The final full day was an in and out up Endicott Arm. This steep walled fjord is just 100 kms or so south of Juneau, and leads all the way up to Dawes Glacier at the head. This is a true fjord, glacially carved, with 1,000 foot near cliffs on either side. The clouds had cleared, and we headed out on a skiff trip pretty darn close to the glacier.
Jus' chillin' on an ice floe...
Dawes Glacier in the distance
A flock of arctic terns circles in front of the glacier. These guys migrate from Alaska down to Patagonia and back every year.
This was the perfect way for Dad to take in the awesomeness of Alaska
After a morning near the glacier, we headed about halfway back to the mouth of the fjord, and stopped in an inlet for a little more kayak and paddleboard time. I had tried SUP for the first time a few days ago, and I was already heavily motivated to not fall in by the near freezing water temps, when I looked down and spotted dozens of jellyfish right below me. I inched my way back to the ship, and thought that would be the last time I tried it. However in the calm inlet with no visible jellyfish, I decided to give it another try. Dad and I also launched a two person kayak around the whole bay.
Really fun once you get the hang of it
Kayaking was a relaxing way to take it all in
The last order of business for the day was a polar plunge. Of course I did it! With water temps in the 30s, it was a shocking experience.
"I immediately regret this decision!"
Ahhh!!!
One last sunset on the water.
On this last night aboard, I stayed up late to take it all in. I was rewarded at about 2 in the morning with a small display of the northern lights. It was a rarity this late in the spring, and was too faint to get any good photos, but it made me vow to go somewhere where I could see them in their full glory.
Back in Juneau the next morning, I took the time to do a hike up to the top of Mt. Roberts. While only about 3500 feet, I was starting at sea level, and it was a strenuous hike, but I was rewarded with 360 degree views of the sound and surrounding ranges.
Steep valleys to the north and west
I can't say enough good things about this trip. I got to spend lots of quality time with my dad, the crew of the ship was amazing, and this part of Alaska was beautiful. If you're ever considering an Alaska cruise, do it with Uncruise. We had everything from great food and drinks to evening lectures about the sea life. Everyone from the captain on down was terrific.