Radiance of the Seas Cruise - 31st May to 7th June 2013 - Part 2

Day 4 - Monday 3rd June 2013 -  Icy Strait Point - Whale Watching & Willdlife Tour - Cool high cloud and only 7C this morning. Breakfast at 7.30am and then meet in the Aurora Theatre ready to be tendered off the ship.Tendering to leave the ship today which was a really easy process. Arrived onshore and mustered straight onto the buss for the Wildlife tour - Jacob our amusing native guide his favorite saying "Gawlee" in the same tone as Gomer Pile (for those of you that remember him.on TV)  30 min drive along a bumpy road through swamp land to the entrance of the track through the forest with 3 viewing platforms over the Spasski River and valley. Saw 3 bears in total with 1 crossing over the river. bus back into town and walked straight onto the Catamaran for the Whale Watching Cruise. "Point Aldophus" with many Humpback Whales but not that close to the boat and photo's once again prove very challenging. Starting to rain as we head back into Icy Straight Point. Enjoyed some hot chips while we watched the rain fall. Viewed the Cannery Museum and then tendered back to the ship at 4.20pm. Short rest in cabin and dinner at 5.45pm and then 9pm Showtime "Piano Man" - production by the Radiance of The Seas musicians and dancers - wonderful show and very entertaining. Peter not feeling that well (throat) so all off to bed early 10.30pm.

Our View this morning as we approach Icy Strait Point

Grizzly Bear having a swim

Whale Watching Cruise

Whale Watching Cruise - Tail

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point

Day 5 - Tuesday 4th June 2013 - Juneau - Whale Watching Wildlife Quest & Mendenhall Glacier  Docking in Juneau the Capital of Alaska at 6am breakfast for us at 6.30am this morning as we have to be ashore at  8am for a 8.30am tour. Bus to dock to join a Large Catamaran for Whale Watching much larger than yesterday and not very crowded. We saw Orca Whales - fantastic which is a rare sighting - quite close to the boat, Bald Eagles feeding and our first seals. Lots of rain during our cruise so once again photos a challenge. Decided just to enjoy the experience which was amazing.

Bald Eagle in flight - great photo Pete!  -  Juneau

Seals

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier - Juneau

Float Planes - Juneau

Back on the bus to be dropped off at the base of  Mendenhall Glacier for a short walk and lots of photo's. Glacier Ice in the lake in front of the glacier. The sun has come out and the rain has stopped. Many photos taken and a look at the visitor centre as well. Bus back into town and the rain is falling again. Lunch at the Twisted Fish Cafe - Clam Chowder and Grilled King Salmon - YUM!!! We all enjoyed our meal as we had been looking forward to having King Salmon. Rain has got heavier while we where at lunch walked along the main street for some souvenirs, heading to the Museum. Stopped off at the Fudge shop interesting to watch them making the fudge by hand. Yep we had to buy some. Don't think we will be needing it while we are on the cruise as we are getting more than enough food at dinner not going hungry that's for sure.Gave up on trying to reach the  Museum as the rain was too heavy, Deb & Peter got new umbrellas and  yep now the rain has stopped. Walked a little more along the shops and the wharf back to the ship in time for dinner and to catch the 8.45pm show and then the "Love & Marriage" Game show from 10.30 to 11.30pm. Very funny show.  No! None of us put our hands up for this one, thanks for the warning Kathy & Phil Robinson.