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Alaska & the Yukon
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Alaska & the Yukon

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  • Reisens start
    13. august 2017
    Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Just out of the water, the sessions are glossy and black.
    Sealions just laze around on these pontoons.Time for a dip!The Golden Gate Bridge emerges from the fog.

    Pier 39

    13. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    A foggy start to Day 1 in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is just emerging out of the fog. We've walked down Stockton Street, from our hotel, to the pier. It's still early morning and not a lot is open. First stop is to check out the seal colony at the pier. They fight and squabble for prime places on the wooden decks. They're very noisy and the stench is awful, but fun to watch their antics....always entertaining.Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Sharks and Rays in the Offshore Tunnel

    Aquarium of the Bay

    13. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    What a great little find this was......we have walked past it so many times. The aquarium showcases San Francisco Bay creatures. Divided into habitat zones, you get to see and touch a wide variety of sea life. Entering through the discovery section, it's very evident in the diversity of creatures on display. An elevator takes us down to the tunnel area where we firstly walk through Jellyfish and Pipefish which look like they're cousins to sea horses. The nearshore tunnel features a huge variety of fish, eels, crustaceans and marine invertebrates. The best offshore tunnel features sharks, rays and really huge fish.

    Back upstairs, we walk past the touch pools. There are small sting rays which pop up to the surface regularly for a fingertip pat of their wings. They feel soft and leathery. Next display is the river otters, Chester and Buster. They tumble and play with each other and are able to hold their breath for 6 minutes. And yes, I managed to snag a pic when they 'did their business'.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Coit Tower overlooks the Embarcadero.The Financial District from the Embarcadero.The Clock Tower at the Ferry Building.Sculpture at the Embarcadero.

    Walking along the Embarcadero

    13. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    This area of San Francisco was destroyed by the earthquake and great fire of 1906. About the only buildings still standing from that time are a couple of ferry terminals, including the main clock tower. Last time we explored this area was in the mid 1980's when they first began to redevelop the area into smart shops and apartments adjacent to the harbour and the financial district.

    Coit Tower, a historic monument dominates Telegraph Hill overlooking the Bay.

    The boxy sculpture I had previously photographed in 1984. Back then it had lots of wide open space around it. I really had to look hard to find it this time because the parks and buildings have grown around it.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Pier 7 Historic Pier
    Transamerica Pyramid extends from the end of the pier.Chinese fishermen love this pier.

    Pier 7 - a historic gem!

    13. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Beautifully restored, this historic promenading Pier has ornamental gas lights, rough timber decking, wrought ironwork and just so reminds me of historic English piers. We walked the full length to find several Chinese Fishermen with their rods cast out into the Bay. The backdrop of the modern, vital, downtown area is in stark contrast to the historic pier.Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Bay Bridge from Pier 7.
    The Bay BridgeBay Bridge has 2 decks - incoming and outgoing.Clock Tower at the Ferry Terminal

    Bay Bridge and Ferry Terminal

    13. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    The Bay Bridge dominates the skyline linking the outer areas to the city. It's a two story Bridge.....traffic on the upper deck is going into the city, traffic on the lower deck is going out. It links the city to Treasure Island and then to Oakland. By afternoon, the day is sparkling.

    The historic ferry terminal building now houses a variety of artisan outlets and restaurants. A real landmark on the waterfront.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    St Peter and Paul's Parish Church, Washington Square.
    Statue to the volunteer firefighters of San Francisco.Our B&B, Washington Square Inn on Stockton Street.

    Washington Square Park

    13. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Beautiful sunshine, lots of shady trees, an open air concert, a dog-friendly venue - the park was well utilised this Sunday afternoon. The statue in the park is to the firefighters and rescue workers of the city. It is part of the Coit benefaction to the city.

    Adjacent to the park is a beautiful stone church - St Peter and Paul's Parish. It has wonderful stained glass windows.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Filbert Street
    It's steep all the way from our hotel near the church.Cars park to prevent runaways.Steeper than this shot shows!

    Walking Filbert Street up Telegraph Hill

    14. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Up Telegraph Hill via Filbert Street, it's a steep walk on very sloped pavement or low-rise steps. The steps are easier on the calf muscles. The architecture is mostly old traditional SF bay window houses. Parking is mostly perpendicular to the kerb because of the gradient. Car wheels must be turned into the kerb everywhere in SF to prevent runaways. We stop regularly to take in the cross street views and the surrounding architecture.

    Filbert St stops before the top and we climb the stairs through a park to get to the tower.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    We made it!
    A quiet park area at the rear entrance.A view from the tower. Amazing use of a rooftop looking towards Bay Bridge.Bubblers for adults, kids and dogs.Self cleaning toilets in SF.

    Coit Tower

    14. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Coit Tower was built in 1933; Lillian Coit was the benefactor for this project costing $75K at the time. It is dedicated to the firefighters of the city along with a statue in Washington Square Park. It is Art Deco in style and the murals were painted in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary. The views from the grounds offer a 360 view of San Fran through a lush park. A sign alerts us to possible sightings of coyote in the evenings. Amazing to think of them in the middle of this city.

    Outside we are fascinated by the bubblers designed for adults, kids and dogs. There's also a self-cleaning toilet in the grounds. You have to wait for cleaning to occur after each use, or the door won't re-shut.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Art deco lift to the top.

    Inside Coit Tower

    14. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    The murals depict aspects of life in California. The whole of the ground floor, floor to ceiling, is covered.

    The refurbished original lift takes us slowly to the top. It's complete with an old fashion wire cage door and only carries 8 at a time.Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Historic flatiron building next to the Transamerica Pyramid.
    Washington Square ParkMama's is the place to go for breakfast and lunch. Huge queues all day.Corso Cristoforo Colombo (Columbus Ave) is the main thoroughfare in Little Italy.Lunch is at Original Joes.

    Washington Square Park and Little Italy

    14. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Coit Tower is high on Telegraph Hill overlooking Little Italy. Our B&B is on the corner next to the Park Tavern with Mamma's across the corner. When open for breakfast and lunch, there are lines out the door all day. In the park is the Sculpture dedicated to the city's firefighters by Lillian Coit.

    Columbus Ave, in this area is signposted Corso Cristofore Colombo with Italian flags on the lightposts. Walking down towards the Transamerica Pyramid at the bottom of Columbus, we pass by topless bars etc and then we come across a historic SF flatiron building being restored. It must have survived countless earthquakes and city redevelopment around it. A fascinating slice of real SF here where the locals live with very few hotels. A hidden gem in this city.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    View from the hotel over the Dimond Centre Carpark
    3Dimond Centre Ice Rink in the basementView from the front door of Anchorage Walmart

    Anchorage, the Dimond Centre

    15. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Our Hotel is located in the Dimond Centre. It's where all the locals shop with lots of services and outlets nearby. The city is a sprawling western style with low rise buildings spread out among really wide streets and massive car parks. Most people up here drive pickups or big SUV's. The mountains to the east are fairly close and create a jagged skyline. The path of the sun during the day is really different here. At noon, the sun was nowhere near overhead.

    The Dimond Centre is an extensive shopping mall on multiple levels. At the bottom level is an ice skating rink where they play hockey, and a bowling alley flanked by eateries. All the mall buildings are linked and obviously heated throughout.

    This afternoon, we explored Walmart next door. The security guard out front has got to have the best view of most Walmarts. It's been a recovery day and ended with a drink in the hotel's bar chatting with a Canadian who is working for a company involved in grocery retail. He lives in a village of 400 Inuit people, flies around Alaska with bush pilots.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Anchorage Museum
    2The border between Alaska (USA) and Siberia (Russia) goes right between the Diomede Islands1The US and Russian versions of Santa Claus1Nesting dollsLaika, the first Russian Dog in space.Gut parkaHeaddress (top left) is very Mongol in styleInuit suit of armour

    Anchorage and the Museum

    16. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    This morning we rode the People Mover from the Dimond Centre into the city terminus. It took around 25 minutes. We had a bonus......Wednesday is Seniors Free-to-ride day. The drivers are so patient and the buses are totally wheelchair enabled. On regular days, the fare is $2/ride or $5 all day and if you're a senior it is $1. Needless to say, the transit is well used.

    Shopping is centred around the 5th Ave Mall. Multiple levels across multiple blocks with enclosed bridges across the roads. All the main stores are here - well known US brands like Nordstrom and JC Penney, along with the international brands like Sephora, Pandora etc.

    Over 4 levels, the Anchorage Museum has a lot to offer. The top 2 levels are temporary exhibits; the 2nd level is a partnership with the Smithsonian in an exhibit called "I am Inuit"; and the lower level is given over to discovery and education; with a look into the conservation area close up.

    Level 4 had a temporary exhibit about Slow TV. An interesting concept where you can watch things that evolve slowly in order to reduce the stress of modern life. Yes, it is Scandinavian in origin, from Norway, but it has been picked up by Netflix. You can watch a crackling open fire, take a train ride in real time, watch an icebreaker cut a path through sea ice etc.

    Level 3's exhibit dealt with the relationship between Alaska and Russia, historically and present day. Purchased for US$7.2 million in 1867, the cheque is on display and official document. Maps show the border, International Date Line, between the Diomede Islands. Big Diomede is part of Siberia and Little Diomede is Alaska. An interesting contrast was the Russian and US depictions of Santa Claus. We checked out the nesting dolls and an interesting one was all the US presidents alongside their Russian counterparts in the nesting doll format. Some space was taken up about the role of dogs in both countries particularly in exploration both on the ice and in space.

    Level 2 is the "I am an Inuit" exhibition. A very interesting look at the culture and artefacts of Inuit tribes of Alaska. Of particular note, we had never seen the Gut Parka made from the intestines of captured animals. It's waterproof and light, the Inuit version of a spray jacket. It amazes us how many commonalities there are between the Inuit and the Asian cultures like Mongolia. The last pic is a set of Inuit armour, which we had never seen before.

    The lower level was a discovery and education space which was a great way interactive space for kids. Windows give an easy look into the conservator's domain. Currently, they were working on leather garments.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Puffin skull + beak and wolverine
    Musk Ox, Polar Bear and other animalsCaribou, Dall's sheep, Brown Bear1

    Natural History at the Federal Building

    16. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Had to go through security to get into the Federal Building to get to the natural history museum. A good visual collection of Alaskan fauna and lots of info and advice about venturing in the wilderness. Amazed by the size of Wolves and the nastiness of the wolverine. Also amazed by the Puffin skull, the actual skull is smaller than the beak.Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Turnagain Arm - the tide is going out.Question Mark Glacier

    Turnagain Arm

    17. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Named by Capt James Cook, this arm of the body of water near Anchorage, was thought to be a river. Cook followed it looking for a way to the North West Passage. The arm has huge tidal change 4 times per day. It's the second largest tide difference in the world with a 38 foot difference between high and low tides. The arm is filled with grey glacial silt that is very fine and sticky like quicksand.

    We follow the Arm and Portage Lake past high, snowy mountains and lush pine forests. Several small glaciers hug the mountain cirques and valleys, the blue glacial ice is very apparent.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Wolf
    Brown bear2Musk Ox moulting.MooseBlack BearCaribou

    Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Centre

    17. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    We are the first tour to stop at this conservation centre for Alaskan wildlife. Here animals are rehabilitated. It's set along the Turnagain Arm near Potter Marsh. We get up close and personal with grizzly bears, black bears, caribou, wolves, moose, musk ox and reindeer. It's amazing how close we can get.Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    1The harbour at Whittier
    Entrance to the Anton Andersen Memorial Tunnel near Whittier.The town of Whittier with Portage Glacier above it.Most people and almost all services are in this yellow building in Whittier.

    Whittier and the Tunnel.

    17. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    The mountain tunnel to Whittier was built in 1942. It is a single lane tunnel, 2.5 miles long, that is shared with the railway. Trains get priority in the tunnel. The timing at the tunnel is crucial or you'd have a really long wait. Southbound vehicles (to Whittier) can proceed on the half hour; northbound vehicles (to Anchorage) on the hour. There's a long line of vehicles which are handled in priority order. Vehicles are well spaced and can only proceed under direction and at a 25 mph speed limit.

    Whittier is a small fishing town at the end of Prince William Sound. Temperatures and winds are extreme. 95% of the 400 permanent population live in a single building which has all the services. The school is linked to this building via underground tunnel.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Our cruise boat on Prince William Sound.
    Sea birds cling to the rocky cliffs.1111Port of Valdez.

    Prince William Sound Cruise.

    17. august 2017, Gulf of Alaska ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    The Chugach Mountains rise high out of the sound. Small islands dot the whole area covered with thick forest. Fishing trawlers are interspersed along the way. We are travelling 110 miles between Whittier and Valdez. There's lots of wildlife along the way as we sail the fjords among glaciers and fresh mountain snow.

    We pass by the site of the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989. The ship ran aground between Bligh Reef and Bligh Island in the Valdez Arm of Prince William Sound. The Sound's environment and wildlife are largely recovered or recovering.

    There's lots of fishing boats out on the Sound but none are fishing yet, they are waiting on a signal to start. The fisheries department first of all must harvest enough to ensure the ongoing hatching for next season. Once the quota is made, the signal is then passed on and fishing can begin. Meanwhile the boats wait on the water for up to a month.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Meares Glacier
    111Harbour Seals on floating ice.

    Meares Glacier

    17. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    We travelled by boat up a narrow fjord to the head of Meares Glacier. All around us were small icebergs. While stationary about 500m off the head of the glacier we watched and then heard the cracking of the ice as the face carved small icebergs which fell into the murky waters which are laden with grey glacial silt. Dozens of harbour seals are floating on the ice and seabirds stand precariously on the small icebergs.Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    1Seagulls hover expectantly for an easy feed on the dying salmon.
    The salmon stream beside Valdez Fishery.Dead salmon wash up on the grid.Weakened salmon battle the current as they press upstream.1Waterfall close to the Valdez Fishery and the salmon stream.

    Valdez Fishery

    18. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Travelled to the back of the fjord to the salmon fishery. Thousands of birds waded in the mouth of the salmon run waiting for easy pickings. The salmon by now have stopped feeding and are swimming upstream to spawn. The fish are now 4-5 years old and are big fish by now. They will all die following the spawning. Sometimes there are bears here, but not today. An interesting stop by the side of the road.Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    1Keystone Canyon1Waterfalls beside the road in Keystone Canyon.Blasting marks left from when they built the road.Worthington GlacierLooking back along the track we have climbed to get to the glacier.

    To Worthington Glacier

    18. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    Followed the glacier-fed streams through Keystone Canyon, a canyon road blasted through the rock which was built to find a way to the goldfields. An attempt at building a railroad has been abandoned. The road climbs to nearly 3,000 feet over Thompson Pass where there are road work delays. Freshly fallen snow lies across on the peaks and upper slopes.

    We arrive at Worthington Glacier, named after a gold miner who blasted the glacier looking for gold to no avail. We take the uneven track right up to the glacier. Our first 'long drop' experience in Alaska s OK because it's maintained by national parks.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Copper River

    Wrangell-St Elias National Park

    18. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    This very large wilderness area comprises the Wrangell and St Elias Ranges. We visit the NP visitors centre for a quick stop. This is America's largest national park.

    The Wrangells are still active volcanoes but have been eroded by the numerous glaciers around them.

    The St Elias Range is still growing as the Pacific Plate pushes up the North Atlantic Plate along the tectonic plate line. This range is very high and jagged with many active glaciers.

    The mountains are surrounded by a huge glacial flood plain. The Copper River winds its way through the sparse, stunted forest and swampland. We pick up a picnic lunch at Glennallen and eat it overlooking the Copper River.

    The national park is a true wilderness with no road through it; only 2 highways going around it. The extreme weather conditions are difficult for both wildlife and the few people who live in this area. There are mostly hunting and fishing cabins with no running water or power. Being summer, there is lots of work on the roads and we are held up lots.    Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Abandoned roadhouse
    Alaska Pipeline going above ground to avoid permafrostMarshy swamps

    The Tok Cutoff

    18. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ 🌫 14 °C

    An unlikely name for a section of the highway through the Matasta mountains to Tok. The terrain has changed. Marshy swamps and stunted black spruce forest fill the valley floor where there is permafrost. The trees are stunted because of the permafrost in this area. The tree line is clearly visible on the Rocky Mountain slopes. This is a hunting area that is dotted with many cabins set back in the woods. Where there is soil - white spruce, cottonwood, aspen, birch and alder trees grow.Les mer

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  • Lacey TravelsAlaska & the YukonReisende
    Alaska Highway at Tok

    Tok

    18. august 2017, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Tok is a town of around 200 people set at the junction of the Alaska Highway. Life would be tough here in winter in this very basic town. Facilities are few and spaced right out.

    At the hotel's main lobby, musher Hugh Neff, gave us a talk about dog sledding and his experiences on the Iditarod and Yukon Quest races. His lead dog, Walter, roams the room looking for pats from those assembled.

    There is a forecast for the Northern Lights between midnight and 2am. We set the alarm and go out, rugged up, into the dark. We spend about 50 minutes watching the Aurora Borealis in the night sky. The vivid lights don't come, just a washed-out version; but there are veils and curtains of changing light across the northern sky. Back to bed at 1am for an early start.    Les mer

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