Made it to Juneau - will try to catch up tomorrow.

Wed., July 20, 2011: Haines is definitely one of our favorite Alaska towns. Easy to get around in - lots of friendly people. They only get one cruise ship a week and today is their lucky day. Our pot luck crab dinner was canceled last night because it was too windy for the boat to go out. We are on for tonight though. I'm am taking my famous Rice-A-Roni for the potluck and a loaf of sour dough bread. Today we drove a few miles out of town where we heard there is a mother brown bear and 2 cubs hanging around, but luck wasn't on our side today. Then we drove to the Eagle Preserve; again luck wasn't on our side. But we have seen several eagles at the camp site. We then went to Bald Eagle Foundation and saw stuffed ones. Actually saw all the Alaska mammals, birds and fish stuffed. We have to be at the ferry at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow - the ferry ride to Juneau is about 4 hours.
Comments from Eldon: No comment - at the car wash trying to get a lot of dirt off the truck.
Comments from Larry: No comment - at the car wash trying to bury himself under all the pillows and blankets to hide from the car wash.

Tues., July 19, 2011:
We arrived in Skagway on Sunday. Another stunning drive - this state (plus Yukon & B.C.) just keeps on giving. The gold miners that made this trek in the 1890's were a brave and crazy bunch. We should have stopped to take pictures, but I guess we are on scenery overload! Skagway is another attractive gold rush town. It is surrounded by mountains and water. The buildings are brightly painted like Dawson City and it also follows the gold rush theme. When the cruise ships aren't in, it is a great place to walk around. When the cruise ships are in, it is very, very crowded. It is a town of 800 residents. Sunday there were 3 cruise ships in port; on Monday there were 4. The Alaska economy is very dependent on the cruise ship crowds. I finally found my first antique shop. Our luck for not reserving ahead held. Yesterday we purchased our tickets for the Inside Passage. We were going to stay at Skagway on Monday night too, but left yesterday at 5:00 p.m. instead of taking the 7:00 a.m. Tuesday trip. After a one hour ferry ride we arrived in Haines about 6:00. This may turn out to be one of my favorite Alaska towns. Will let you know after I see more of it. I'm at the library on the computer right now. When we pulled into the water side campground - Julie and Steve from Colorado were here. Is that crazy? Tonight the campground owner is having a potluck. For $6.00 each, they provide fresh crab and every one brings a dish to pass. Guess what we are eating tonight??!! Our ferry stops besides Haines will be Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. We get off at Prince Rupert, British Columbia on July 31. Then it's time to head home. Eldon & Larry are back at the camper, so I took notes for them......
Comments from Eldon: Haines looks like a real town. Skagway was nice, but very touristy like Dawson City. I am looking forward to the ferry ride and the stops along the way, but I'm not ready to head home yet!
Comments from Larry: The birds in Haines are harrassing me, especially the ravens. They swoop down on me and cackle. I can't concentrate on my hunting. Nice town though.

Sorry no pictures this time...............