The engine alarm clock was a little later today, arriving at Juneau at ‘nearly stupid o’clock’ (aka 6.30am) instead of ‘really stupid o’clock’ like yesterday. I’m betting we won’t know what to do with ourselves tomorrow when we dock at Ketchikan at 9.30am. Perhaps we won’t even need to count on the magic, vibrating, engine alarm clock. I might just get to rely on that wonderful morning knock on the door and glorious words ‘room service’.
Separating from our travel buddies today, Simon and I headed up Mount Roberts via the tramway. Thinking that we would beat the crowds (two cruise ships in port) by going by 9am, we got to the top to find out that the special displays didn’t open until 10am. We decided not to loiter in the mountains (forgot my bear attack knife again). After enjoying the fabulous views we were back on the tramway and on our way.
Juneau was a lot more modern than Skagway. Although it is picturesque, it didn’t have the charm that Skagway had. For a place that was more modern (heh they had two barbers, go figure after Simon couldn’t find one in Skagway yesterday and ended up getting his fro cut on the ship….second mortgage required), they did appear to be a little behind in the times. I’d say a good 30 years as we saw the marvel of the colour changing t-shirts. I still remember my hypercolour tshirt from back in the 80s. I wonder if the ‘ra-ra’ skirt and leg warmers will also make a come back in Juneau. Deciding that this fashion statement should NEVER return, we passed on updating our wardrobe and continued walking. Next was The Fireweed Factory, where the window stated that the ‘best weed in Alaska’ could be found. Deciding my speedily expanding body wouldn’t be able to cope with the extra stress of the munchies, we again continued on our way. This is where I stumbled across a store where perhaps I might find something of some use. Now my bras are fine but I am thinking that my gut is ‘bustin out’ from my jeans and perhaps there might be a remedy in store. Apparently not. It would appear that the busts grow supersized here in Alaska.
Continuing on our exploration, I considered a reindeer sausage but just couldn’t bring myself to risking it being Rudolph. How would I live with myself if I was responsible for depriving millions of children of Christmas gifts if I ate Rudolph with a squirt of mustard. We did however find a great bargain of a fur ‘man pouch’. The perfect accessory for spicing up your private time. Even on discount, Simon was not keen to give it a go. I really can’t understand why (insert peeing myself laughing). My fear of being the slowest runner if a bear attacks was put aside as I was reassured that in the case of kidnapping I am probably pretty safe (insert permission to have an extra dessert tonight).
After all this walking (a whole 5km), we were ready for food. Several people had recommended we visit Red Dog Saloon. This place is apparently a historic establishment with Wyatt Earp’s gun hanging over the bar. Keen to enjoy the atmosphere (we missed Red Onion Saloon yesterday because of thousands of people in town), we headed in for an early lunch. I particularly liked the bluntness of the menu; choose your liquor by cheap shit, regular shit, expensive shit or really expensive shit. I don’t particularly like shit so the local ale seemed more appropriate.
Last night we had dined with a group from Ohio who had been to Alaska many times. They had also recommended a visit to Red Dog for the atmosphere but had said don’t expect too much of the food. Feeling a little peckish (yes 4 hours since breakfast), I decided on the pound (I’m sure I can manage a pound of meat) of BBQ pork ribs and chips. Well the menu said chips but the waitress explained that ‘chips’ was actually a packet of crisps. What the??? Instead I decided on the side of coleslaw and apologised to Simon in advance. As if he hadn’t suffered enough with the prunes and chili aftermath yesterday!
My fears of a dodgy meal increased when plastic cutlery arrived (guess I did order BBQ and it saves them washing up). I have to say, I actually really enjoyed my lunch. Needless to say, it wasn’t that much food as bone weighs quite a lot. Perhaps I can say that I’m not that big really as my bone must weigh a load!
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