We are in port from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM tonight. Dress warmly for the field trip. There is lots of time for exploring Juneau on your own. Moderate walking is required on paved or well maintained trails. There are several optional trails to hike on your own so wear comfortable walking shoes if you will be hiking.
Enjoy breakfast on your own in the Lido Cafe or Dining Room or your stateroom.
Enjoy exploring Juneau on your own. Your Road Scholar leaders will give you several ideas for your visit. You might wish to visit the oldest building in Southeast Alaska, the St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, take a docent led tour through the State Capital Building, explore the outstanding Alaska State Museum, or browse the many unique shops and galleries.
Lunch in the Lido Cafe or Dining Room or perhaps enjoy lunch in town.
We board a comfortable motorcoach for a short tour through downtown historic Juneau before heading out to the Mendenhall Valley. We shall visit the Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska's only drive up glacier. There are trails to walk, a visitor center with outstanding displays and an excellent short film and an Alaska Geographic bookstore. National Forest Service Rangers are on hand to answer questions. Scenic points provide outstanding viewing platforms as well as photographic points. We move on to Glacier Gardens. The Visitor Center sports delightful gardens to wander through and a short interpretive trail to stroll. Here also, we board golf cart type vehicles for a wonderful trip through the heart of the old growth Pacific Coastal Rain Forest. Riding in open air carts give a great feel for the mystic forest and the air and aroma is fresh and wonderful. High on a mountainside, a short walk on a boardwalk brings us to a platform overlook with terrific views of the Mendenhall Valley, Gastineau Channel, Juneau, and the spectacular Chilkat Range. We enjoy one additional stop at McAuley Fish Hatchery. Depending on the time of the year, you may experience watching wild Pacific Salmon fight their way up the fish ladder to spawning areas. One of the scientists provides us with an overview of hatchery operations and fisheries management. Finally, spend time enjoying the magnificent aquarium in the hatchery building. Free time after the field trip to continue your exploration of Juneau.
Dinner together with Road Scholar participants in the Dining Room.
You are free to enjoy ship's activities this evening or to explore downtown Juneau on your own.