You've probably read that we had spectacular weather during our Sept 13 cruise. Both Captain Philippe Fichet Delavault and Destination Specialist Roger Condon, who provided the narration as we cruised, announced on separate occasions that it was some of the best weather they had experienced this season.
I met online, then onboard Mariner, Jan & Fred, who are doing the entire 96-day Grand Asia Pacific Circle. Jan is keeping an online journal and describes in detail, with pictures, the weather we had. For easy reference, here’s the link to Jan’s travelogue. (Our photos and video clips are not yet ready for primetime!)
http://journals.aol.com/grothj/grand-asia-pacific-2006/ Personally, I felt we achieved perfection weather-wise.
Vancouver: Sept 12 was sunny and low-mid 70s for our exploration of the city. Cooler and partly cloudy/breezy on embarkation day Sept 13. Taxi driver mentioned it had been rainy the week before.
Inside Passage, Sept 15: Slightly overcast, windy on deck, cold (felt like upper 40s). We bundled up for "Alaskan Fresh Fish al Fresco" at the Pool Grill, featuring Ling cod, snapper, grouper and mahi mahi. Spent most of the day at indoor activities, almost oblivious to the weather. The ocean was a little rough so the captain changed course to calmer waters between the islands.
Ketchikan, Sept 15: Sunny, cool (low 60s to low 70s). While DH went on the Misty Fjiords float plane excursion, I wandered around town that morning. The creek at Creek St provided much entertainment: lots of salmon (swimming as well as dead -- odorous!), at least one harbor seal cavorting and catching a salmon lunch, and farther upstream, salmon jumping up into the rushing water. The guides on the zip-line Canopy Adventure we took at midday remarked that it was a particularly gorgeous day, the best they'd experienced in months.
Tracy Arm (morning) & Juneau, Sept 16: Partly cloudy in the morning but sun came out to stay the rest of the day. Upper 50s to mid 60s. Saw at least six whales spouting off our port balcony near Tracy Arm. Those who had gathered on Deck 12 saw lots of dolphins and several orcas too. Port of Juneau literally smelled fishy. We took the public bus, along with another couple from Mariner, to Mendenhall Glacier. The folks on the buses to & from made us feel like we were in an episode of the TV series, Northern Exposure. We enjoyed the people-watching and chatting with one of them. The bus stop was about 1.5 miles from the MG Visitor Center; we had a pleasant walk there and, later, back. Didn't spot any wildlife, though there were signs warning of bears in the area.
Skagway, Sept 17: Sunny, cool (50s). Excellent conditions for views on the White Pass & Yukon train ride that morning. Spotted Dall sheep on the mountainside (guide Emily: "If the creamy dots are moving, they're sheep; otherwise you're looking at rock!"). Those with binocs, of course, saw more detail.
Sitka, Sept 18: Light drizzle tapered off by the time we got ashore after lunch. Overcast, cool (low 50s). Though great for excursions, I was beginning to tire of the beautiful weather so reminiscent of late fall-early winter in Southern California. Finally, Alaska weather! The scenery was gorgeous -- moist but clear views, mist & low clouds hovering at the mountains. While lunching at La Veranda, we saw a harbor seal in the waters of the bay. Later, a lone salmon was spotted leisurely swimming very close to the side of the ship. Those who went on the Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest were amazed by the number and proximity of otters, whales and other animals they encountered. A woman who had opted for the Dry Suit Snorkeling reported seeing several Sunflower Starfish, a few unusually colored fish and lots of kelp.
Hubbard Glacier, Sept 19: Slightly misty & very cold! Don't know the temps but I was grateful to be wearing long johns, layers, mediumweight parka, hat and gloves. Definitely could see our breath. The light drizzle looked like tiny snowflakes floating down but hit the water like raindrops. Hubbard Glacier (and to a lesser extent, Turner Glacier) was breathtakingly beautiful, an awesome sight. The captain got us within half a mile of the glaciers and did a few 360s. Saw several calvings and a few shooters (when the ice breaks beneath the water and shoots upward). Lots of bergy bits & growlers (varying sizes of icebergs). From our Deck 9 balcony, I could clearly see the bands of blue, green, clear and white of one iceberg. Spectacular!
Whittier & Anchorage, Sept 20: Rain had given way to light drizzle by the time we disembarked at 8:15am. Chilly that morning (felt like low 50s) but comfortable in my layers and windbreaker jacket. (See Jan's pix for a better idea.) Saw a few Dall sheep fairly close up from the van midway to ANC, where we had a rental car waiting. By the time we got to Anchorage, it was mostly sunny & cool (upper 50s - low 60s, my guess). We had a delicious lunch at Glacier Brewhouse downtown before heading to the airport for our 4:30pm flight.
Didn't get to see Northern Lights. Captain mentioned there was a brief, weak display after midnight, I think, near Juneau. After learning that, I left word at Reception to awaken me should there be another occurrence. My slumber, unfortunately, was undisturbed by any such call.
