Juneau experienced a rare - albeit thrilling - thunderstorm this afternoon, complete with an impressive lightning show. I've lived in Juneau since February 2009, and this was my first time hearing thunder and seeing lightning in Alaska. Needless to say, it brought back memories of Alabama and the torrential downpours that come right before a tornado. It goes without saying: I'm glad there are no tornadoes in these parts.
Taken by my trusty iPhone 4S.
With the endless opportunities for adventure in Alaska, I haven't had much time to take advantage of the well-used trails throughout Juneau. After my recent jaunt on a well-kept trail to Boy Scout Beach, I'm realizing I need to do a bit more exploring of my Juneau backyard.
The Boy Scout Beach is aptly named for the nearby Boy Scout Camp. You can access the trailhead by taking 25 mile Glacier Highway, to the left just before Herbert River. The 1.5 mile trail is easy, with loads of shady areas, as well as plenty of direct sunlight (when it's actually sunny in Juneau). And - in the summer - there are countless wildflowers blanketing the meadows. The word 'picturesque' doesn't even begin to describe this spot.
All in all, the Boy Scout Beach is a must-see - a terrific place to lounge in the sun, smell the flowers, and appreciate God's handiwork.
Skunk cabbage. When this sprouts in the spring, you know the bears are on their way outta hibernation.
A field of skunk cabbage. Surprisingly, this area does not smell like skunk.
Clearly, I am still fascinated by bear poop.
Something I've yet to see in Alabama: bear feces. Yes, it has a green tinge. He might have eaten a Leprechaun.
A carpet of moss along the towering rocks. I was tempted to curl up and take a nap.
Devil's Club. Self-explanatory. Don't touch this stuff.
I enjoy transparency.
Clumps of moss, high up in the trees.
I wasn't lacking in fiber after this impromptu nosh.
Serenity.
Always exciting to run into the Guvnah and First Lady. Such nice people.
A forest of fiddleheads.
Portrait of a fiddlehead.
Flora and fauna.
Lupine.
Keeping the balance.
Sandy spot.
This so reminds me of the white beaches of Alabama.
The perfect spot to stop off after a long hike in the sun. The Hot Bite attracts tourists and locals alike.
I dunno about you, but I can't stand dogs smoking.
Reese's Peanut Butter Milkshake. Best treat ever. For good reason, the Hot Bite is known for their burgers and decadent milkshakes.
I can't imagine a better way to close out an afternoon of fun than spotting a faint rainbow in the sky. Such a blessing from above.
When visiting Juneau, try to include a visit to see our local celebrities - the humpback whales! I recently toured Alaska Travel Adventures' Whale Watching Adventure and Salmon Bake, and I was blown away with the sights and sounds of our very own backyard. I even went home with a full belly after the trip's all-you-can-eat salmon feast. Yummy!
I've been on many whale watching excursions in Southeast Alaska, but this one was unique. On board, we had folks from the Seattle television show, Evening Magazine. Their crew was here to showcase Juneau, and I even had the delightful opportunity to sit down on camera with Emmy award winner and Evening Magazine host, Meegan Black! Unfortunately, my interview was cut in the editing room, but I still had a blast bragging on camera about Juneau. At the end of this blog, you can see the footage from our trip, which originally aired in Seattle. Watch closely - you just might see a familiar face, too!
There are plenty of sights and sounds on the waters of the Inside Passage. You're bound to see bald eagles, fishermen, lighthouses, and if you're lucky, Dall's porpoises racing small boats.
Sea lions can generally be found taking a snooze on this gigantic red and green buoy near Auke Bay, Alaska.
The cameraman from Seattle's "Evening Magazine" films the occupied buoy.
Did you know whales can be identified by the unique black and white pattern on the underside of their flukes? There's even an online catalog identifying many of the whales that frequent Southeast Alaska. The Fluke ID Catalog contains images of almost 1,900 different humpback whales. Check it out - maybe you'll even find in the catalog one of the whales below!
Our boat passed by a noisy, albeit entertaining, sea lion haul-out.
Auke Bay is the starting and ending point for most whale watching cruises in Juneau. It's also homeport to the United States Coast Guard Cutter Liberty.
You know it'll be an entertaining trip when the Captain let's you borrow his hat!
I can't imagine a yummier way to end a trip on the water. This all-you-can-eat salmon feast and fixins' definitely hit the spot!
Wild Alaska salmon, emphasis on WILD!
Meegan on camera, highlighting the delicious food at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.
Roasting marshmellows and bragging about Juneau with Meegan Black.
When I was in Anchorage just two weeks ago, it snowed. SNOWED. IN MAY.
Apparently, Anchorage set a record for its longest snow season on record. Well, I'm all for setting records and such, but SNOW? IN MAY? Gimme a break, Mother Nature.
Juneau weather, on the other hand, has been spectacular lately! Usually when our rain and snow gets to me, I escape north to Anchorage - where the weather is drier and I can get my fix on big city delights, like Nordstroms, Second Run, and Spenard Roadhouse. But this latest trip was different. Warmer climes were on the horizon for Southeast Alaska, so I was in a big hurry to get back to Juneau.
I'm staying optimistic. Summer is on her way. I just know it.
That white stuff? Oh, that's just a little snow. In May.
Snow accumulation in Anchorage on May 17. Photo and caption courtesy of Sharon Kim.
Snow at Echo Cove (north of Juneau) on May 17, 2013.
FACT: usually the 7 and the 2 are switched.
Lunchtime shenanigans in the sun.
After work R&R with a sleeping bag, juice box, and sun, sun, SUN!
Hanging out with Mary at Sandy Beach on Douglas Island.
Our version of sunbathing includes sweaters, qiviut scarves, and glam shades. We were almost blinded by the sun.
You know it's the end of winter when the sunroof is open.
