We learned a lot from our tour guide in Juneau, Alaska. His name was Archie, and he was hands down THE BEST guide we've ever encountered in all of our travels! A native Tlingit, he delivered the insight of a local with the wit of a stand-up comedian. Among the general information - population is 32,000 people, there are only 4.5 hours of sunlight in the winter, there is a 5% sales tax - Archie shared some good random tidbits. For instance, did you know that all McDonald's "Filet-O-Fish" sandwiches are made with true Alaskan cod? Or that there is a $300 fee if residents put their garbage out improperly or at the wrong time due to bear activity?
We also learned some facts about the renowned glacier that is right in the city of Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier. It is TWO MILES wide (wow!), and 100 feet of snow falls each year on the Mendenhall Ice Field. The glacier is constantly changing - we JUST missed a calving by mere minutes! When we came back the next day, we noticed a chunk of the glacier gone and fresh icebergs floating in their blue glory. The hike to Nugget Falls is leisurely and so scenic that you wouldn't even notice or mind if it were strenuous. Feeling the mist from the falls and being pounded by the deafening sound of its rushing waters are worth getting up close. The Visitor Center is also worth a visit with interactive exhibits, multiple park rangers available to answer questions, and spotting scopes to view wildlife. We saw a mountain goat and her kid that was born just a day before!
Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls (Jenny Johnston) Nugget Falls. It's a lot LOUDER and stronger than it looks! (Jenny Johnston) Nugget Falls (Jenny Johnston)
After your exploration of Juneau, you might have worked up an appetite. May I recommend, or better yet I will just tell you...eat at SALT! It is locally owned and on par with establishments you would find in bigger cities. We had high hopes for this place, but it even surpassed those. I'll just tease you with a peak of our Panzanella with Burrata, Fried Calamari with artichokes & pickled peppers, and Truffle Frites with Mornay Sauce & Fried Egg. Trust me. You will not be disappointed...or hungry!
SALT restaurant, downtown Juneau. Calamari and Burrata Panzanella (Jenny Johnston) SALT restaurant, downtown Juneau. Truffle fries and Burrata Panzanella (Jenny Johnston)
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
