I am sure that you must have wondered why there have been no posts for some time, eons in fact. Well, although I have been back on the “Amsterdam” on an Alaskan itinerary, try as I might, I have been unable to write a post owing to WiFi ‘challenges’ on the particular internet link I use.
It’s a long story, however the bandwidth on the particular link was been severely limited, so much so that I was unable to post a picture, let alone access my site to do so; after several attempts, over several days, the “wheel of death” on my computer screen became annoying, to say the least. I now write from the comfort of my desk at home, with the satisfaction of being able to download at lightning speed.
Having re-joined at the beginning of August and having set sail from Seattle towards Juneau; I spent the first 2 days in thick fog, not an auspicious start and leaving me wondering what on earth I was doing here 🙄
August remained mainly dull, with overcast skies and yet more fog, however September was another matter, blue skies and glorious sunshine for the month. The seasons seemed out of ‘kilter’, September is usually fraught with strong winds, yet there were none.
Our itinerary took us from Seattle to Juneau, thence to Yakutat Bay and Hubbard glacier, on to Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria BC and back to Seattle; 7 days of early mornings on the Bridge.
In the preceding years, I have been in Alaska for too many times to count, at least 15 ‘seasons’ of them, yet the beauty of the land always leaves in awe, it is, in a word, stunning.
Of course, I have always had my camera nearby; while at sea it sits on the Bridge, ever-ready and during jaunts ashore, it accompanies me. So, this post is a compendium of some of the places we visited.
I was so fortunate to have Sam, Anthony, Ollie and Emily sail with me and Karen 🙂
Juneau………..
Arriving Juneau, the Gastineau channel, shrouded by a fog bank, lies ahead.
Mt. Roberts tramway takes you from downtown Juneau to the top of Mt. Roberts
Fishing boats discharging their salmon catch at Taku fisheries.
Juneau in the early evening
Mendenhall glacier, a few miles north of Juneau.
A glorious sunset
Onwards then to Yakutat Bay, at the north end of which lies Hubbard glacier; the largest Tidewater glacier in North America. The photos, taken over several visits, have varying weather. Despite inclement weather in the lower Bay, Hubbard’s ‘Eco-climate’ always assisted in clearing the weather, when near the ‘face’.
As we turn into Yakutat Bay, 60 miles away lies Mt.St. Elias, 18,000 ft.
Our destination, 25 miles ahead
Brash ice and ‘growlers’ to negotiate to get there.
Almost there….
And this is what we came for………(When playing, click on the bottom right of the screen for ‘full screen mode’)
On Henke Island, a sea-lion rookery
Leaving Hubbard, our last visit of the season.
Onwards then, to Sitka……The “Fortress of the Bears” and some Fly-fishing for Salmon. Karen, (who was with me for 2 weeks); her Brother, Tom and his wife Lara.
No need to anchor anymore, a dock has been built…
“Forest of the Bears” sanctuary, where orphaned bears are cared for.
Everyone was successful, salmon galore, Catch & Release of course
Ketchikan…………
The ‘Lumberjack’ show, (Olly and Emily loved it)
“Time Bandit” of the “Deadliest Catch” series, she was apparently in for engine repair.
Creek Street, once the ‘red light’ district when Ketchikan was the salmon capital of the world
Dolly’s house is now a tourist attraction, with ‘ladies of the night’ still hang around the door
Some Wildlife photos…………..
On our way north, towards Hubbard, in the Gulf of Alaska, a pod of Orca pass
On our way to Juneau, pods of Humpback whales on the feed. Early morning and mist from their blows caught in the sun.
This one had just ‘breached’, however I wasn’t quite quick enough…
So, dear readers, after what seems an interminable length of time, I have achieved what should have been fulfilled much earlier. I some time off now and will be re-joining the “Amsterdam” in January 2019 for another Grand World Voyage. I remain optimistic that those WiFi challenges will have been put to rest and I will be able to take you around the globe (pictorially at least) again.
Beautiful photos
Thank you
Looking forward to your posts on the World Cruise
Enjoy your leisure time!
Nice to have you back in print Captain. I missed the posts and am still savoring the two world cruises spent with you at the helm (2016/2018) Wish I could join in 2019 but at least I will have the posts from you.
Great to hear from you and see the glorious photos! I loved the video. I’m wondering since you have been to Alaska so many times if you have seen much change in that area? I too have been a few times and the majesty of it all is still breath taking and reassuring.
Captain Jonathan – so nice to see you posting again! And we look forward to sailing with you this coming January on the Grand World Cruise. Enjoy your current time off and rest up for the upcoming sailing adventure.
Captain, Welcome home to Cocoa Beach. Great photos as usual of the spectacular scenery. Enjoy your time off.
So good to see you post again. Others have mentioned that the Wi-Fi was not good on their Alaska cruise. I loved the pictures of your family, the children have gotten so big. Can’t wait to follow along on the Grand World Cruise.
So glad to have you back – and to see the wonderful pictures.
We feel like extended family watching the grand kids grow up. I remember the crying infant at the back of the Queen’s Lounge on the GWV. Thanks for the trip to Alaska. Please tell Karen I have my spin shoes ready. Looking forward to seeing you in January.
I always love reading of your adventures, and seeing the great pictures.
Please send my best to Karen and Hazel.
Susan
We were lucky enough to join you on the SEP 16 Alaska cruise. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to meet you, Captain. It was wonderful cruise – weather was beyond awesome for this time of year in Alaska – Amsterdam ship and crew was great. It was a pleasure to sail with you.
Thanks for the pictures and comments. We plan to see you on the Grand World Cruise in January.
Captain Jonathan, Great to receive your latest post with your wonderful photos. Looking forward to future ones.
All the best and Regards!
Fabulous pictures. Thanks again for sharing with us!
Oh, what a surprise to just check my email and see this! Fantastic! I really missed following your Alaskan run but did catch up a tiny bit in your “About Me” comments. Great photography, as usual; thanks for the summarization!
Looking forward to our 3rd full World Cruise with you in January, Captain! Along with K2 and your kids/grands whenever they get to meet up with the ship.
Linda R.
Jonathan, thank you for “taking” us on your adventures.
Beautiful