Helicopters, Glaciers, Guns and Orca

Helicopter ride to the top of Mendenhall Glacier

Today was a fun day. Went out to buy ‘wet weather gear’. Then headed off to take a helicopter ride to the top of Mendenhall Glacier. Once we landed we had to don crampons and ice axes before hiking up the glacier for a couple of hours. I have to admit it was too much for me. However all was not lost because a lovely lad, called Mike, took me on a one to one tour of a different part of the glacier that wasn’t too steep.

We then had a light lunch before heading to a quiet spot for a little target practice. It was decided I needed to learn to shoot a gun. You never know in Alaska when you will run into a wild animal intent on killing you.

The gun I used - A 357 Magnum

I think I might have killed it.

After shooting practice we were driving past Echo Cove and saw a large pod of Orca. Didn’t get photos as by the time we’d stopped they had zoomed past. We did see them breaking the surface, but only a little.

I also went to pick up my drum for the Summer Solstice. It is a Moose hide. I decided to have it unpainted. I will perhaps paint it with something related to this trip

Had pizza at Bullwinkle’s which was pretty damn good! Who knew a moose and a grey squirrel could make such amazing pizzas.

Tahku the Humpback Whale

Juneau has a number of Statues near its municipal buildings. Now the one they have outside THE main building is called The Pelicans. This sculpture has many a Juneau-en outraged. The only Pelican in Alaska is a tiny boardwalk town somewhere near Glacier Bay. Alaska has no pelicans. So a statue to represent Alaska. It is not. The sculpture itself is quite nice lots of brass pelicans diving into a pool of… concrete! They didn’t even have the decency to give them a shallow pool or fountain.

Now in contrast, Tahku, the humpback whale, is majestic, of this natural place and the perfect depiction of the freedom, power rawness of this beautiful State. Situated by the water he is in the perfect location. Now I am told that Tahku was an undersized male who remained in local waters. He was a great tourist attraction. This statue is life size and even the barnacles are a true represention of those actually attached to Tahku.

Next instalment soon. We are heading out of Juneau today moving west to Hoonah for a few days of fishing, crab fishing and culture… and I’m driving!!!.