Thursday, February 28, 2008

What's Free In Juneau

Juneau is a great place for wondering. It's quaint downtown area is within easy walking distance of the cruise ships and it is absolutely FULL of souvenir shops many of which follow the cruise ships to the Caribbean Islands for the winter.

If you like shopping please look for the signs in the windows that say, "This business is owned by an Alaskan Family". There are two places that stand out in Juneau. One is HERITAGE COFFEE for the best latte's in Juneau and the other is THE JADE MINE which features an amazing collection of Jade items made with Jade from the nearby Jade Mine.

As you know FREE means walking and Juneau is very enjoyable to walk around. Here are some of the areas to explore. But, another thing comes to mind and that is DANCING! There are lots of great places to set down a boom box and dance a little RUEDA. Maybe some Juneau dancers will join us.

1. Historic Downtown Juneau Walking tour. Pick up a guide at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. But for now click on this post title to take a look at the downtown map.
Stops on the tour include the:
-ALASKA STATE CAPITOL
-JUNEAU-DOUGLAS CITY MUSEUM - $4.00 admission includes film: Juneau, City Built on Gold
-GOVERNOR'S MANSION - built in 1912 for $40,000.
-GOLD CREEK - A strenuous walk from peaceful Cope Park to the top of the town could start here.
-The WICKERSHAM HOUSE State Historic Site
-ST. NICOLAS ORTHODOX CHURCH

2. Extended Walk - This walk of roughly 3 miles includes some steep stairways and streets. Follow the walking tour until you reach Gold Creek. Cross the creek and stay on the same road (which goes under various names), bearing right as it becomes Martin Street. On the left is the EVERGREEN CEMETERY - The cemetery slopes toward the ocean, opening a wonderful vista over the clear green lawn. One reason the view is so broad and open is that the markers are flush with the ground. The old Alaska Native graves are in the wooded portion on the far side. Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, the city's founders, are buried near the cross at the top of the cemetery, near where you arrive on the walk.

Across the road from the cross, Hermit Street reaches a little way into the mountainside.

Follow the steep public stairs next to house no. 430 up to the bottom of Pine Street. This is the walk I described in the introduction The views get better and better as you rise to the top of Pine Street then go right on Evergreen Street, following the road to where it dissipates into a trail among shadowy spruce and western hemlock. Continue on the peaceful forest trail among the ferns and evergreens up the valley, coming to the ABANDONED WOODEN FLUME.

Once the town's aqueduct, the flume now is maintained as a boardwalk ito the forest. Since it carried water, it's nearly level, but watch your step in wet weather, as it crosses some high trestles over gullies.

At the end of the flume, cross over the valley to Basin Road. Stop here to see the LAST CHANCE MINING MUSEUM. To the left is the Perseverance Trail, which continues up between the mountains; the Perseverance also leads to the trail head for a challenging hike up Mount Juneau.

To get back to town, follow Basin Road 1 1/2 miles back down the valley. Taking the first right will put you at the top of Gold Street. Descend a block to 7th and pick up the walking tour at the WICKERSHAM HOUSE.


3. The waterfront - It is an easy walk to the Seaplane Dock, Marine Park and a little further to Harris Harbor.

4. Hike to the top of Mount Roberts - It IS indeed possible to get to the top of Mount Roberts without the tram. The trailhead starts at the top of Sixth Street on Star HIll. The lower trail climbs above Starr Hill with superb views over the Juneau townsite and Gastineau Channel. The best overlook, about 600 yards up the trail, has been the source of many calendar and magazine photos of downtown Juneau. From the Trailhead, the trail leads to the wooden cross (2.5 miles), Gastineau Peak (3 miles) and Mount Roberts (4.5 miles).

Past the overlook, the trail continues upward over a small creek (the only water) to a series of switchbacks above Gold Creek and Last Chance Basin until it reaches the ridgeline. The trail then follows the ridgeline over mudholes and boardwalks with alternate views of Mount Juneau and beautiful downtown Douglas and Gastineau Channel. About 2 miles up, the trail reaches the tram complex near treeline. From there, two alternative trails have been improved and maintained as far as the wooden cross (2,500 feet), mostly to accommodate tram passengers hiking the area above treeline.

The lower Mount Roberts Trail is generally safe from May through October, and often negotiable in late fall and early spring. If you encounter ice, you should most certainly turn back. It may be easy to go up but bruisingly difficult to go down.

Most hikers who travel beyond the cross go as far as the vegetated "false" summit of Gastineau Peak, before the narrow rocky ridgeline that leads to the top of Gastineau Peak (3,666 feet). Few hikers go on to Mount Roberts (3,819 feet), which requires a descent before a final climb up talus slopes to the summit.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Fun Things to Do in Alaska's Port Cities

HOW TO BOOK SHORE EXCURSIONS WITH US

STEP 1: Click on BOOK SHORE EXCURSION LINK to the right

STEP 2: Click on the EXTRAS tab. See tabs across top. It is in the middle.

STEP 3: Click on the EXCURSIONS button. Right side. Middle

STEP 4: Click on ALASKA and go from there.


OR - call Mary - 907-479-2323. We WILL be setting up Independent bookings with some vendors. Those will be noted.

Vancouver Hotels - Coming soon

Anchorage Hotels - Coming Soon - I am still researching a group booking.

KETCHIKAN - Our First Port City and the Rainiest City in Alaska

1. FREE THINGS TO DO - The answer is WALK!! Ketchikan has an excellent walking tour. Go to the KETCHIKAN WALKS AND NEXT TO NOTHING ATTRACTIONS blog to read about what is free to do in Ketchikan.

2. SAXMAN TOTEM VILLAGE - There are two options.
ONE: KETCHIKAN CITY & SAXMAN TOTEM TOUR - 2 hours - $44
TWO: WILDLIFE, WILDERNESS SPECTACULAR - 2.5 hours - $62

The difference between the two appears to be that the first includes
the downtown city tour which you can do for nothing and the second
includes visits to some secluded spots including Rainbow Falls.

3. KAYAKING - Again there are two options
ONE: KETCHIKAN KAYAKING - 2 hours - $97
Leaves from the downtown area to go island hopping near Ketchikan
TWO: ORCAS COVE SEA KAYAKING - 4 hours - $161.00
Includes a 20 minute boat ride to Orcas Cove for Kayaking and
wildlife observation

4. CHARTERED SALMON FISHING - 4 hours - $216 includes license and tags

5. MISTY FJORDS SEAPLANE ADVENTURE - 2 hours - $226

6. TONGASS RAINFOREST HIKING EXPEDITION - 3 hours - $89
THIS hike takes you to Ward Creek Trail which is a few miles out
of town. For FREE hiking accessible from downtown check the other blog.

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JUNEAU - our second port city and the capital of Alaska
1. For FREE THINGS to do check out our WHAT'S FREE IN JUNEAU blog entry.

2. The Mount Roberts Tramway is located just across from the ship dock and it
takes you to the top of Mt. Roberts where you can enjoy breathtaking views
of the Lynn Canal and Gastineau Chanel, native Artists demonstrations, hiking
and alpine flowers, a nature center, the Juneau Raptor Center Bald Eagle
Display, the Chilkat Theater and more.

The Tramway is owned by Goldbelt, Incorporated, a corporation of the Tlingit
people of Southeast Alaska so they present the native view of Alaska's history

The $25 price includes all day unlimited rides.

3. JUNEAU CITY AND MENDENHALL GLACIER TOUR - Departing the dock area, our buses
will wind their way through the city's streets as our local guide points out
the highlights and folklore that has made Juneau famous. The excursion will
then take you to the Mendenhall Glacier where there are breathtaking views
of the Glacier and a bear viewing area (If you are lucky). 2.5 hours - $42

4. WHALE WATCHING - We have made special arrangements for a group tour for
only __________.

5. GLACIER VIEW SEA KAYAKING - 3.5 hours - $98
Transfer by bus to North Douglas Island for scenic views of the Mendenhall
Glacier and Auke Bay. You will hopefully be led to Mendenhall Wetlands where
you may have the opportunity to view Mendenhall Glacier as well as wildlife
including dolphins, seals, sea lions, eagles, herons and perhaps even
whales. There is nothing like being on a kayak on a nice day around Juneau
with the sea, islands and glacier in view.
Click on the Shore Excursions link to book this trip.

6. Helicopter Dog Sledding - 3.5 Hours - $438

7. Above and Beyond Helicopter - 2 hours - $229
This trip takes you up and over the Mendenhall Glaciers to the
spectacular icefields beyond. You will actually land on the Herbert Glacier
where you will disembark and set foot on this "river of ice".
Click on Shore Excursions link to book this trip. See instructions
at top of this page.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Ketchikan Walks and Next to Nothing Attractions

Ketchikan, Alaska is an interesting place to visit especially for its many Totem Poles which are located all around town.

FREE WALKING TOUR

The best FREE thing to do in any port of call is walk and Ketchikan has plenty of interesting places to walk to in its downtown area. For starters you can take a Free Walking tour which includes 25 points of interest within the downtown area. The two mile walk takes about two hours. Maps are available at many of the area merchants downtown.

Some of the sights you will see along the way include:

Creek Street - a wooden street or board walk in the old "red light district" on which Ketchikan's famous Dolly's House is located. Creek Street today is a collection of museums, historic homes, and shops resting on pilings above Ketchikan Creek. From the board walk you can take a tram up the mountainside to a restaurant for lunch with a wonderful view of the city. The board walk starts at 203 Stedman Street, just upstream from the Thomas Basin boat harbor—another point of interest. (on the walking tour)

Ketchikan's Museum & Library - is housed in the same building on Dock Street in downtown Ketchikan. The museum has an ever-changing display of Alaskan memorabilia and an excellent collection of Indian artifacts and old photos. In the library you will, of course find—books on Alaska. A wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon! (on the walking tour)

Ketchikan Creek and Falls:
is downtown adjacent to the library, at the end of Creek Street. Enjoy the excellent views of the salmon runs that have made our town famous. (on the walking tour)

Totem Poles:
Ketchikan has one of the world's largest collection of totems. You will find totems in the Totem Heritage Center, downtown and scattered throughout the city. (The best collection of totems is at the Saxman Native Village. Check our other blog entrys.)

Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center - Admission $5
adjacent to the City Park between Deermount and Woodland Streets, The center contains some 33 original totem poles or pieces of poles collected from abandoned Tlingit or Haida Indian villages. A craft center provides a workshop for artisans and craftsmen, there are classes at the center that teach native Alaskans such arts as carving, tool making and basketry. A free 15-minute guided tour is available during regular summer hours. (on the walking tour)

Deer Mountain Hatchery:
adjacent to the Totem Heritage Center within walking distance of downtown, releases tens of thousands of coho and king salmon smolts (two-year-olds) each year. The $1 million facility has observation platforms and educational displays concerning the salmon's life cycle. It is the only municipally-owned facility of its kind in the state. (on the walking tour)

The Eagle Center:
is located next to the Deer Mountain Hatchery. This is your chance to see eagles up close. Make sure you bring your camera! (on the walking tour)

Liquid Sunshine Gauge:
graphically shows Ketchikan's 162-in. average rainfall—in feet. Located near the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on the dock in downtown Ketchikan.

Deer Mountain Trail:
There are many hiking trails in Ketchikan. One of the most accessible is the Deer Mountain Trail. It is 3.1 miles and the trailhead is located at the end of Fair Street on the southeast side of town. Moderate hike. Recommended to pack rain gear. Excellent view of the ocean, mountain peaks around, local islands, and the forest.
A longer hike to Blue Lake is available, additional 2.0 miles of moderate hiking which will give you a wonderful view of the lake and the local mountain peaks. Wildflowers and wildlife can be seen all along the trail in direction of Blue Lake.

Salmon walk 1.75 miles
In downtown Ketchikan, Trail head begins at the Visitor Center. Easy hike with lots of interests about the pulse of Ketchikan. Salmon viewing, nice stream following the town.

Nob Hill walk 1.5 miles
Trail head in town at Eagle Park on the waterfront. Moderate walk due to lots of steep stairs, plan 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Interesting history of the town along the way and very nice view of the town on the hill top.

Waterfront walk 0.5 miles
Trail head on the north side of downtown at Harbor View Park. Easy walk along the water edge of the harbor offering several views of the town and numerous floating docks and piers that parallel the business district.

SHOPPING IN KETCHIKAN

OK - Shopping isn't really free but there is one MUST SEE gallery in Ketchikan and that is the SOHO COHO Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery which you will find in the historic Star Building at #5 Creek Street. I Include this because it is owned an operated by Ray Troll and his family. Ray Troll is one of the funniest and fishiest artists around Alaska and is well known throughout the state. Check out www.trollart.com

For the rest of your Ketchikan shopping discoveries you will find most of that along Creek Street.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Workshop and Party Extras

When we are onboard the Carnival Spirit it will NOT be Possible for us to take money on board so we won't be able to allow people without passes into the classes or parties. Here is a list of extras that we will offer but they MUST be purchased and paid for before we get on board the ship. They are nonrefundable.

Workshop and Party Pass - $200

Due upon booking and non refundable.

Party Pass Only - $100

Private Lessons with Julían Mejía or any other teacher - $75 for 1 hour lesson
(you don't have to specify the teacher until you are on the ship)

Individual Classes - $20 per class
For people who did not purchase a workshop/party pass

1st/last party passes - For people not participating in the workshops. Contact Mary if interested

Individual parties -
$25 each

Please make payments for the Workshop/Party Pass, Party Passes and all extras to Sabor Cubano Dance Productions. Call or email Mary to make your payment. 907-479-2323 or themagiccarpet@gci.net.

Workshop Schedule is COMING SOON!
Please email us with what you would like to see offered!

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Below is the Curriculum that Sidney and Ryan currently use for teaching Intermediate Rueda. Please look at that and let us know if this curriculum will be new to you. We want to present NEW and interesting material for the experienced dancer.

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INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP CURRICULUM
Each class includes fundamental moves as well as exciting variations -- we'll start with the basics and cover extra material if we have time!
4/27/08 - Intermediate 1
Vacila
Vacila con una
Vacila y dame
Vacila y dame con una vuelta
Vacila con la mano
Medio sombrero
Sombrero
Sombrero y medio

5/4/08 - Intermediate 2
Siete
Coca-cola
Siete con coca-cola
Siete no
Siete moderno
Siete por debajo
Diet coke
Diet coke led with the shoulder
Jackie Chan

5/11/08 - Intermediate 3
Dedo
Montaña
Dedo guarapo y bótala
Montaña Rusa
Vacílense los dos
Sombrero Doble
Dedo con alarde
El dos
Juana la cubana

5/18/08 - Intermediate 4
Setenta miami
Setenta miami con alarde
Setenta miami con ganchos
Setenta Omar
Setenta complicado
Siete setenta
El suéter
Azuquita
Setenta complicado con engancha

5/25/08 - Intermediate 5
Abanico
Abrázala
Beso
Balsero
Sabor
Abanico Complicado

6/1/08 - Intermediate 6
Pasea y complícate
La Jenny
Setenta Nuevo
Setenta complicado al derecho y al reves
La cuadra
Regístrala