Here we boarded a 20 person boat and spent several hours searching the area for wildlife. We were rewarded to see a pod of orcas, several seals lounging on some rocks, and a bald eagle. The boys did well considering I didn't bring much for them to do. As we trailed alongside several orcas swimming along the surface a handful more showed up on the opposite side. These were close enough to see the white along their head. Just amazing!
In Skagway we boarded a train that took us along the White Pass and Yukon Route. This line was the result of men's need for an easier way to get to the Klondike during the gold rush.
It was eye opening to see the remains of the treacherous trail that wound through the hills. In some parts the path narrowed to just a few feet and was boarded on one side by a hill and dropped hundreds of feet down on the other. All risked for the chance of gold.
The North West Mounted Police were posted at the summit of the pass and required everyone had an adequate year's supply. This meant an actual ton of goods and several trips to move the required amount of supplies through the pass.
Juneau's adventures included a drive through town to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center though we bypassed the center in favor of walking to Nugget Falls and the glacier. It is an estimated 45 minute walk round trip and we had about 45 minutes there till we were to be whisked to a hatchery tour. Children and our touristy sight seeing ways caused us to be in a rush to get back to our bus, but we made it.
After that we were transported to a salmon bake. It was all the fresh grilled salmon we could eat along with a campfire to roast marshmallows and a trail ending at a waterfall and abandoned mine.
Henry kept trying to feed this small totem a rock. Below is a picture of the boys and a totem in the visitor's center.
We didn't book any excursions, but knew there was a lumberjack show that we could see if we wanted to. And on getting it recommended to us by the store associate where we bought the shoes we decided to go. It was amazing watching them swing away with their axes so quickly. It was a good show.
I've been checking Craigslist like crazy lately looking for furniture for our bedroom. We haven's had a nice set and the "dressers" we have are falling apart...literally. One of the drawers is sitting on the top because it's broken and doesn't slide in and out. Buying from Craigslist was a learning experience. The first dresser we took a look at was in bad condition and in a smokey home. So lesson learned, ask if it's from a smoke-free home. The second dresser we looked at looked much worse than the picture led us to believe. Second lesson, have them email you a few pictures. That way you can zoom in and hopefully assess the item a little better. We finally picked up a set that I think I'll be happy with. I've been cleaning them tonight. After pulling all the drawers out and really getting to know these pieces I feel even further educated. I was disappointed that some parts are laminate or paneling type stuff which led me here while doing some research on line. The bulk of them are real wood and they are heavy! The drawer slides are wood and the joints are dovetail, both positives. I can't wait to get them painted! Now to decide what color. White is out per Kirk's request. I'm not convinced I want black in such quantity in my bedroom. Hmm, what does that leave?
Bruce received duplo Legos for Christmas and plays with them a lot. About a month ago we got him the smaller Legos that he can play with during quiet time. It's been great and works out well for everyone! This morning we were looking at the box they came in and the different things that were built like cars, a crane, a windmill, and boat. Today he busily built the crane and windmill as shown on the box. I am amazed at his attention to detail.
Henry loves playing with balls and will play catch all the time if someone is around to play with him. Though he usually throws overhand and tends to lift other types of toys over his head as if he's going to throw them too. I try to show no fear so as not to encourage him, but man those toys can hurt! We were at the park and a guy was shooting hoops. Henry went over with his ball as if he were ready to play too.
