We had a day that was mostly rain-free, so Vickie and I set out for the Mendenhall Glacier trail. When we arrived at 9 AM, the trail was mostly empty. By 10:30, it was packed with people from all over the world taking a day trip from their cruise ship. An Australian couple spotted Tango and came over to ask me if he was a type of Aussie Cattle Dog (yes). Tango is such a charmer. Anyway, I talked to them for quite a while. Their ship left from Anchorage and will end up in Vancouver. We also passed many people from Asia and India. It was interesting, and I tried to be friendly and positive. I really do not like being around tons of tourists but they have as much of a right to be there as I do.

The day before, I decided to spend the afternoon at the Juneau Public Library. I discovered that it is right across from the cruise ship docks and filled with people from the ships using the free Internet. Signs around the library urged, “Wi-Fi Donations Accepted”. The librarians just sat at the front desk, staring at the sea of people filling the chairs and tables. I was too distracted to get any work done so I grabbed a few giant picture books from their “Alaskana” section and browsed. I also browsed the local newspaper, which lists the cruise ships in port for that day (4) and the total number of passengers (13,000).

Cruise ship crowds are a hazard in Southeast AK. Up to this point, I avoided stops where the cruise ships go, and now I am a bit overwhelmed with the crowds. I decided that the original plan for two weeks in Juneau is too long. I decided to stay only a week and changed my ferry reservation to Haines from Juneau to this coming Sunday. Arrival in Haines will end the AK Marine Highway segment of the trip and start the inland driving segment. From Haines, it is only a short drive to the Yukon Territory and only a few hundred miles from the Alaska Highway! I am ready for the transition and really ready to move away from the wet rain forests. I have loved my time here but I have lots more ahead!

The famous Alaskan Mosquitos? I have seen a few; however, because of my many layers of clothes, they can’t bite. I am thinking the colder air temps keep them subdued as well. I sure would not want to be in this campground if/when the weather warms though. I am surrounded by standing water: a lake, pond, marsh, and small kettles of water. Every place in SE Alaska is absolutely saturated, which explains the mythic mosquitos. I can only keep my feet dry by wearing my heavy-duty, waterproof hiking boots everywhere. My waterproof walking shoes are good too, but I like wearing my heavy wool socks here. Brrr.

The long days? I awoke again at 4 AM and napped later for 3 hours! I need to dig out that sleeping mask. I don’t remember until I am snug in bed and not willing to get up again.

Wildlife in the campground: I saw a few petite red squirrels, eagles, ravens, and ducks. I heard and then saw a beaver in the pond. Low-key, at least for now.