September 5, 2018

You’d think that the capital of a state would be one of the largest, industrial or most convenient of cities. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, rests at the base of Mount Roberts and is reachable only by boat or sea plane – there are no real roads connecting the town to the rest of Alaska. It is a quaint town full of tourist shops and restaurants.

The only way to Juneau is through the Gastineau Channel and words cannot describe the view of the dark green mountains on either side, blue sky with white clouds and turquoise water. That is a ship coming into the channel in the far distance.

The first inhabitants to Alaska were the TLINGIT “people of the tides” tribes who were hunters and gatherers. The Chilkat Theater at the top of Mount Roberts offered an award-winning film, “Seeing Daylight,” about the Alaskan natives that originated 10,000 years ago. I was fascinated that there were essentially two clans; one member from one clan married into the other clan.  Property and hereditary roles passed through the mother’s lines to preserve the culture and history of the tribes. Russian, Spanish and Canadian explorers eventually moved into the areas.

There are 30,000 Bald eagles in Alaska. I never knew how majestic and stunning they were until I met “Lady Baltimore” in the Mount Roberts nature center. She was rescued in 2006 after being shot by a poacher and has a wing span of six feet. She was very talkative and maintained a dignified and regal stance while proudly posing for pictures.

Once again, the scenery is stunning, this history humbling and the whole experience amazing.