The Alaska Trip Report: Part 2
Feb 13th, 2004, 11:58 AM
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I have been up to Alaska several times now and enjoy it just as much every time. I certainly won't be eating at the RDS after your story. Didn't last time either, but plan on eating at the Twisted Fish for sure this trip.
Feb 13th, 2004, 12:50 PM
#22
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Day 13:
This morning I was up at 4:00am. I had a 6:30am Alaska Marine Cruise/Ferry to catch to HAINES, ALASKA!
I was able to store one of my very large suitcases at my hotel which allowed me to proceed on this next leg of my journey with one large suitcase and a two wheeler.
My previously reserved cab was right on time. The dock for the Alaska Marine Cruise/Ferry Vessels for Juneau are not in the same area where the lovely luxury cruise liners are. The ride to the "other" dock is scenic and long.
We arrived on time and I boarded The Columbia Marine Vessel to Haines, ALaska at 6:05am.
This vessel was absolutely georgous. This ship was recently up graded...lovely!
It was rainy in Juneau and the journey on the Lynn Canal fjord from Juneau is really one of the most beautiful of the INSIDE PASSAGE.
The voyage was relaxing so I was able to catch some much needed sleep after my breakfast on board.
My ship arrived in HAINES, ALASKA at 11:30am. I had decided that I would stay at the historic Fort Seward Lodge.
The wife and Innkeeper picked me up at the ferry dock. This was a really nice touch.
I knew that I had missed the Bald Eagle season but wanted to spend a little time in Haines since I was "in the neighborhood".
My room was spacious with a kitchen. How cute. I had a common deck to share with the other guest at the Inn. This day and night the military guys were the guest...no military gals.
After checking in I went on foot to see everything HAINES!
I went to The Fireweed Restaurant for a light snack. This restaurant reminded me of Berkeley, California. It had that laid back feel and style. I sat on the deck which faced the canal and wrote in my journal and watched the largest crow in the world watch me write and eat!
I enjoyed a dark stout made at the Haines Brewery. I had planned to visit the brewery but the locals explained that a visit to the brewery would not be worth the very long walk to it.
As the afternoon approached the weather cleared up and I was able to shed my sweatshirt.
I call Haines the "earth town". Haines is the land of dogs, birds, flowers and many dirt roads. Haines is an intimate town. Not a lot of folks around either...
Already I was glad that I had planned this town as part of my journey to Alaska.
This is a town for major walking so I got going toward the downtown.
I had an afternoon filled with visits to the impressive American Bald Eagle Foundation Natural History Museum, The Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center which was excellent containing all things "Tinglit".
The truly unique Hammer Museum, the New Haines Library and several small galleries were enjoyable to see.
I shopped lots and took the long way back to my hotel.
Later that evening I decided to eat at the Restaurant at my Inn. The restaurant/saloon has a history...there is money, dollar bills stuck to the ceiling.
Tonight was all-you-can-eat Dungess crab night. This was great.
I turned in early and did something that I had not done in 13 days...I watched tv!!!
Watching tv for me on vaction is a serious infraction so now my secret is out...
I had no interest in hanging out in a saloon(clear throat)let alone with young and drinking military folks...
Tonight I also placed the luggage, chair and things firmly against my front porch door...
Day 14:
Sleep was pretty good until the sun rose at 3:00am!!!!!!!!
I thought that I was in the middle of some reverse eclipse or something like that. Only in Alaska does the sun have no respect for the human need to get a full 8 hours of DARK shut-eye! No complaints though...
I spent the rest of the morning on my deck with my coffee and local newspaper.
Today I was headed to the Alaska Famous: SKAGWAY!!!
The husband Innkeeper drove me to the ferry dock. I had made a reservation for the Fast Ferry to Skagway. My vessel was the Fairweather Express II.
This fast ferry took one hour to go from Haines to Skagway. The Fast Ferry was neat, clean and provided passengers with delicious teas.
Eventhough I had a bit more luggage than the other passengers the crew made me feel comfortable and they helped me get my bags where they needed to be. They did joke me loudly about not having Porters for the "California Princess".
The ride was beautiful! We sailed by amazing waterfalls and other beautiful scenery.
My Ferry arrived in the port of Skagway, ALaska at 11:45am. This was the ONLY dock that allowed my non-luxury vessel to dock side by side with the "big-boats". The ALaska Marine Highway Syetem Cruise Ships are also allowed to dock next to the fabulous cruise ships in Skagway.
While I was happy to be docking with the big boats it was funny to see all of the cruise folks looking at us from their beautiful balconies of ships that looked as tall as elegant skyscrapers from our nice little boat.
Upon leaving our vessel I headed to my hotel. I had a reservation at The Westmark Hotel. The room was very basic and needed to be cleaned again.
I had lots of sights to see so I dropped my luggage off and went about seeing the sights of Skagway and left the cleaning to them.
My first excursion was to The FANTASTIC Jewell Gardens. The beauty of the gardens was very special. The variety of flowers and vegetables was neat. The minature train was unique. I had the whole garden to myself for about an hour. I took loads of photos and enjoying the solitude I just took my time taking it all in.
I headed back toward the downtown for a late lunch. Eventhough I was totally "gun-shy"(the Juneau thing) I went into The Red Onion Restaurant and Saloon.
Talk about two very very different establishments!
{I also learned what the term Red Dog meant to people from Alaska}
At The Red Onion Saloon their was a great jazz quartet playing. They happend to be from SAN FRANCISCO, California. They were playing some outstanding Grover Washington Jazz!
Many of the folks from the cruise ships were in here and having a ball, clapping, swaying, laughing, dancing, eating and drinking like crazy. This place even had families dining together. Husbands were "taken" on tours of the now defunct upstairs "Brothel". The waitresses were "Disneyland" friendly and so it went.
This nice couple from Philadelphia asked me if I wanted to share a table with them because the wait was sooo long.
I joined them and all of the festivities while enjoying a nice cold beer and appetizers.
We shared travel tales and good laughs.
I had to tear myself away because I had reservations for the two hour SKAGWAY tour on a 1927 Mack model restored bus. This was lots of fun. I saw all of Skagway and learned of its colorful history of prostitution, thievery, crime, alcohol and all that stuff!
After my tour I went shopping and bought so much stuff that I had to ship packages home at the nearby Post Office.
I made my way back to my now clean hotel room and prepared for the evening.
The cruise ship horns were blowing loudly as several ships were ready for sail. My hotel was very near all this activity.
Tonight I went out to see "The Soapy" Comedy Theatre/Showcase. The show was very very funny.
This was a very full and exciting day and night.
I decided to give SKAGWAY, ALASKA a nick-name: The Adult Disneyland of Alaska. People in costumes really do dance in the street and encourage you to get "caught-up" in the Skagway magic...delightful.
This level of festivity was also so very different from the rest of Alaska. I thoroughly jumped right in!
Oaktown Traveler
This morning I was up at 4:00am. I had a 6:30am Alaska Marine Cruise/Ferry to catch to HAINES, ALASKA!
I was able to store one of my very large suitcases at my hotel which allowed me to proceed on this next leg of my journey with one large suitcase and a two wheeler.
My previously reserved cab was right on time. The dock for the Alaska Marine Cruise/Ferry Vessels for Juneau are not in the same area where the lovely luxury cruise liners are. The ride to the "other" dock is scenic and long.
We arrived on time and I boarded The Columbia Marine Vessel to Haines, ALaska at 6:05am.
This vessel was absolutely georgous. This ship was recently up graded...lovely!
It was rainy in Juneau and the journey on the Lynn Canal fjord from Juneau is really one of the most beautiful of the INSIDE PASSAGE.
The voyage was relaxing so I was able to catch some much needed sleep after my breakfast on board.
My ship arrived in HAINES, ALASKA at 11:30am. I had decided that I would stay at the historic Fort Seward Lodge.
The wife and Innkeeper picked me up at the ferry dock. This was a really nice touch.
I knew that I had missed the Bald Eagle season but wanted to spend a little time in Haines since I was "in the neighborhood".
My room was spacious with a kitchen. How cute. I had a common deck to share with the other guest at the Inn. This day and night the military guys were the guest...no military gals.
After checking in I went on foot to see everything HAINES!
I went to The Fireweed Restaurant for a light snack. This restaurant reminded me of Berkeley, California. It had that laid back feel and style. I sat on the deck which faced the canal and wrote in my journal and watched the largest crow in the world watch me write and eat!
I enjoyed a dark stout made at the Haines Brewery. I had planned to visit the brewery but the locals explained that a visit to the brewery would not be worth the very long walk to it.
As the afternoon approached the weather cleared up and I was able to shed my sweatshirt.
I call Haines the "earth town". Haines is the land of dogs, birds, flowers and many dirt roads. Haines is an intimate town. Not a lot of folks around either...
Already I was glad that I had planned this town as part of my journey to Alaska.
This is a town for major walking so I got going toward the downtown.
I had an afternoon filled with visits to the impressive American Bald Eagle Foundation Natural History Museum, The Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center which was excellent containing all things "Tinglit".
The truly unique Hammer Museum, the New Haines Library and several small galleries were enjoyable to see.
I shopped lots and took the long way back to my hotel.
Later that evening I decided to eat at the Restaurant at my Inn. The restaurant/saloon has a history...there is money, dollar bills stuck to the ceiling.
Tonight was all-you-can-eat Dungess crab night. This was great.
I turned in early and did something that I had not done in 13 days...I watched tv!!!
Watching tv for me on vaction is a serious infraction so now my secret is out...
I had no interest in hanging out in a saloon(clear throat)let alone with young and drinking military folks...
Tonight I also placed the luggage, chair and things firmly against my front porch door...
Day 14:
Sleep was pretty good until the sun rose at 3:00am!!!!!!!!
I thought that I was in the middle of some reverse eclipse or something like that. Only in Alaska does the sun have no respect for the human need to get a full 8 hours of DARK shut-eye! No complaints though...
I spent the rest of the morning on my deck with my coffee and local newspaper.
Today I was headed to the Alaska Famous: SKAGWAY!!!
The husband Innkeeper drove me to the ferry dock. I had made a reservation for the Fast Ferry to Skagway. My vessel was the Fairweather Express II.
This fast ferry took one hour to go from Haines to Skagway. The Fast Ferry was neat, clean and provided passengers with delicious teas.
Eventhough I had a bit more luggage than the other passengers the crew made me feel comfortable and they helped me get my bags where they needed to be. They did joke me loudly about not having Porters for the "California Princess".
The ride was beautiful! We sailed by amazing waterfalls and other beautiful scenery.
My Ferry arrived in the port of Skagway, ALaska at 11:45am. This was the ONLY dock that allowed my non-luxury vessel to dock side by side with the "big-boats". The ALaska Marine Highway Syetem Cruise Ships are also allowed to dock next to the fabulous cruise ships in Skagway.
While I was happy to be docking with the big boats it was funny to see all of the cruise folks looking at us from their beautiful balconies of ships that looked as tall as elegant skyscrapers from our nice little boat.
Upon leaving our vessel I headed to my hotel. I had a reservation at The Westmark Hotel. The room was very basic and needed to be cleaned again.
I had lots of sights to see so I dropped my luggage off and went about seeing the sights of Skagway and left the cleaning to them.
My first excursion was to The FANTASTIC Jewell Gardens. The beauty of the gardens was very special. The variety of flowers and vegetables was neat. The minature train was unique. I had the whole garden to myself for about an hour. I took loads of photos and enjoying the solitude I just took my time taking it all in.
I headed back toward the downtown for a late lunch. Eventhough I was totally "gun-shy"(the Juneau thing) I went into The Red Onion Restaurant and Saloon.
Talk about two very very different establishments!
{I also learned what the term Red Dog meant to people from Alaska}
At The Red Onion Saloon their was a great jazz quartet playing. They happend to be from SAN FRANCISCO, California. They were playing some outstanding Grover Washington Jazz!
Many of the folks from the cruise ships were in here and having a ball, clapping, swaying, laughing, dancing, eating and drinking like crazy. This place even had families dining together. Husbands were "taken" on tours of the now defunct upstairs "Brothel". The waitresses were "Disneyland" friendly and so it went.
This nice couple from Philadelphia asked me if I wanted to share a table with them because the wait was sooo long.
I joined them and all of the festivities while enjoying a nice cold beer and appetizers.
We shared travel tales and good laughs.
I had to tear myself away because I had reservations for the two hour SKAGWAY tour on a 1927 Mack model restored bus. This was lots of fun. I saw all of Skagway and learned of its colorful history of prostitution, thievery, crime, alcohol and all that stuff!
After my tour I went shopping and bought so much stuff that I had to ship packages home at the nearby Post Office.
I made my way back to my now clean hotel room and prepared for the evening.
The cruise ship horns were blowing loudly as several ships were ready for sail. My hotel was very near all this activity.
Tonight I went out to see "The Soapy" Comedy Theatre/Showcase. The show was very very funny.
This was a very full and exciting day and night.
I decided to give SKAGWAY, ALASKA a nick-name: The Adult Disneyland of Alaska. People in costumes really do dance in the street and encourage you to get "caught-up" in the Skagway magic...delightful.
This level of festivity was also so very different from the rest of Alaska. I thoroughly jumped right in!
Oaktown Traveler
Feb 13th, 2004, 01:34 PM
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Thanks for the current installment-looking forward to more. HAve a couple of questions:
ARe you planning on posting pictures at all? WE have our Alaksa pics from last summer (Skagway included) at www.panteravb.com
What DOES the term "Red Dog" mean to Alaskans?
ARe you planning on posting pictures at all? WE have our Alaksa pics from last summer (Skagway included) at www.panteravb.com
What DOES the term "Red Dog" mean to Alaskans?
Feb 13th, 2004, 04:27 PM
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Just to let you know, Oaktown, that I am really enjoying your travelogue. I have always wanted to take the journey you took, but finding 30 days to do it would be difficult. I think it is much more adventurous to take the Marine Ferry system than a cruise ship.
Waiting for the next installment. . . .
Waiting for the next installment. . . .
Feb 14th, 2004, 10:53 AM
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Today I was gonna "get the dirt"...my expression for doing some badly needed gardening!
I decided to check in and was so pleased that you are still enjoying the Trip Report so the Tulips and my other bulbs can wait...a day.
I really do love The Alaska Marine Ferry Cruise Line...giggle. Of course I re-named it!
Yes, in my "real" life I write.
I know that my spelling and grammar are not stellar or anything close but, here I just let it flow.
My various editors/publishers/agents have NO idea that I do this(post my travels) as I have turned down offers to get paid to write or speak for travel...
I also see this(posting and sharing) as a way to give and to give back to those in the Universe who want what you come to this and my other post for!
Happy Valentine's Day and Night
Oaktown Traveler
I decided to check in and was so pleased that you are still enjoying the Trip Report so the Tulips and my other bulbs can wait...a day.
I really do love The Alaska Marine Ferry Cruise Line...giggle. Of course I re-named it!
Yes, in my "real" life I write.
I know that my spelling and grammar are not stellar or anything close but, here I just let it flow.
My various editors/publishers/agents have NO idea that I do this(post my travels) as I have turned down offers to get paid to write or speak for travel...
I also see this(posting and sharing) as a way to give and to give back to those in the Universe who want what you come to this and my other post for!
Happy Valentine's Day and Night
Oaktown Traveler
Feb 14th, 2004, 12:22 PM
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Day 15:
What a beautiful day!
This travel morning I gave thought to the fact that my journey was either "half empty or half full"...
I went with "half full"!
SKAGWAY, ALASKA is really an ideal place to be halfway through any journey to Alaska. Skagway is so "not" Alaska until you just wonder if the folks from "Disney" really are behind the scenes orchestrating all these barrels of fun at this destination.
Skagway has the one and only Starbuck's that I saw in Alaska. This morning I found myself somewhat shamefully sitting in the window of said Starbucks sipping my $6.00 drink while waiting for my excursion to leave for The YUKON!
At 8:30am we got underway by boarding a small coach for our 5 hour journey.
The ride was beautiful. We were able to stop pretty much where and when we wanted and take photos of the sights.
We got lovely views of Goat Lake, Bove Island and we stopped at The Venus Mill, Emerald Lake, Canada/USA Customs and other places of importance.
We spent time in Carcross, Yukon, Canada doing some snacking and shopping.
We ventured on up into the Carcross Dessert.
I enjoyed the journey along The Taylor Highway or to the Top of the World like the post card says.
The guide was good...a little talkative but at one point he even let us sleep!
We think he looked up and saw us snoring and sleeping so he gave up...
The folks on board were funny and nice. Most were from one of the cruise ships so I heard the good, the bad and the ugly about their cruise and their cruisemates...funny stuff.
While beautiful in the Yukon it was a nippy 49 degrees. It did warm up slightly but not a whole bunch.
As a part of our excursion we had lunch at Spirit Lake. I had my first Salmon "tuna" sandwich and a warm bowl of vegetable soup. I opted for some hot chocolate to keep me warm. I skipped the dessert of Blackberry Cobbler!
I had 15 more days of vacation and I did want to be somewhat "smaller" when I got home so I started on that "forgotten goal" with this one slice of pie...seemed like the right thing to do at the time...really...(kicking myself)
On our way back into Skagway we stopped for photos of some awesome waterfalls and for some reason (our passionate guide) we begin to search for mountain goats.
Once we thought we spotted them we would pull over and get out and try to take their picture...it was fun at the time...seemed like the thing to be doing...at that time...
Laugh!
Once in Skagway the sun was comimg out and I noticed that three more cruise ships had squeezed into the port.
I did more shopping and mailed more things home.
I spent time at Camp Skagway which is the Visitors Information Center. Here I was listening in on everybody's questions about everything Skagway.
They also "help" those serious hikers and backpackers with advice, rules and regulations,registrations, maps and freeze dried food tips etc.
After listening to some of these "traveler's" plans to hike for days into the Yukon, pitching tents and all that I decided to fit in a lot more walking as another "good faith" action toward getting slimmer while on vacation...
At 4:00pm I was at the train station
anxious to board The Scenic Railway of the World journey to the White Pass and Yukon Route!
Why you ask did I take the train AND the bus to the Yukon?
Well, during allll the pre-planning their was no clear advanatge of doing one or the other. Folks on the message boards and my guide books were divided.
In my additional research it was clear to me that you would get something of value out of both...and remember, I love trains!
You also kinda have to do the train because as they say, no trip to Alaska is complete without this train ride...
I boarded my vintage parlor car and did get a great seat that I rarely sat in. I had to see and try to shoot photos of everything.
The diesel engine train delivered. We dealt with the grades, made it through the narrow canyons and sped over wooden trestles, through dark tunnels and on upward to the White Pass Summit.
The tall and rushing waterfalls, the rugged mountains and the sheer beauty was breathtaking.
We made this 20 mile journey and back in a little under 2 hours...I think.
I had a great time. I was very very glad that I had opted to take the coach because the coach went further, my pictures came out and I was able to get out numerous times and walk around.
On the coach we also got to hear an Alaska poetry tape that turned out to be Robert Service.
The train was edgy, which I also like. My photos did not come out and people smoked in between the railcars. Some folks also jumped in front of you to snap their photos which baffled me.
We went fast which was fun too.
The excitement of riding above raging waters was great!
All in all I would say you can do both IF you like trains like I do. If you want to really see the Yukon take a coach or rent a car if this is your focus.
See, I am no help either! (laugh)
Tonight I had plans to dine at the famous Olivia's. They were closed for renovations.
I went over to The Stowaway Cafe located on the Dock of Skagway. What a delightful way to spend my last evening in Skagway. The Stowaway Cafe is popular and quite cozy but I got in their early so getting a good table was no problem.
I started with a delicious glass of Liberty School Cabernet. I rarely buy Liberty School because it is a clear splurge.
I followed this with an order of Portabello mushrooms in baslamic vinegar, with cheese and onions...delicious!
The salmon was so good...
Many of the cruise ships had sailed away leaving only two vessels in the port. The lights were on these huge ships, so this was a beautiful sight to see from my table.
I spent more time journaling and savoring my time here...
Late that night, once I was back at my hotel, I had to completely re-pack my suitcases and make sure that I was spending/budgeting as projected. All was going well on paper too!
What a day of true fun and adventure!
I will be back soon!
Oaktown Traveler
What a beautiful day!
This travel morning I gave thought to the fact that my journey was either "half empty or half full"...
I went with "half full"!
SKAGWAY, ALASKA is really an ideal place to be halfway through any journey to Alaska. Skagway is so "not" Alaska until you just wonder if the folks from "Disney" really are behind the scenes orchestrating all these barrels of fun at this destination.
Skagway has the one and only Starbuck's that I saw in Alaska. This morning I found myself somewhat shamefully sitting in the window of said Starbucks sipping my $6.00 drink while waiting for my excursion to leave for The YUKON!
At 8:30am we got underway by boarding a small coach for our 5 hour journey.
The ride was beautiful. We were able to stop pretty much where and when we wanted and take photos of the sights.
We got lovely views of Goat Lake, Bove Island and we stopped at The Venus Mill, Emerald Lake, Canada/USA Customs and other places of importance.
We spent time in Carcross, Yukon, Canada doing some snacking and shopping.
We ventured on up into the Carcross Dessert.
I enjoyed the journey along The Taylor Highway or to the Top of the World like the post card says.
The guide was good...a little talkative but at one point he even let us sleep!
We think he looked up and saw us snoring and sleeping so he gave up...
The folks on board were funny and nice. Most were from one of the cruise ships so I heard the good, the bad and the ugly about their cruise and their cruisemates...funny stuff.
While beautiful in the Yukon it was a nippy 49 degrees. It did warm up slightly but not a whole bunch.
As a part of our excursion we had lunch at Spirit Lake. I had my first Salmon "tuna" sandwich and a warm bowl of vegetable soup. I opted for some hot chocolate to keep me warm. I skipped the dessert of Blackberry Cobbler!
I had 15 more days of vacation and I did want to be somewhat "smaller" when I got home so I started on that "forgotten goal" with this one slice of pie...seemed like the right thing to do at the time...really...(kicking myself)
On our way back into Skagway we stopped for photos of some awesome waterfalls and for some reason (our passionate guide) we begin to search for mountain goats.
Once we thought we spotted them we would pull over and get out and try to take their picture...it was fun at the time...seemed like the thing to be doing...at that time...
Laugh!
Once in Skagway the sun was comimg out and I noticed that three more cruise ships had squeezed into the port.
I did more shopping and mailed more things home.
I spent time at Camp Skagway which is the Visitors Information Center. Here I was listening in on everybody's questions about everything Skagway.
They also "help" those serious hikers and backpackers with advice, rules and regulations,registrations, maps and freeze dried food tips etc.
After listening to some of these "traveler's" plans to hike for days into the Yukon, pitching tents and all that I decided to fit in a lot more walking as another "good faith" action toward getting slimmer while on vacation...
At 4:00pm I was at the train station
anxious to board The Scenic Railway of the World journey to the White Pass and Yukon Route!
Why you ask did I take the train AND the bus to the Yukon?
Well, during allll the pre-planning their was no clear advanatge of doing one or the other. Folks on the message boards and my guide books were divided.
In my additional research it was clear to me that you would get something of value out of both...and remember, I love trains!
You also kinda have to do the train because as they say, no trip to Alaska is complete without this train ride...
I boarded my vintage parlor car and did get a great seat that I rarely sat in. I had to see and try to shoot photos of everything.
The diesel engine train delivered. We dealt with the grades, made it through the narrow canyons and sped over wooden trestles, through dark tunnels and on upward to the White Pass Summit.
The tall and rushing waterfalls, the rugged mountains and the sheer beauty was breathtaking.
We made this 20 mile journey and back in a little under 2 hours...I think.
I had a great time. I was very very glad that I had opted to take the coach because the coach went further, my pictures came out and I was able to get out numerous times and walk around.
On the coach we also got to hear an Alaska poetry tape that turned out to be Robert Service.
The train was edgy, which I also like. My photos did not come out and people smoked in between the railcars. Some folks also jumped in front of you to snap their photos which baffled me.
We went fast which was fun too.
The excitement of riding above raging waters was great!
All in all I would say you can do both IF you like trains like I do. If you want to really see the Yukon take a coach or rent a car if this is your focus.
See, I am no help either! (laugh)
Tonight I had plans to dine at the famous Olivia's. They were closed for renovations.
I went over to The Stowaway Cafe located on the Dock of Skagway. What a delightful way to spend my last evening in Skagway. The Stowaway Cafe is popular and quite cozy but I got in their early so getting a good table was no problem.
I started with a delicious glass of Liberty School Cabernet. I rarely buy Liberty School because it is a clear splurge.
I followed this with an order of Portabello mushrooms in baslamic vinegar, with cheese and onions...delicious!
The salmon was so good...
Many of the cruise ships had sailed away leaving only two vessels in the port. The lights were on these huge ships, so this was a beautiful sight to see from my table.
I spent more time journaling and savoring my time here...
Late that night, once I was back at my hotel, I had to completely re-pack my suitcases and make sure that I was spending/budgeting as projected. All was going well on paper too!
What a day of true fun and adventure!
I will be back soon!
Oaktown Traveler
Feb 14th, 2004, 02:25 PM
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Day 16: SKAGWAY, ALASKA
This morning I checked out of my hotel.
I discovered that my hotel had a restaurant! Go figure...
Committed to eating a tad bit less, I ordered fresh fruit, yogurt and orange juice. I did more journaling and set out for a healthy walk around the town.
I spent time at The Skagway Museum. I bought a few last minute things and enjoyed my long walk.
I caved in and found myself at Starbucks drinking a $5.00,delicious, hot, Raspberry Mocha, no whip...while waiting for my ship to come in.
The afternoon had me boarding my last ferry for my journey in Alaska. At 4:45pm I said farewell to Skagway, ALaska as we left the port and headed toward JUNEAU, ALASKA via the INSIDE PASSAGE...
This was another lively sailing towards the sun. I relaxed, read and wrote in between naps...
We had a significant stop in Haines, Alaska. Two heavily armed "Homeland Security" Officers got on board to "work".
Something about them sombered all of us up. They spent a lot of time in the "back-packer" area which was not where I spent most of my time.
I actually completed reading another novel by the time we docked in JUNEAU at 11:00pm.
I was able to hail a cab from the dock to downtown Juneau. I really needed more film. I had shot all 30 rolls(!) as of this day.
My cab driver was great. He detoured to the Safeway so that I could get affordable film. GREAT!
The folks at my hotel were glad to see me. We had established a strong bond when I first came into town.
They gave me another great room at another great price. I pulled my super large suitcase out of storage and decided that I was going to mail more things home to lighten things up a bit.
Tonight I fell fast asleep after talking to my husband and son for hours about my journey to Alaska...
Day 17: JUNEAU, ALASKA
Ok, so you are probably wondering why did I came back to Juneau?
My initial plans were to come back to Juneau so that I could sail to Sitka for the day and night.
Well, when we got that excellent 5 hour stay in Sitka, earlier in my journey, I cancelled coming back to Sitka which gave me more time in Juneau.
Today was a georgous 70 degree day.
I mailed more boxes from the Post Office to my home and I did the unthinkable...I did laundry at the laundromat in Juneau!
I never do laundry on vacation but as I lightened my load I decided to get a few things back in the line up for the next leg of my Alaskan journey.
While waiting for things to wash and dry I sat in the sun reading and eating some fruit that I had picked up at the Safeway last night.
After all these domestic duties I headed to The Salmon Hatchery. I took the city bus and walked the necessary blocks to the Hatchery. I took photos and bought way too much smoked salmon.
I bought over $100.00 dollars worth which was easy to do however, the young guy rang up my purchase as $10,000.00 on my VISA card. I caught the huge error after I signed and was seated on the deck eating my salmon lunch!
I went in and he "fixed" the error...(so we thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I continued my lunch while sitting on the Gastineau Channel enjoying the hot sun rays and watching the fish jump.
I had a great time here.
Next, I boarded a bus to The Brewery. The huge and agressive horseflys were everywhere. They are so bad I almost went back to the hotel.
Cussing and swinging at these horseflies I boarded the bus to The Brewery anyway.
I had a ball at The Brewery. I tasted and critiqued the line up. I savored a Salmon Brew that was to die for...
Once back in Juneau I went to the Taku Smokery. They had some unique items that I bought and shipped home too. All this buying and shipping was getting pretty expensive so I made a note to have more will power...
I stopped at the bank to get some cash. I also needed to check on my accounts. To my surprise the $10,000.00 charge from The Hatchery was still on my account. The lady at the bank said not to worry and that it would "fall off" tonight. I went on my merry way.
After a nice bath I got dressed up for dinner. I had decided to dine in The Gold Belt Room in my hotel, The Baranof.
The Baranof has classic upscale restaurant service. The dining room is quiet and the staff moves without making a sound. I was up for one of these types of dinner at this point of my journey.
Tonight was also the one night of the week that the restaurant offered a real special dinner.
The special dinner was a delicious combination of halibut, salmon and fresh crab.
I enjoyed a delicious apetizer of clams in garlic with my Gand Marnier cocktail.
WOW!
The waiter was great. He was fun while trying to be very professional and formal. He had seen me on the bus today going to The Hatchery so we were talking about that and Juneau.
My salmon was delicious. I had learned to asked to have it undercooked so it would be extra moist.
I stayed and savored every bit, writing and relaxing for what seemed like hours.
Late that night I kept my promise to some of the staff at the hotel and I went out dancing with them until 2:30am!!!!!!
I hope this keeps you for a little while...
Gotta go for now.
Oaktown Traveler
This morning I checked out of my hotel.
I discovered that my hotel had a restaurant! Go figure...
Committed to eating a tad bit less, I ordered fresh fruit, yogurt and orange juice. I did more journaling and set out for a healthy walk around the town.
I spent time at The Skagway Museum. I bought a few last minute things and enjoyed my long walk.
I caved in and found myself at Starbucks drinking a $5.00,delicious, hot, Raspberry Mocha, no whip...while waiting for my ship to come in.
The afternoon had me boarding my last ferry for my journey in Alaska. At 4:45pm I said farewell to Skagway, ALaska as we left the port and headed toward JUNEAU, ALASKA via the INSIDE PASSAGE...
This was another lively sailing towards the sun. I relaxed, read and wrote in between naps...
We had a significant stop in Haines, Alaska. Two heavily armed "Homeland Security" Officers got on board to "work".
Something about them sombered all of us up. They spent a lot of time in the "back-packer" area which was not where I spent most of my time.
I actually completed reading another novel by the time we docked in JUNEAU at 11:00pm.
I was able to hail a cab from the dock to downtown Juneau. I really needed more film. I had shot all 30 rolls(!) as of this day.
My cab driver was great. He detoured to the Safeway so that I could get affordable film. GREAT!
The folks at my hotel were glad to see me. We had established a strong bond when I first came into town.
They gave me another great room at another great price. I pulled my super large suitcase out of storage and decided that I was going to mail more things home to lighten things up a bit.
Tonight I fell fast asleep after talking to my husband and son for hours about my journey to Alaska...
Day 17: JUNEAU, ALASKA
Ok, so you are probably wondering why did I came back to Juneau?
My initial plans were to come back to Juneau so that I could sail to Sitka for the day and night.
Well, when we got that excellent 5 hour stay in Sitka, earlier in my journey, I cancelled coming back to Sitka which gave me more time in Juneau.
Today was a georgous 70 degree day.
I mailed more boxes from the Post Office to my home and I did the unthinkable...I did laundry at the laundromat in Juneau!
I never do laundry on vacation but as I lightened my load I decided to get a few things back in the line up for the next leg of my Alaskan journey.
While waiting for things to wash and dry I sat in the sun reading and eating some fruit that I had picked up at the Safeway last night.
After all these domestic duties I headed to The Salmon Hatchery. I took the city bus and walked the necessary blocks to the Hatchery. I took photos and bought way too much smoked salmon.
I bought over $100.00 dollars worth which was easy to do however, the young guy rang up my purchase as $10,000.00 on my VISA card. I caught the huge error after I signed and was seated on the deck eating my salmon lunch!
I went in and he "fixed" the error...(so we thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I continued my lunch while sitting on the Gastineau Channel enjoying the hot sun rays and watching the fish jump.
I had a great time here.
Next, I boarded a bus to The Brewery. The huge and agressive horseflys were everywhere. They are so bad I almost went back to the hotel.
Cussing and swinging at these horseflies I boarded the bus to The Brewery anyway.
I had a ball at The Brewery. I tasted and critiqued the line up. I savored a Salmon Brew that was to die for...
Once back in Juneau I went to the Taku Smokery. They had some unique items that I bought and shipped home too. All this buying and shipping was getting pretty expensive so I made a note to have more will power...
I stopped at the bank to get some cash. I also needed to check on my accounts. To my surprise the $10,000.00 charge from The Hatchery was still on my account. The lady at the bank said not to worry and that it would "fall off" tonight. I went on my merry way.
After a nice bath I got dressed up for dinner. I had decided to dine in The Gold Belt Room in my hotel, The Baranof.
The Baranof has classic upscale restaurant service. The dining room is quiet and the staff moves without making a sound. I was up for one of these types of dinner at this point of my journey.
Tonight was also the one night of the week that the restaurant offered a real special dinner.
The special dinner was a delicious combination of halibut, salmon and fresh crab.
I enjoyed a delicious apetizer of clams in garlic with my Gand Marnier cocktail.
WOW!
The waiter was great. He was fun while trying to be very professional and formal. He had seen me on the bus today going to The Hatchery so we were talking about that and Juneau.
My salmon was delicious. I had learned to asked to have it undercooked so it would be extra moist.
I stayed and savored every bit, writing and relaxing for what seemed like hours.
Late that night I kept my promise to some of the staff at the hotel and I went out dancing with them until 2:30am!!!!!!
I hope this keeps you for a little while...
Gotta go for now.
Oaktown Traveler
Feb 16th, 2004, 09:52 AM
#32
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Lauren:
Glad that you are hanging in there!
I just got back from my two night V-DAY
trip with hubby.
I will pull the cost together. Give me a couple of days.
More today if I can.
My Best,
Oaktown Traveler
Glad that you are hanging in there!
I just got back from my two night V-DAY
trip with hubby.
I will pull the cost together. Give me a couple of days.
More today if I can.
My Best,
Oaktown Traveler
Feb 16th, 2004, 12:27 PM
#34
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Really enjoying your post. On Saturday, the Travel Channel had an Alaska Cruise Show (mainly a commercial for a certain cruise line!) which included a clip on the "not to be missed" Red Dog Saloon. I thought of your post---"now I know the rest of the story."
Looking forward to your next installment.
Looking forward to your next installment.
Feb 16th, 2004, 12:30 PM
#35
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Very interesting--thanks for posting this! You're making me look forward to our summer vacation even more.
Just one question that occurred as I was reading about the beautiful weather you had in Juneau--what was the timeframe for your trip? Were you there in July?
Just one question that occurred as I was reading about the beautiful weather you had in Juneau--what was the timeframe for your trip? Were you there in July?
Feb 16th, 2004, 12:53 PM
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Day 18: JUNEAU, ALASKA
I will try again. I was writing and accidentially hit my mouse and what I wrote dissappeared!
Ok, Today would be my last full day in JUNEAU.
I was originally suppose to be in SITAK, ALASKA but had that unexpected and good amount of time in Sitka earlier in my journey.
The weather was beautiful. Juneau was still having an unusual heat wave and boy was it nice.
Despite this beautiful weather I had accomplished doing all of my outdoor excursions so I headed indoors.
I did some light shopping and spent time in the bookstore before I headed to the really neat State of Alaska Museum. I also spent time at The Juneau Museum where I found the exhibits, tours and talks to be informative and worthwhile.
I also made my way to The Centennial Hall and Visitors Center where I got my very own Cruise Ship Calendar.
This Cruise Ship Calendar is the best! This calendar names every ship that is docking in Juneau on every day. The Calendar tells you how many folks will be on the ship and this calendar tells you on any given day the projected total number of folks scheduled to be in town. You may contact them to get one if you like cruising...excellent souv.
After these major doses of culture I decided to take the 100 stairs upward that led to the bus stop.
This was my intensive excercise for the day.
On or about stair 15 I began to feel the pain and curse myself out for being so fat and for trying to "kill" myself in this manner.
About 20 minutes later I was seated on stair 75 wondering what if I passed out... what would become of me?
Sweating and miserable I dragged my butt up the last 25 stairs and made a note to cut down to one meal a day!
Trying to compose myself and breathe properly, I boarded the bus and headed to The Mendenhall Valley to watch a movie.
I had time on my hands and I love movies so off I went for my hour long bus ride.
On this ride we were treated to another Glacier called te K-Mart Glacier...
Funny.
This Glacier is located right next to their K-Mart. Now that is what I call a REAL blue light special!
On this bus ride I was afforded yet another magnificient view of the Mendenhall Glacier.
I made it back to JUNEAU just in time for my 7:30pm dinner reservation at Fiddlehead.
The Fiddlehead was given an award or two by The Wine Spectator. From the looks of the famed Fiddlehead you would not think so. The Fiddlehead looks much like a roadside cafeteria.
I ordered Sonoma Cuterer, Ravenswood and Wild Horse.... Why? you ask...
Because... The Fiddlehead offered you three 2 ounce glasses of wine for $7.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had to!
I also ordered the French Onion Soup that was delicious.
My salmon was awesome...
In my "promise" to slim down I skipped dessert and enjoyed a great cup of much needed coffee.
Tonight I packed and read up on the next leg of my trip for the millionith time.
I took the rest of the evening to journal and watch The incredible Harlem Book Fair on CSPAN.
The staff and I had a late night cocktail(last call) in our hotel to say Bon Voyage to me...I was touched and really felt like I was leaving behind some real good friends.
Some plan to visit California one day...
Day 19:
This morning I slept in and boy did I love that!
I also watched more of the awesome Harlem Book Fair on CSPAN while I prepared to leave Juneau.
Today I would take my first of three flights in ALASKA!
Ironically today was a rainy day...
I made some final decisions about my remaining trip excursions. I added a much debated White Water Rafting excursion(more later).
I also added a Bike Trip...
Excited, I was finally ready to check out and catch my reserved cab to the very small Juneau Airport.
Upon checking out I got the surprise of all surprises.
My "new" friend, the manager at The Baranof, printed by bill, gave me my Alaska Airline "points" and then gave me a look of absolute shock.
Astonished, I asked her "what?"
She leaned over and said in a whisper: "Mrs. so-in-so, your credit card was DECLINED."
I let out a loud laugh and said:
"NEVER-in-ma-life-has MY-credit-card-ben-DENIED."
She was startled and apologetic and said that she was sure that it was a mistake and that she would run it again...
After half a dozen attempts she calmly asked me for another card or form of payment.
Speachless, I gave her another card but asked to use her phone to find out what the "L" was going on.
EMBARASSED beyond belief, I dialed my VISA folks and said(as if it mattered)
"I am MRS. so-in-so and I am sooooooo embarassed!. My credit card has been declined and I want someone to straighten this out."
My VISA folks were nice and they said: "Oh, of course Mrs. so-in-so. We KNOW that their has to be a mistake. You have NEVER had a problem with your bill or your limit..."
"I have a limit?" I interrupted.
"Oh, no MRS. so-in-so, well, not really"...oh, I see what the problem is. You need to make a payment."
"I need to make a payement? I replied.
"Yes. Your $10,000.00 purchase three days ago pushed you well over your daily limit and you are also geographically out your credit card usage base area for waht seems like the past 18 days...yes, you have lots of activity from outside your homebase area..."
Shocked, I explained how I had gone to the bank to check on the erroneous $10,000 purchase at The Hatchery and that how the lady at the bank said "not to worry and that it would fall off by that evening."
After about 15 minutes my VISA guy says: "Mrs. so-in-so The Hatchery never corrected the error.(!)
I can hold this in dispute but I can not authorize anything on this card until this gets resolved."
Livid, I hung up and called The Hatchery. I would love to say that I spoke in hushed and calm tones but they had assured me that they had fixed their error...remember, earlier in this report?
It had also been three days and I could not understand this mess!
The Hatchery guys were surprised that I was still in Juneau which I did not understand...They explained that they were WAITING for the accountant who would be in in a FEW days to properly remove the mistake because they did not know how to do it.
Yelling, I asked them why did they choose to NOT tell me this when I was in their to correct the huge mistake.
These young guys were silent. I told them they had 10 minutes to get the owner to call me back at my hotel or ELSE!
We, the hotel staff...my "new" friends... were very concerned with this explanation.
In 5 minutes the phone rang and the Hatchery owner was about as livid as I was.
He too expressed concerned because he had "NOTICED" that they were over by $10,000... but had not bothered to contact me by leaving a message on my home phone as I instructedthem to when I discovered the huge error days ago.
"He" had also NOT contacted VISA to request help to resolve this gigantic error. He was however, very very sorry and was real eager to resolve this.
FAST FORWARD:
I contacted VISA who contacted him and walked him through what he needed to do to give me back my $10,000.!
VISA also said that it would unfortunately take at least three working days to completely clear this up.
VISA did say that they had to file a report of FRAUD against the shop but stated that after VISA investigators obtained statements from those involved that the matter would be probably be dropped.
I was then left with using my other VISA that had little to NO money on it.
This meant that I had to call my husband to bail me out!
Ok ladies...SCREAM with me here just once, ok? (giggle)
{Writing this gets me mad alllll over again!}
My husband had his FUN with me on this. In no mood for jokes he supplied me with plenty.
I was worried because I was headed to a VERY EXPENSIVE part of my journey and had planned to use this now "useless" VISA.
Just as my cab was arriving we got things paid and "bandaged" for the time being.
My friend at the hotel knocked on my cab window right as we were making our dash to the airport to catch my plane.
She said "you have a important phone call."
It was the owner of The Hatchery. Folks, he was really sorry and felt horrible. I told him thanks and to not worry about it...
I made it to the Juneau Airport with all my luggage and now shot nerves. Still mad as "L" I bought a Sunday paper and waited for my plane to:
GLACIER BAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so excited but... the above ordeal zapped me...for a few hours ONLY.
I went through security checkpoints at The Juneau Airport that would make OHARE Airport folks blush!
I was irrited that little ole JUNEAU Airport was acting like someone was going to come or go with "evil-doer" intentions.
You know I was already mad but had the good sense to "act-right" and let them do their job.
The TSA folks...brand new..decided to riffle through one of my bags. They were never taught to put things back or to re-fold things.
I asked if I could "fix" my luggage since we had TIME to do so...
I was delicately trying to show them how EASY it was to put people's things back after they had been "inspected".
One young person seemed interested. The others were surely running my face and actions through the International data base of kooks...
Ok, now its time to laugh. I was at the airport 2 hours in advance as TOLD by the Airport folks themselves. So, in my book they had to suffer me some!
I was the ONLY person at my gate for a good hour and a half so I read the Sunday paper and drank water. I was afraid to spend one penny! My husband's laughter was still ringing in my ears...
My flight to GLACIER BAY, ALASKA was less than thirty minutes long! Let's all have a good healthy post-travel LAUGH on Oaktown Traveler!!!!!
I was prayin' that my little plane would make it to this horribly expensive wonder of the world safetly.
This plane ride made my plane rides to Palm Springs TAME.
Their was SO much major turbulance and the howling WIND was pushing us this way and that way...
I just KNEW my desire to do something REMOTE in ALaska was a bad idea. A very bad idea...
Upon arrival in Glacier Bay, we waited outside in the now POURING rain for our luggage.
I had made reservations at The Whalesong Lodge in Gustavas, Glacier Bay. My shuttle was waiting. The driver looked at me and all my luggage, smiled and made some comment that I pretended not to hear...
Ok, GLACIER BAY has a year round population of say...20 folks...maybe!
Glacier Bay National Park is a massive 44,000 acres, 65 mile-long-ice-fjord.
The experts will fix those numbers if I am not correct. Thats ok by me. GRIN
When we got to the lovely Whalesong Lodge my mood began to soften. The Whalesong Lodge was a country house that seemed to welcome me personally.
I was given a pretty and large three room suite. I used one room for my luggage and spread out in the other room.
I relaxed and got ready for dinner which was at their larger property on the other end of town.
When I went into the parlor to wait for the shuttle I noticed something. I was the only girl!
I discretely asked the Innkeeper assistant for the key to my room. She loudly explained that NOBODY in Gustavas locked anything and that all my stuff would be just fine.
I tried to not look at the 8 business men who had stopped talking and laughing and were now looking at me.
Finally, the shuttle arrived and off we went. Well the larger Inn was great. The fireplace was going and the smell of dinner was torterous! I was famished. The Innkeepers were GREAT!
We all sat down to a delicious dinner.
I was having so much fun with these guys and the others who were in the Inn.
"My Guys" had brought a case of OPUS ONE wine for their stay in Glacier Bay.
They gave me all the Opus One that I could drink!
Turns out they are on a large fishing trip (business junket big time...) and turns out they are not only nice and fun but they are filthy rich which I decided is something that you have to be to even be going to Glacier Bay!
That evening when we returned to our Inn we went into the Parlor where they proceeded to tease me about all my luggage and my "nerves".
We basked in the luxury that even with "all" of us that the population of Gustavas was probably still less than 100 folks!
They pulled out the "YAK" congnac(sp)
and the rest was history.
GUSTAVAS, GLACIER BAY< ALASKA is soooo beautifully remote that you get NO cell phone service. Our Inn had no tv, no phone and so I slowly went to sleep and hoped that no one was trying to reach me for surely they would think I was missing...somewhere in the deep deep forest somewhere in Alaska...
My Best,
Oaktown Traveler
I will try again. I was writing and accidentially hit my mouse and what I wrote dissappeared!
Ok, Today would be my last full day in JUNEAU.
I was originally suppose to be in SITAK, ALASKA but had that unexpected and good amount of time in Sitka earlier in my journey.
The weather was beautiful. Juneau was still having an unusual heat wave and boy was it nice.
Despite this beautiful weather I had accomplished doing all of my outdoor excursions so I headed indoors.
I did some light shopping and spent time in the bookstore before I headed to the really neat State of Alaska Museum. I also spent time at The Juneau Museum where I found the exhibits, tours and talks to be informative and worthwhile.
I also made my way to The Centennial Hall and Visitors Center where I got my very own Cruise Ship Calendar.
This Cruise Ship Calendar is the best! This calendar names every ship that is docking in Juneau on every day. The Calendar tells you how many folks will be on the ship and this calendar tells you on any given day the projected total number of folks scheduled to be in town. You may contact them to get one if you like cruising...excellent souv.
After these major doses of culture I decided to take the 100 stairs upward that led to the bus stop.
This was my intensive excercise for the day.
On or about stair 15 I began to feel the pain and curse myself out for being so fat and for trying to "kill" myself in this manner.
About 20 minutes later I was seated on stair 75 wondering what if I passed out... what would become of me?
Sweating and miserable I dragged my butt up the last 25 stairs and made a note to cut down to one meal a day!
Trying to compose myself and breathe properly, I boarded the bus and headed to The Mendenhall Valley to watch a movie.
I had time on my hands and I love movies so off I went for my hour long bus ride.
On this ride we were treated to another Glacier called te K-Mart Glacier...
Funny.
This Glacier is located right next to their K-Mart. Now that is what I call a REAL blue light special!
On this bus ride I was afforded yet another magnificient view of the Mendenhall Glacier.
I made it back to JUNEAU just in time for my 7:30pm dinner reservation at Fiddlehead.
The Fiddlehead was given an award or two by The Wine Spectator. From the looks of the famed Fiddlehead you would not think so. The Fiddlehead looks much like a roadside cafeteria.
I ordered Sonoma Cuterer, Ravenswood and Wild Horse.... Why? you ask...
Because... The Fiddlehead offered you three 2 ounce glasses of wine for $7.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had to!
I also ordered the French Onion Soup that was delicious.
My salmon was awesome...
In my "promise" to slim down I skipped dessert and enjoyed a great cup of much needed coffee.
Tonight I packed and read up on the next leg of my trip for the millionith time.
I took the rest of the evening to journal and watch The incredible Harlem Book Fair on CSPAN.
The staff and I had a late night cocktail(last call) in our hotel to say Bon Voyage to me...I was touched and really felt like I was leaving behind some real good friends.
Some plan to visit California one day...
Day 19:
This morning I slept in and boy did I love that!
I also watched more of the awesome Harlem Book Fair on CSPAN while I prepared to leave Juneau.
Today I would take my first of three flights in ALASKA!
Ironically today was a rainy day...
I made some final decisions about my remaining trip excursions. I added a much debated White Water Rafting excursion(more later).
I also added a Bike Trip...
Excited, I was finally ready to check out and catch my reserved cab to the very small Juneau Airport.
Upon checking out I got the surprise of all surprises.
My "new" friend, the manager at The Baranof, printed by bill, gave me my Alaska Airline "points" and then gave me a look of absolute shock.
Astonished, I asked her "what?"
She leaned over and said in a whisper: "Mrs. so-in-so, your credit card was DECLINED."
I let out a loud laugh and said:
"NEVER-in-ma-life-has MY-credit-card-ben-DENIED."
She was startled and apologetic and said that she was sure that it was a mistake and that she would run it again...
After half a dozen attempts she calmly asked me for another card or form of payment.
Speachless, I gave her another card but asked to use her phone to find out what the "L" was going on.
EMBARASSED beyond belief, I dialed my VISA folks and said(as if it mattered)
"I am MRS. so-in-so and I am sooooooo embarassed!. My credit card has been declined and I want someone to straighten this out."
My VISA folks were nice and they said: "Oh, of course Mrs. so-in-so. We KNOW that their has to be a mistake. You have NEVER had a problem with your bill or your limit..."
"I have a limit?" I interrupted.
"Oh, no MRS. so-in-so, well, not really"...oh, I see what the problem is. You need to make a payment."
"I need to make a payement? I replied.
"Yes. Your $10,000.00 purchase three days ago pushed you well over your daily limit and you are also geographically out your credit card usage base area for waht seems like the past 18 days...yes, you have lots of activity from outside your homebase area..."
Shocked, I explained how I had gone to the bank to check on the erroneous $10,000 purchase at The Hatchery and that how the lady at the bank said "not to worry and that it would fall off by that evening."
After about 15 minutes my VISA guy says: "Mrs. so-in-so The Hatchery never corrected the error.(!)
I can hold this in dispute but I can not authorize anything on this card until this gets resolved."
Livid, I hung up and called The Hatchery. I would love to say that I spoke in hushed and calm tones but they had assured me that they had fixed their error...remember, earlier in this report?
It had also been three days and I could not understand this mess!
The Hatchery guys were surprised that I was still in Juneau which I did not understand...They explained that they were WAITING for the accountant who would be in in a FEW days to properly remove the mistake because they did not know how to do it.
Yelling, I asked them why did they choose to NOT tell me this when I was in their to correct the huge mistake.
These young guys were silent. I told them they had 10 minutes to get the owner to call me back at my hotel or ELSE!
We, the hotel staff...my "new" friends... were very concerned with this explanation.
In 5 minutes the phone rang and the Hatchery owner was about as livid as I was.
He too expressed concerned because he had "NOTICED" that they were over by $10,000... but had not bothered to contact me by leaving a message on my home phone as I instructedthem to when I discovered the huge error days ago.
"He" had also NOT contacted VISA to request help to resolve this gigantic error. He was however, very very sorry and was real eager to resolve this.
FAST FORWARD:
I contacted VISA who contacted him and walked him through what he needed to do to give me back my $10,000.!
VISA also said that it would unfortunately take at least three working days to completely clear this up.
VISA did say that they had to file a report of FRAUD against the shop but stated that after VISA investigators obtained statements from those involved that the matter would be probably be dropped.
I was then left with using my other VISA that had little to NO money on it.
This meant that I had to call my husband to bail me out!
Ok ladies...SCREAM with me here just once, ok? (giggle)
{Writing this gets me mad alllll over again!}
My husband had his FUN with me on this. In no mood for jokes he supplied me with plenty.
I was worried because I was headed to a VERY EXPENSIVE part of my journey and had planned to use this now "useless" VISA.
Just as my cab was arriving we got things paid and "bandaged" for the time being.
My friend at the hotel knocked on my cab window right as we were making our dash to the airport to catch my plane.
She said "you have a important phone call."
It was the owner of The Hatchery. Folks, he was really sorry and felt horrible. I told him thanks and to not worry about it...
I made it to the Juneau Airport with all my luggage and now shot nerves. Still mad as "L" I bought a Sunday paper and waited for my plane to:
GLACIER BAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so excited but... the above ordeal zapped me...for a few hours ONLY.
I went through security checkpoints at The Juneau Airport that would make OHARE Airport folks blush!
I was irrited that little ole JUNEAU Airport was acting like someone was going to come or go with "evil-doer" intentions.
You know I was already mad but had the good sense to "act-right" and let them do their job.
The TSA folks...brand new..decided to riffle through one of my bags. They were never taught to put things back or to re-fold things.
I asked if I could "fix" my luggage since we had TIME to do so...
I was delicately trying to show them how EASY it was to put people's things back after they had been "inspected".
One young person seemed interested. The others were surely running my face and actions through the International data base of kooks...
Ok, now its time to laugh. I was at the airport 2 hours in advance as TOLD by the Airport folks themselves. So, in my book they had to suffer me some!
I was the ONLY person at my gate for a good hour and a half so I read the Sunday paper and drank water. I was afraid to spend one penny! My husband's laughter was still ringing in my ears...
My flight to GLACIER BAY, ALASKA was less than thirty minutes long! Let's all have a good healthy post-travel LAUGH on Oaktown Traveler!!!!!
I was prayin' that my little plane would make it to this horribly expensive wonder of the world safetly.
This plane ride made my plane rides to Palm Springs TAME.
Their was SO much major turbulance and the howling WIND was pushing us this way and that way...
I just KNEW my desire to do something REMOTE in ALaska was a bad idea. A very bad idea...
Upon arrival in Glacier Bay, we waited outside in the now POURING rain for our luggage.
I had made reservations at The Whalesong Lodge in Gustavas, Glacier Bay. My shuttle was waiting. The driver looked at me and all my luggage, smiled and made some comment that I pretended not to hear...
Ok, GLACIER BAY has a year round population of say...20 folks...maybe!
Glacier Bay National Park is a massive 44,000 acres, 65 mile-long-ice-fjord.
The experts will fix those numbers if I am not correct. Thats ok by me. GRIN
When we got to the lovely Whalesong Lodge my mood began to soften. The Whalesong Lodge was a country house that seemed to welcome me personally.
I was given a pretty and large three room suite. I used one room for my luggage and spread out in the other room.
I relaxed and got ready for dinner which was at their larger property on the other end of town.
When I went into the parlor to wait for the shuttle I noticed something. I was the only girl!
I discretely asked the Innkeeper assistant for the key to my room. She loudly explained that NOBODY in Gustavas locked anything and that all my stuff would be just fine.
I tried to not look at the 8 business men who had stopped talking and laughing and were now looking at me.
Finally, the shuttle arrived and off we went. Well the larger Inn was great. The fireplace was going and the smell of dinner was torterous! I was famished. The Innkeepers were GREAT!
We all sat down to a delicious dinner.
I was having so much fun with these guys and the others who were in the Inn.
"My Guys" had brought a case of OPUS ONE wine for their stay in Glacier Bay.
They gave me all the Opus One that I could drink!
Turns out they are on a large fishing trip (business junket big time...) and turns out they are not only nice and fun but they are filthy rich which I decided is something that you have to be to even be going to Glacier Bay!
That evening when we returned to our Inn we went into the Parlor where they proceeded to tease me about all my luggage and my "nerves".
We basked in the luxury that even with "all" of us that the population of Gustavas was probably still less than 100 folks!
They pulled out the "YAK" congnac(sp)
and the rest was history.
GUSTAVAS, GLACIER BAY< ALASKA is soooo beautifully remote that you get NO cell phone service. Our Inn had no tv, no phone and so I slowly went to sleep and hoped that no one was trying to reach me for surely they would think I was missing...somewhere in the deep deep forest somewhere in Alaska...
My Best,
Oaktown Traveler
