Council Grounds continued, 6-9-10. This location is about three miles up the road from the previous post. Observed only two eagles here today. In five months, there will be thousands of eagles at this location feeding on a late salmon run. Click to enlarge

Some comparisons of the same location on 6-9-10 and November 2006 during the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival. Note: Buses ferry festival attendees to the eagle grounds. Click to enlarge.

View on 6-9-10, Where have all the eagles gone?


Same general location when the eagles return. Photo from November 2006

Final comparison photos at Bald Eagle Preserve from 6-9-10 and November 2006. Time to return the rental car and catch the fast ferry back to Skagway. Click to enlarge

Lone bald eagle nest observed on 6-9-10


Same general area when the eagles return for salmon. Photo from November 2006

East Glacier Loop Trail, Juneau, Alaska, 6-16-10. Last hiked in June 2000. This 3-mile trail near the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is rocky, steep in parts and has an elevation gain of about 400 feet. And at one point you’ll have to climb 210 steps. The reward is a scenic view of the Mendenhall Glacier. Lots of wild flowers this time of year and spotted a Varied Thrush and some sort of warbler. Click to enlarge

Trailhead near visitor center


Trail view


Western Columbine

View of Mendenhall Glacier from scenic overlook, East Glacier Loop Trail, 6-16-10


Yield the right-of-way, East Glacier Loop Trail, 6-16-10

Joseph C. Williams Coastal Trail, Ketchikan, Alaska, 6-17-10. This asphalt trail and bike path is about six miles roundtrip from Ketchikan to Saxman. The trail parallels the South Tongass Highway and runs past the Coast Guard station in Ketchikan. Saw a few bald eagles on a very overcast morning. Click to enlarge

West End Walking Trail, Ketchikan, Alaska, 6-17-10. This is about a two-mile walk that begins at Harbor View Park, well away from the tourist-jammed Creek Street area. Walked this in the afternoon and as a bonus the sun came out after the overcast morning hike on the coastal trail (previous post) There is an eagle-viewing area near Silver Lining Foods, Stop 17. However, eagles can be seen in several spots. Look for public docks between Stops 19 and 24. For more information, get a 2010 Ketchikan Walking Tour Map published by the Ketchikan Daily News. Click to enlarge