Last stop....Haines, Alaska!

After leaving Valdez, we travelled across the Canadian border into the Yukon and on to Haines Junction for a couple of days and then back over the border again to Haines, Alaska. Our Newfie friends, Paula and Wallace, were also travelling the same route and so we had an opportunity to enjoy a few more laughs around the campfire each night.

Located along North America's longest and deepest fjord, we quickly discovered the beauty of this little place as well as the abundance of wildlife right at our

Many cruise ships can be seen sailing
in and out of Haines

doorstep. We were excited to see the grizzlies in Denali, but the real thrill was seeing the black and brown bears fish for salmon along the Chilkoot River and Lutak Inlet each evening between 5 and 8 pm. Also attracted to the area for the run of chum salmon is a population of approximately 400 eagles. We didn't realize that this area is known as the Valley of the Eagles especially when the population swells to over 3500 in the autumn months. It was a delight watching these majestic birds perch themselves upon the pier just next to our campground and then to see them take off, swoop and dive for a seafood meal. 

Always nice to share a campfire with new found friends especially when they're "from home"!

With a population of 2400 people and an equal number of dogs (yep!!! people in Alaska LOVE their dogs!), Haines has wonderful shops and little restaurants as well as the historical military base, Fort Seward. The Disney movie, White Fang, 

Main Street

was filmed entirely in Haines and you can even go and visit the set in Dalton City. However, by the end of September when the cruise ships stop their run and tourists aren't as plentiful many shops begin to close for the season. Some people stay on and live here year round but others head South for the winter and return in the Spring. 




Alaska has been an absolutely amazing experience and the last 5 days we have spent in Haines have really topped it off! Especially when you finally get to see the Northern Lights, another bucket list item crossed off the list!

On our last night, we left the city and boondocked out in the woods. The aurora gods must have known that this was our last opportunity! They did not disappoint!

We saw this handsome guy looking for food along the Lutak Inlet. The locals say that he is only a young bear and that it seems his mother has pushed him out. He seems to be doing just fine!

In the video below, watch the bear cub catch the salmon and bring it back to Mom. It was amazing to watch these animals in their natural habitat!

Haines is also one of the ports for the Alaska Marine Highway and the one from which we would be leaving Alaska and sailing to Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

We boarded the MV Malaspina at 8pm and began our next two adventure through the Inside Passage, stopping along the way to pick up and drop off passengers.

Thank you, Alaska, for a truly unforgettable experience! Our next adventure awaits!