts to take a branch back to its nest.

If you’re interested in seeing more Sky Watch photos from around the world, just click on the link.

Skunk Cabbage

     Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanum) has started springing up all around Juneau. This particular patch, near the Auke Village Recreational Area, had recently been visited by a black bear. Not only did I find signs of bear scat, but I also found a couple areas where the soil had been disturb from a bear digging up the Skunk Cabbages roots. I could see its path by following the cabbage that only had their yellow tops nibbled off.. Skunk cabbage is a favorite part of the black bears spring diet.

Fishing Boats

As I made my way down the bank to take in the scenery, I found these boats tied up to the dock near Taku Fisheries. Thanks to them I was able to capture this shot.

If you would like to see more Watery Wednesday photos from around the world, just click on the link.

Red Dog Saloon

Built during the mining era, the Red Dog Saloon is Juneau’s oldest man made establishment. Today it’s both a restaurant and a saloon (they also have a gift shop next door). Inside they continue to maintain its rustic décor. I’ve heard some say they love it and others say they hate it. So, if you’re looking for a fine dining experience keep walking, but if you’re looking for an old time Alaskan experience, have a bite to eat, a drink, or both and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you would like to see more photos from other Ruby Tuesday participants, just click on the link.

Auke Bay at Sunset

The past couple days have been absolutely beautiful. When the weather is nice it’s hard to find the motivation to do yard work and/or work on home improvement project when we would much rather be out hiking and exploring. After spending all day Saturday working, the kids wanted to rent the movie Sherlock Holmes. So while my husband and the kids were watching the movie, I ducked out and went for a drive out to Auke Bay. I just couldn’t pass up a beautiful evening being a couch potato.

Front Street

A stroll along Front Street

Stratocumulus/Sky Watch

Stratocumulus clouds streak the sky near the Mendenhall Towers.

If you would like to see more Sky Watch photos from around the world, just click on the link.

Perched

A closer view of the Bald Eagle perched in a cottonwood with the Mendenhall Glacier in the background. It sat there for well over an hour observing all the activity.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (MGVC) is situated on a rocky cliff overlooking Mendenhall Lake and the terminus of the Mendenhall Glacier. The Center was constructed in 1962, and was the first visitor center in the Tongass National Forest. The Center’s huge windows provide a spectacular view of the Mendenhall Glacier. There are telescopes available to use, glacier exhibits to explore, and films to view in the theatre about the glacier. The MGVC is handicap accessible, so don’t let the trail that winds up the hill fool you. There is an elevator, just ask one of the seasonal employees wearing the green uniforms and they’ll show you where it’s located.

Summer Operating Hours

May to September

8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sun-Sat

Admission: $3.00

Open on federal holidays.

The MGVC is also open to the public during the winter months between Oct-April from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thurs-Sun. Pictured here are some local students going on an informative walk with one of the forest service employees. If you look closely, there is an eagle perched in a black cottonwood tree.

Weather Changes

The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is located within the Tongass National Forest, and is only 12 miles from downtown Juneau. Many scenic trails, which are maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, provide breath-taking vistas of the Mendenhall Glacier. Unfortunately, the weather and my health aren’t cooperating today. So stay tune for more photos of this area in the future.

Bird Watching

This morning I took a walk out the Moraine Ecology Trail, near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center. The air was filled with the music of American Robins (swee-weep-swee-weep). It was the perfect opportunity to do some bird watching and observe all the new signs of spring.

     At one point, I sat down on the ground and leaned against a rock to rest my back and legs. Nearby I observed a Robin foraging the underbrush for bugs, seeds, and worms. I sat still as the rock I was leaning against. I could feel my heart racing. I was afraid it would scare away the bird. I tried to stay as calm as possible and remain motionless. Much to my surprise, it continued to come slowly closer and closer then it hopped up on my leg which was parallel to the ground, looked me in the eye, looked down at its feet, hopped off, and continued its search for food.

It’s definitely one of those experiences I will cherish. Happy Friday!

Mt. Roberts Tram

The Mount Roberts Tram has already begun making preparations for the upcoming tourist season. The tramcars take passengers up about 1800 feet to the top of Mt. Roberts where you can enjoy spectacular views of Juneau and the surrounding area, learn about the Tlingit culture, have lunch or dinner at the Timberline Bar and Grill, shop at the Raven Eagle Gifts, or hike the scenic trails. It definitely makes the top 10 list of things to do and see when visiting Juneau.

Today is also “Theme Day” for the City Daily Photo Community. This month’s theme is the color red.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

To see more Sky Watch photos from around the world, just click on the link.