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| The Spasski River |
I am always looking for new adventures that are within our ability here in Alaska - there are lots of trails to hike and fishing spots to try here in town. However, I came across an interesting invitation for Juneau residents - a trip to Hoonah at a discounted price with options of trying the world's longest zip line, a hike through the woods to view Alaska coastal brown bears at a meandering salmon stream and eating (always at the top of my travel list!). Hoonah is a small Tlingit village located on Chichagof Island about 2 1/2 hours by boat from Juneau. An old salmon cannery on the water was transformed into a tourist destination, Icy Strait Point, which offers excursions, sight-seeing, shopping and restaurants. Our trip in June was via a catamaran and while the zipline sounded inviting (not!), we decided to go to the Spasski River and were treated to some gorgeous scenery but, alas, no bears! We were accompanied by George whose sole purpose was to protect us innocents
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| Our hero, George |
from the dangers of the coastal brown bear. He walked silently behind our group, ever aware of our surroundings, packing an 45-70 lever action rifle (a bear gun!). Slight rain didn't dampen our enthusiasm as we walked through a muskeg on a wooden plank trail to three elevated viewing areas. I have to say we did see a coastal brown bear - through the bus window on our way to the river. No photo ops, but the bear did turn to watch US as we drove past. Once back, we walked over to the zipline viewing area where we decided to have lunch and one of Alaska Brewery's finest while we watched (or, rather, heard) the zippers as they came screaming - literally - down the cables. We finished the day watching a Tribal Dance and Cultural
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| Bill doing his best impression of a native Alaskan dancer |
Legends performance. Wearing their traditional regalia, Huna Tlingit performers shared their
history and culture through song, dance and storytelling.
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| The group takes a bow |
The show
culminates in a lively traditional celebration in which members of the audience were invited on stage to dance in native costumes. I encouraged Bill to join the fun! While the day's weather wasn't the best, I always have fun exploring with Bill and this adventure was no different.
We said we would want to come back - fortunately, we had the chance to do just that in August. Different weather, friends along for the ride, but still no bears!
My last post described our first visit to Hoonah/Icy Strait Point and I had hinted at a return trip. As we were waiting to board the catamaran back to Juneau on our first trip, a representative from Icy Strait Point was asking everyone how they had enjoyed their stay which, of course, we all said we had. She said that the word on the street was that another "neighbors day" would be available in August. We kept the date on our mental calendar and I watched the website for more information. Finally - August 22 which fell after our return to Juneau 
from northern Wisconsin and our friends the Olsons, who couldn't commit to the earlier trip, could come this time. On a spectacularly beautiful day in Southeast, we again boarded the catamaran for a trip to Icy Strait Point. We enjoyed a bloody mary on board (delicious!!) but skipped the salmon-flavored vodka. There were four in our group who were game for the zipline adventure this time - we were more than happy to watch their descent from the world's longest 
and some say the most thrilling zipline. It is 5,330 feet long with a 1,300 foot vertical drop at 60 mph. The ride starts higher than three Empire State Buildings and offers great views, if you can keep your eyes open! We took the beach walk to the viewing area and noticed that the restaurant was not quite open (about 20 more minutes) but that didn't stop Mr. Bill from befriending the bartender who promptly pulled three Red Alaska Ales in pint glasses which we enjoyed in the sunshine. Our group of four was one of the first down the zip and we needed to get back for our return trip to the Spasski River - it was salmon season and there were bears for sure, we thought. 
Our bus was just the seven of us and we enjoyed a just-for-us trip (George was again along for the ride), 
walking again through the muskeg but not in bright sunshine and warm temperatures. While the river was beautiful, still no bears! We listened to our tour guide tell marvelous stories of life among the Tlingits in Hoonah (and some of us maybe even dozed the few minutes back to town). Time for lunch - this time outdoors. Cori and I decided to go for the "crabby mary's" complete with crab leg and souvenir glass! The boys shared a pitcher of beer and then some shopping, walking and simply enjoying the day and the company. When Alaska weather is nice, it is absolutely perfect - can't promise perfect weather when you visit, but any visit to Alaska is worth it. You should come!!
