Believe it or not, it is sunny in Vancouver again. It is suppose to reach the low 20'sC today. They are saying that northern BC and Alaska are in the middle of a rain storm. Weather can change quite quickly though.

Mid life traveller/Missie, thanks for the info that really answered all my Q and I am pretty sure we will do it by ourselves. That is what I had planned but at times can be tempted by the easy option. We like to be on "our time" so that will work best for us.
Complaining hubby right now as we have 4 ticket wallets and they are bulky and too many. I'm just happy we have the tickets finally it heralds our departure and I only work one day at a time so it's not to be stressed about. Then I'm cool, calm and collected.

Hi Aussiebird, this is such an exciting time being so close to your tour departure date. Canada and Alaska are simply wonderful I know you will have the best time ever.

quote:

Originally posted by Aussiebird:
Thanks Missie that is really helpful. Did you go on the tramway in Junea or were you content with just walking around where you could from the ship?
Want to do a tour of Boeing factory in our one free day in Seattle. Anyone done it?

The tour of Boeing was not operating the day we were there but it was still interesting to visit the museum - it was a few years ago we were there and from memory we just took public transport there. In Seattle, Pikes Market is a must - also do you know the first Starbucks opened in Seattle.

rmcrf, I have only just read the first Starbucks opened there and perhpas I will have my first coffee at the origional! (if it's still there)In all the 6 trips I have had to USA never had a coffee from Starbucks often walked in and walk out again when I see the cost!Hubby has been to Seattle courtesy of the Defence force and went to the Pikes market and said we must go there. We have only one day we can get to the Boeing factory and luckily it is a day they run tours so I will probably book online before we go. Just added to my trip diary, coffee at Starbucks Seattle.
Missie I am so exicted about the trip just can't settle to do much else. 8 work shifts to go, they are 18 hr shifts mostly though.

18 hour shifts oh my goodness what a hard worker you are, I know the industry you work in so you must be a very special person.

With the greatest respect for Americans I have to say that Starbucks coffee is not great I am a coffee drinker but gave up coffee while I was in Canada and Alaska, I just couldn't drink it, I took my own (till I ran out) except they don't have jugs/kettles in the rooms they have coffee and tea makers, I eventually figured out how to get the water almost hot for a cup of my own coffee.

I have only had good coffee in Disney Hotel when we went to a character breakfast about 10 yrs ago and it was the best. I thought so at the time anyway. Can't drink instant so will see how I rate what is on offer in both places.
I do get to sleep on my 18 hr shifts but not much quality in the sleep you tend to have one ear and eye open all the time and 4 or 5 hrs sleep is a real good night. So a bus tour will be no effort for me who is used to bag and bed packed up by 6am ready to start. Breakfast early will be a luxury I often don't get time for till 10am!

Does anyone know how close the Mt Roberts tramway is in Junea to where the cruise ships come in? Is it walkable distance? I have found the cost $25 about the same from the ship optionals but can't find where you actually get on it.

Aussiebird ~ I had a look at my optionals list for Juneau and it shows the tramway as being very close to where the ships dock, and the town is also in easy walking distance.

You will have no problems getting yourself there.

Missie, that's just what I wanted to hear. We like things within walking distance.
Saw some photos of Butchard gardens and hope that's within walking distance too they look spectacular. Very excited. Can't cope with E-tickets for overseas travel don't quite feel like I have a real ticket.

quote:

Originally posted by Aussiebird:
Missie, that's just what I wanted to hear. We like things within walking distance.
Saw some photos of Butchard gardens and hope that's within walking distance too they look spectacular. Very excited. Can't cope with E-tickets for overseas travel don't quite feel like I have a real ticket.

The Butchart Gardens are not close to Victoria, I suspect you would need to do a bus tour there or hire a car and drive, it is about a 20 to 30 minute drive from memory. The Gardens are huge you will need a couple of hours to explore, the gift shop is fantastic.

All the ports in Alaska are in easy walking distance to the towns, the souvenirs are cheaper in Alaska because there is no tax on them.

Aussiebird The tramway is maybe a five minute walk from where the cruise ship docks. The reason for 5 minutes is the hoard of tourists that you will need to walk around to get to the tramway.

You will see similar shops as one would find in the Caribbean now. Take a peak into the Red Dog Saloon. It is one of the original tourist/local traps in Juneau.

Think we may be just content with looking around on foot Victoria this trip as we are not there for very long.
MLT will look in on the Red Dog Saloon.2 weeks & 3 sleeps to go!!!!

Don't just look in The Red Dog. Go and try to find a seat--especially if the honky-tonk piano player is doing his thing.

Suegreg, we will for sure and I'm sure hubby being a muso we will gravitate towards any music. Thanks for the info. 1 week and 2sleeps to go.