Juneau, Capital of Alaska

Standing on the bridge connecting Douglas Island to the mainland Juneau affords this view down Gastineau Channel to the mountains in the distance and the humpback whale sculpture on the waterfront. We stayed at the tiny Douglas Marina (along the shore on the right in this picture) adjacent to the remains of one of the first mines in Juneau, as the low clearance of the bridge prevented staying in the downtown marinas. Approaching the south end of Gastineau Channel is Devil's Paw Mountain guarding the head of Taku Inlet.

Downtown has an old west feel atmosphere.

The 21st Century is not starting off any less "Gross."

After you talk with your lobbyist, you can stop for a drink in The Narrows Bar with a large assortment of Bourbon, Single-Malt Scotch, Irish Whiskey, and Japanese Whiskey.

The back door to the local brewery Devil's Club Brewing Company (left) and a tasting at the local Amalga Distillery (above).

We had 5 days in Juneau, so we rented a car. The first stop was outfitting for halibut with these spears. (They didn't fit in the trunk.) Next door was Jerry's Meats, where we stocked up on amazing bacon and smoked salmon.

North of town perched above Lynn Canal and looking across to the Chilcoot Mountain Range is the Shrine of Saint Therese. The shrine is dedicated to St Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of Alaska. The grounds were beautifully landscaped and integrated with nature.

Himalayan Blue Poppy and Columbine.

Contemplating Lynn Canal and the snow-covered Chilcoot Mountains.

The Treadwell Mine was in operation from 1881 to 1922 and was the largest hard rock mine in the world. Situated on Douglas Island across from Juneau, it once employed thousands of people and was its own community with a company store, tennis courts and an indoor pool.

The mined ore was crushed under these stamps. At the peak of operations, there were 960 stamps running continuously. The noise must have been deafening. The remains of the mine are scattered over this park next to the Douglas Marina.

The mine closed permanently after a cave-in filled with seawater with barely enough time to get all the miners out.

July 4 was exciting. There were parades, decorations, sack races, food booths and more. It felt like the town and its people were celebrating not just Independence Day, but the arrival of summer after winter and a long, wet spring. It was a beautiful warm and sunny day. This far north, the night sky is not truly dark until nearly midnight, so the big fireworks display over the harbor is launch as July 3 becomes July 4 at midnight. The cockpit of Dog Star was the perfect place.