Juneau has become considerably more commercial since Phil and I were here in 1999. Shops galore all selling the same "junk" for big bucks. After a spin through the shopping area -- where Patte bought salmon to ship home -- we explored the older sections of town which are quite a climb up the mountain.
Juneau was founded by two prospectors -- Richard Harris and Joe Juneau -- who in 1880 with the help of Tlingit Chief Kowee discovered gold and the state's first major gold strike. Harrisburg was the original name until Richard Harris fell out of favor with the locals -- they turned their allegiance to his co-founder, Joe Juneau. This capital of Alaska is built on the side of a mountain with no roads in or out of the city -- the only way to get here is by boat or plane. The capital building was built in 1931 as a federal building -- currently there is extensive renovation going on to the facade particularly the columns at the front door.
We keep climbing along Seward Street -- up to 5th St. where St. Nicholas Orthodox Church -- built in 1894 -- is located. It has a gold onion dome and is the oldest Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. Just a couple of doors away is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary -- it is the smallest cathedral we have ever seen. This is the seat of the Diocese of Juneau which stretches from Yakutat in the north to Ketchikan in the south.
At this point Phil and Dave go their own way. Patte and I keep climbing up to 7th Street to view the House of Wickersham -- home of Judge Wickersham, a leading proponent of statehood and an architect of Alaska's Territorial legal system. This Victorian house was purchased by the Judge in 1928 and is located on "Chicken Ridge" -- a very tony section of Juneau even with the odd name. The house looks just as it might have went Judge Wickersham and his family lived here -- with a fabulous view of the harbor.
Our last stop is the Governor's House -- built in 1912 for $40,000. It is 14,000 square feet with 35 rooms (10 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 8 fireplaces). The totem pole outside has been there since 1939 ----- it tells the story of the mosquito's origin.
We have seen some of Juneau's history --- so Patte and I split up. I pop into a couple of antique stores but nothing hits my fancy. After lunch I go to the library -- five floor walk-up on top of a parking garage -- with free, fast wifi. I get I caught up on the blog postings -- I have my own private carrel -- and it is so quiet.
Back on board -- Patte, Dave, Phil and I sit at the Crow's Nest (lounge at top of ship) -- enjoying the view as the Statendam leaves Juneau enroute to Ketchikan.
For dinner we are in the Pinnacle Grille -- which is "transformed" into Le Cirque -- what a disaster. It started alright but the service went steadily downhill. The menu was limited to say the least. Patte, Dave and I got a chicken dish that did not even come close to waiter's description and was much less than ordinary. Sharon, John and Phil were pleased with their meals. However -- the service was terribly slow with no apparent reason.
After dinner we wandered up to the Lido to view the "Dessert Extravaganza" -- the pastry and desert chefs displayed their best creations for everyone to share.
Another good day!
Thanks for Reading.
Pat
No comments:
Post a Comment