I Don't Want To Mush On A Glacier... (Anchorage, Ketchikan: rental car, rental)

[Barkingowl]

or do any of the assorted spendy shore excursions that my cruise ship is offering. Nor am I interested in cruise line sponsored shopping. Can y'all give me a list of things to see, do & spend my money on locally for the following cities:

Ketchikan
Juneau
Skagway
Sitka

[Xa'at]

This is an excellent question.
I have a whole list of off the beaten path-type things to do in Juneau, but I don't have very much time to type. I will come back later.

[Dusty Rhodes]

This may, of course, be arriving too late. I would suggest flying into Anchorage, getting a rental car and driving around, staying in bed & breakfasts in various parts of the state. There are companies that will set up a trip of this type. DM me and I will give the particulars for the one that we used on our visit, if there is still time to change the way you will arrive. The problem I noticed with Cruise ships is, six buses full of people descend on a small town and overwhelm all the merchants. Because of the crowds, they can not really take the time to talk and share information. When it was just Betsy and I stopping for a Pepsi and a pack of nabs to stretch our legs, a fifteen minute stop stretched into an hour or more, filled with laughter, tall tales and friendly discussion. Since we did not act like two tourists, part of a large herd in a shopping frenzy, we were not treated as such.

[DannyL]

in juneau, by all means, team up with some other folks, hire a cab/van (6 can ride for the price of one) and go see the glacier. great photo op, and worth it.

[brokencrayola]

If you take a cruise and wish to do things different than many people (which I think is a great idea!) don't forget you only have so much time before you have to be back to the ship. Don't do anything that could mess that up by being too far away from the ship.

[Barkingowl]

Dusty we've had the cruise planned for awhile so changing it really isn't an option at this point. We'll be spending a week based most likely in Wasilla & rent a car to see as much as we can in the valley, Anchorage & Kenai. At least that's the plan so far...

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by brokencrayola

If you take a cruise and wish to do things different than many people (which I think is a great idea!) don't forget you only have so much time before you have to be back to the ship. Don't do anything that could mess that up by being too far away from the ship.

Oh yeah... They get really mad & usually leave you behind if you miss the 3 blasts on the ship's horn, unless you're with a ship's tour, then they're forced to wait for you.

[Xa'at]

I' m back! Hardee harr!
I'm going to respectfully disagree with Danny, here. In the summer the glacier is always packed with people and YES, it's cool, but you will probably see other glaciers along the way so it's not very original.
Myself, I'm a fan of things that are free, so I offer up this small list of things you can do here that are without charge (or very cheap).
Hike Mount Roberts
The trailhead is within walking distance of the cruise ships. It takes about an hour to two hours, depending on how good shape you are in. Not very many people do it, so it's usually quiet and you can see some cool wildlife, plus excellent views of Juneau. There is a ton of stuff at the top to do, some interpretive videos, the Juneau Raptor Center usually has an exhibit, plus a restaurant and some more hiking trails. You can take the tram back down the mountain, it takes only a few minutes, basically for free. Technically you're supposed to pay 5 dollars for the ride down, or spend 5 dollars and show a receipt, but they never check.
Mendenhall Wetland Trail
This is a fun little trail that winds around the airport and into the wetlands. It used to be that everyone walked their dog there but never cleaned up, earning it the nick "Dog Poop Trail" (we're very creative folks ). Although laws now require you to clean up after your dog, the name has stuck for long time Juneauites. It's very easy to walk, no incline to speak of, and has some great views of the mountains, channel, and glacier. If you happen to time it right, you can experience possibly the coolest thing Juneau has to offer: almost getting run over by an Alaska airlines jet. Yes, it sounds scary, but it's not. The trail is situated so planes inbound from and outbound to Anchorage go right over it at a very low altitude. It's not dangerous or anything, but it is very exhilarating!
Ach, I had one more but now I forgot. I will remember tomorrow.

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by Xa'at

Hike Mount Roberts
The trailhead is within walking distance of the cruise ships. It takes about an hour to two hours, depending on how good shape you are in. Not very many people do it, so it's usually quiet and you can see some cool wildlife, plus excellent views of Juneau. There is a ton of stuff at the top to do, some interpretive videos, the Juneau Raptor Center usually has an exhibit, plus a restaurant and some more hiking trails. You can take the tram back down the mountain, it takes only a few minutes, basically for free. Technically you're supposed to pay 5 dollars for the ride down, or spend 5 dollars and show a receipt, but they never check.

Now that definitely sounds like fun!

Originally Posted by Xa'at

Mendenhall Wetland Trail
This is a fun little trail that winds around the airport and into the wetlands. It used to be that everyone walked their dog there but never cleaned up, earning it the nick "Dog Poop Trail" (we're very creative folks ). Although laws now require you to clean up after your dog, the name has stuck for long time Juneauites. It's very easy to walk, no incline to speak of, and has some great views of the mountains, channel, and glacier. If you happen to time it right, you can experience possibly the coolest thing Juneau has to offer: almost getting run over by an Alaska airlines jet. Yes, it sounds scary, but it's not. The trail is situated so planes inbound from and outbound to Anchorage go right over it at a very low altitude. It's not dangerous or anything, but it is very exhilarating!

That sounds like a blast! I bet I could get some great photos too. Very

Thanks Xa'at!

[warptman]

Thats how it is here in Bethel, the runway is right next to the highway and a side road here. I've taken thousands of pictures of planes landing here.