It has been some time since I have posted anything. I took some time off from caching for personal reasons.
I had been looking at doing another cruise to Europe across the Atlantic this spring and the prices just would no cooperate. I came across a 8 night cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on Carnival Miracle for a single rate of $539 plus port tax for an outside cabin. The idea was I would once again cache while I cruised. I booked this 2 days before the ship sailed from Vancouver.
Carnival Miracle
I left Vancouver 3 days ago on April 28th and for the last two days I have been at sea. Last night just after midnight I tossed out of bed when the Captain turned the ship around because we were killing time and we were hit broadside with 70 mph winds.
I woke up this morning and looked out the window and noticed we appeared to be docked in a rather far out location. If we are the only ship in port why are we not docked down by the Library I thought instead of docking at the 3rd berth. This especially didn’t make sense since they were still working on the pier getting a new addition done.
It was another gorgeous day with temps getting to about 19°C later in the day.
I went up and had breakfast and the plan was for today to take the MGT Bus to Mendenhall Glacier for $20 round-trip and Geocache. I cruise to Geocache now. It takes me to interesting places. I see things that other passengers on board don’t.
I got off the ship and headed down towards the Library to find the MGT bus. I was hoping that since we were the first ship they would be open/there. There were many places in Juneau that were not open yet. I soon found the MGT booth and paid my money and boarded the first bus of the season at 9 AM.
The bus soon left for the 20 – 25 minute drive up to Mendenhall Glacier. Upon arrival I was to do a series of Earhcache’s where I have to answer many questions about the area. This required a hike to Nugget Falls where many people were looking at a Goat was up on the hill. Mendenhall lake was still very frozen over.
Mendenhall Glacier
The first cache of the day was Mendenhall Glacier Mini because there was no one around the look out. The last time I was here in 2008 there were way too many muggles in the area to do this one. This was now off my DNF list. I then did the Mendenhall Glacier Earhcache nearby. From here I worked myself towards Mal’s Photo Point Earthcache then onto Nugget Falls Earthcache IO was able to spot a Mountain Goat up on the cliff beside the waterfall.
Nugget Falls
Mountain Goat
Another View of Mendenhall Glacier
I completed one more Earthcache before I headed off to do a few traditional caches. Blue Eyed Peas Mendenhall Glacier Travel Bug Lodge was one then off to Where the beavers Play. Do you think I could find the later one.
I paid close attention to being bear aware. Bears had recently being spotted in the area so I paid attention.
Here are a few photos from along the trail, yes that is still snow on the ground.
By Where the Beavers Play cache area
the view from the trail
I returned on the 1:30 bus back to town. I then spent some time in town before boarding the ship around 3 PM. Upon boarding I had to put by backpack through the scanner and an alarm went off. I was pulled aside and my backpack was searched. What they spotted was a small pocket knife in my first aid kit. The head of security came over and wanted to take it and I explained this is a plainly marked First Aid kit. I have never had a problem before. It was explained that while it was a small pocket knife it was not allowed. I said so I can`t have a First Aid kit with me while I hike but you will hand me a steak knife in dining room tonight that is well over twice the side. The next words carry on. Never had another issue on the cruise.
Shrimp Cocktail
Prime Rib for a main course
Tomorrow brings Skagway, Alaska and a trip to Emerald Lake.