Graveyard of the Pacific by Anthony Dalton

I saw this book in the library, and because I'm planning a sea voyage that will pass that way, I thought I'd read it.  If I were a nervous sailor, that might have been a really stupid decision.  So many shipwrecks and tragedies have occurred in and around the Juan De Fuca Strait between Vancouver Island and the Washington coast, and this book tells about them in straightforward--but sometimes chilling--prose.  

The stories aren't dramatized much, but give enough information for your own imagination to take hold.

Though parts of the first chapter were quite dry, and I wished some of the nautical terms had been better explained, it was a very interesting read.  And a testament to the power of the sea.  

I loved the photographs and drawings throughout, but I would really have appreciated a map.  Thank goodness for Google.  

I would read more by Anthony Dalton.  

Kayaking by a Glacier

Wouldn't this be fun?

Kayaker on Mendenhall Lake, Juneau

I talked to this couple (there was a second kayak).  They were traveling around with their kayaks in their jeep, camping and going wherever they wanted.  Fantastic adventure. 



For more about Alaska...and how to get there and explore its nature, check out my books:

Cruising Alaska on a Budget; A Cruise and Port Guide
Hiking Alaska from Cruise Ports; Hikes, Walks, and Strolls

Snow in June in Arizona

Snow in June is not such a strange thing.  Hiking in Alaska, for example, it's not uncommon at all to find snow on the trail.  Hiking in Arizona is generally a different matter.  In much of the state, June hiking is a hot and downright dangerous affair because of the heat.  No snow allowed!  But this is the trail to Humphrey's Peak, at about 9000 feet of elevation.  And in the middle of June, this is what I found.

I was just training that day, breaking in new shoes and testing my high-elevation comfort level.

I plan to go back before summer ends and do the whole trail.  And I'll certainly post about it.

Free Town Shuttle in Ketchikan

If you're visiting Ketchikan, Alaska, consider yourself lucky.  I love the town.

To make it even better, there's a free town shuttle that runs every day May-September, every 20 minutes.  It'll take you to some popular Ketchikan sites, like:

-The entrance of Creek Street at Thomas Basin (Steadman Street/Thomas Basin is the closest stop, though you'll have to backtrack about 200-300 yards)

-The Totem Heritage Center (also the closest stop to the Deer Mountain trailhead, though the trailhead is still a bit of an uphill walk from there)

-The middle of Creek Street (The Museum stop is near the historical museum by the pedestrian bridge that crosses Ketchikan Creek)

-All the cruise ship docks

The free shuttle is super convenient for those with some mobility issues or those who want to save their energy for other walking.

Here's the Ketchikan bus schedule.  It includes both the free shuttle loop and the regular lines.  


For more on Ketchikan and more budget tips for cruising Alaska, check out my books:

Cruising Alaska on a Budget; A Cruise and Port Guide
Hiking Alaska from Cruise Ports; Hikes, Walks, and Strolls